Differin is a new generation synthetic retinoid. The active ingredient of the drug is adapalene, which has the ability to affect the follicular apparatus of the skin, as it eliminates hyperkeratosis, enhances exfoliation of the stratum corneum, and suppresses the development of comedones, including microcomedones. The drug affects both open and closed pores. It is available in two forms: cream and gel.
Manufacturer: Galderma laboratory, France. The main analogue of the drug is Klenzit (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, India).
Differin gel 0.1% 1 g (active ingredient adapalene 1 mg)
Auxiliary components: carbomer 980 (used for stabilization and thickening), propylene glycol (moisture-retaining, softening component), poloxamer 182 (surfactant), sodium edetate (complexing detoxifying agent), methyl parahydroxybenzoate and phenoxyethanol (preservatives), sodium hydrochloride (saline solution) , distilled water. Available in plastic tubes of 30 g, in cardboard packaging.
Differin cream 0.1% 1 g (active ingredient adapalene 1 mg)
Auxiliary components: carbomer 934P, polyethylene glycol-20 and glycerin (they are more viscous than the propylene glycol used in the gel, they are also used to retain moisture and soften), sodium edetate, natural perhydrosqualene (soothing component that restores the hydrolipid layer), methyl glucose sescistearate (emulsifier) , methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, phenoxyethanol (preservatives), cyclomethicone (cyclic silicone, ensures glide and good distribution of the product on the skin), sodium hydroxide solution 10%, distilled water. The cardboard package contains 1 plastic tube of 30g.
How does differin act on the skin?
The effect of the drug is multifaceted, it can be described as sebostatic (reduces the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands in the application area), comedolytic (promotes the dissolution of existing comedones) and anti-inflammatory.
The main mechanism of action is selective binding of the active substance to nuclear receptors of the skin. Thus, the receptors become not just busy, but working. The secretion of sebum and the proliferation of epidermal cells are controlled. The formation of comedones and keratinization also slows down (this is a process that takes place in the cells of the epidermis, the result of which is the deposition of keratin (protein substance) and fats in the stratum corneum, as a result of which the stratum corneum of the skin becomes strong). Thanks to this, the formation of a “shell” of keratinized cells does not occur, which makes it difficult for sebum to drain out and the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands are “uncorked.”
Adapalene is able to inhibit the production of cytokines, lipoxygenase, arachidonic acid and other inflammatory mediators, which reduces the inflammatory response in the area of application.
No photosensitizing (increasing skin reactivity in response to ultraviolet) effect of the drug was detected. No systemic effect of the drug was detected, because the drug practically does not enter the systemic circulation. Has a pronounced local therapeutic effect.
What are the ready-made facial products based on salicylic acid?
Cosmetic companies actively use salicylic acid in their products.
The most famous drugs:
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% . Facial serum designed for chemical peeling. Has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Price: about 600 rubles for 30 ml.
- Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Paula's Choice . “Bestseller” among American-made acid peels. Solves the problems of enlarged pores, inflammation and redness, open comedones. Cost: on average, 1450 rubles per 30 ml.
- CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid . Concentrated (4%) product. With regular use, it makes blackheads on the nose disappear without a trace. To avoid causing burns, you must strictly follow the instructions for use. Price: approximately 2100 rubles per 100 ml.
How to use Differin:
The cream or gel is applied to clean, dry skin at the desired site of action once a day, without rubbing. Depending on the severity of the process, the frequency of the procedure can increase to 2 times a day. After 5-8 weeks, the primary therapeutic effect can be assessed. The final result of treatment after 3-4 months of regular use of the drug.
The drug in the form of a cream is best used by patients with dry sensitive skin.
It is possible to use a course of treatment with Differin in patients with severe acne.
Synthetic retinoids as a local treatment can be used in monotherapy, as well as in combination with other drugs (antibiotics, oral retinoids, hormones).
How to use correctly
Those with fair and oily skin will get the maximum effect from the use of salicylic preparations. If black unattractive dots appear on the face, it means that the sebaceous secretion has become denser. Therefore, it does not move well through the channels of the sebaceous gland, thickens and clogs the pores. The situation is also aggravated by the use of foundation and care creams with an oily and dense texture. If we add here improper and insufficient cleansing of the skin from everyday impurities, then the result is an unaesthetic, sallow complexion.
In beauty salons, to remove pimples on the face, clients are often offered chemical peels made using salicylic products. The essence of the procedure is quite simple: the acid peeling composition is applied to problem areas of the skin. It dissolves the protein in the keratinized layer of the epidermis and removes it, and black comedones go away with it. Peeling is carried out in a course of 10 sessions. It cleanses pores, normalizes the secretion of sebaceous glands, evens out complexion.
