I know we've mentioned Differin Adapalene Gel on the blog before but I recently had an epic skin INCIDENT and finally just decided to really give it a try instead of just using it as an occasion spot treatment (which is not how it's supposed to be used but whatever.)
Now, I don't know exactly what happened but last month I just started breaking out like crazy. Maybe it's the mask-wearing or stress hormones or a reaction to my CC cream or a combination of all three, but I started getting acne like I'd not experienced for years. It was...not great. I had been using my excellent Murad retinol products twice a week but had slowed down since I tend to spend more time outside in the summer.
However, this breakout required immediate action so after realizing my current tube of Differin Gel had expired (like, um, last year) I bought a new one and decided that no matter what, I was going to use it every night for a month and see what happened.
I am on week three and my skin hasn't been this clear in AGES. Marianne said this stuff is fantastic and y'all, she was not lying. You can get it at Target or Ulta and the small tube is under $15! I am so impressed. It immediately cleared up my initial breakout and now it's starting to fade the red spots and even seems to be helping with my brown spots! Differin Adapalene Gel is a retinoid and is specifically for acne but it's still a retinol product so it also fights the classic signs of aging: fine lines, dark spots and dull skin.
I generally have had issues with using retinol (sensitivity, peeling, etc) and I know you really have to stick with it, but so far Differin has been really gentle. I have otherwise taken a break from lot of the actives I'd been using, so right now I'm not using acids or my vitamin C serum because my face freaks out if I do too much at once. I am, however, still using my new favorite hydrating serum - The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics and I also use The Ordinary Buffet serum in the morning under my favorite Avene moisturizer.
Oh, and I use my Murad retinol eye serum every night as well. It's such a luxury and helps with the lines around my eyes (which is not a job for Differin.) Overall I'm really happy with the way things are going and I will report back again in another month. Fingers crossed!
Thank you! My skin also went BONKERS in the last couple of months and I've been at my wit's end. Sounds like this is exactly what I need!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get good results! I am so impressed with it.
DeleteI love differin! It's definitely my holy grail product since I have the premiere combo of acne and wrinkles - it has made my skin so much better!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this--I have two teens in my house, and they are suffering, despite the "weapons" we have deployed (5% BPO cleanser, Salycilic Acid (SA) Toner, Retinol cream, colloidal spot treatments). We'll add this to the arsenal and cross fingers!!
ReplyDeleteI want to throw into the mix that sometimes dietary changes really make a difference. I had occasional cystic acne monthly along with my cycle, but after I gave up gluten, I don't get it any more EVER (this has been since like 2007). Gluten (and dairy, and a number of foods) can really affect hormones, which in turn can affect skin. Just something else to consider, esp for people who feel like they've tried everything
ReplyDeleteOh, for sure. I did the Whole30 a few years ago and my skin definitely looked better for it (cutting dairy especially) but I gotta say, trying to do a strict diet on top of everything else right now just seems too hard.
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