What else you need to know when purchasing and using:
- The first thing you need to know when choosing a salicylic ointment, alcohol, or acid product to treat is that it must be acidic enough to break down oils and open pores. This means that the product must have a pH of about 4 or lower. It should be quite sour and you will most likely feel a burning sensation. High pH salicylic products won't burn, but they won't open pores either. And although acid does not kill bacteria that cause comedones, spots and acne, it does help clean out the pores that feed these bacteria.
- The next thing to look for in a product is the right concentration. Too high can burn the epidermis, and low will not open the pores. Most effective products contain between 1% and 3% of this ingredient, perhaps as little as 0.5% but no more than 3%.
- Salicylic acid when washing your face will not help you, since you immediately wash it off. The effect will only come from the drug that you apply to your face and leave for a while. For example, gels, masks and peelings. Try to avoid the area around the eyes.
Acid peeling to remove blackheads can be done at home. Take an aspirin tablet, honey, aloe juice and baking soda. Dissolve the tablet in warm water, add ½ tsp to it. honey, aloe juice and a pinch of soda. This mixture should be applied to problem areas. Avoid getting the mixture on the delicate area around the eyes. The mask should be kept on for 5-10 minutes. If tingling, tightness or burning occurs, it should be washed off immediately. To soothe irritated skin, apply a moisturizing night cream. It is better to apply the mask once a week, in the evening, so that the face can calm down and recover until the morning.
To get rid of blackheads at home, you can use laundry soap and a 2% solution of the drug. To do this, you must first steam your face, apply laundry soap to a cosmetic brush and thoroughly treat your face (no more than 1 minute). Then wash your face with warm water, soak a cotton pad in salicylic acid and wipe your face with it. To tighten pores, rinse your face with cold water.
Treatments at home:
- Remove cosmetics and excess sebaceous secretions from your face every day before going to bed;
- Avoid foundations and creams with thick and greasy texture;
- carry out cleansing procedures using salicylic acid in courses so that its effect is systematic;
- procedures should be started with a 1-2% solution of salicylic acid, which can then be increased;
- if peeling and rashes appear on the face, it is better to stop treatment with the drug for a while in order to regenerate the skin;
- to get rid of old blackheads and restore the protective functions of the skin, it is recommended to use salicylic ointment in a concentration of 1-5%;
- products for the treatment of oily seborrhea, such as Skinoren, Zenerit, Baziron, cannot be combined with drugs based on salicylic acid - this dries out the face.
Side effects of Differin:
The absence of a systemic effect of the drug when used locally eliminates its toxic effect on the body even with repeated use. A local skin reaction in the form of burning, redness, dryness and peeling is possible. Redness and burning go away on their own within a few hours after application, so it is recommended to apply the drug at night.
If the side effects are still severe, you can switch from daily use of the drug to application every 2-3 days. In most cases, this helps to comfortably tolerate the action of the main component - adapalene.
Interaction of Differin with other drugs:
No suppression or suppression of the action of differin has been established when used in combination with other drugs. However, when combined with other local drugs, a time interval of at least 1 hour must be observed. If the drug is used for local treatment of acne in combination with basiron, one of them is applied at night (usually Differin), and the other - in the morning.
Description, composition and release form
Salicylic acid is a substance from the group of beta hydroxy acids (BHA), which has antiseptic, keratoplastic (in low concentrations) and keratolytic effects.
Useful properties that allow its use in cosmetology:
- suppression of the activity of the sebaceous glands;
- cleansing pores of dirt and fatty secretions;
- elimination of the inflammatory process;
- relieving irritation and redness;
- antimicrobial effect;
- softening and removal of keratinized epidermis;
- activation of acne healing.
For medicinal and cosmetic purposes, the product is available in the form of a solution with ethanol, the concentration of salicylic acid in which is 1% or 2%. The alcohol is packaged in dark glass bottles of 25 ml, 40 ml or 80 ml.
Differin: reviews
Most patients note an improvement in skin structure, elimination of comedones, rashes and redness by the end of the first month of regular use of the drug. It should be noted that it is not recommended to interrupt the course of treatment with local retinoids, otherwise a relapse of the disease may occur.
So, about 3% of patients note an increase in acne formation after 2 months of taking the drug and its further discontinuation.
It should be noted that one of the unpleasant effects of all retinoids can be called an imaginary deterioration on the 15-21st day of using the product (this does not occur in everyone). The number of comedones and sebum secretion increases and, as a result, inflamed elements. However, with further application of the drug, these symptoms disappear.
Only 2% of patients report a lack of therapeutic effect after a full course of treatment with topical retinoids. A small number of people experience allergic reactions to one of the components of the drug (most often preservatives are allergens).
Contraindications and possible harm
Salicylic acid solution is a potent composition that is not suitable for everyone. Dermatologists warn that the use of salicylic acid for acne is contraindicated in the following cases:
- the presence of open wounds;
- allergic rashes on the face;
- the first 3 days after mechanical cleaning and other traumatic procedures by a cosmetologist;
- hypersensitivity to the drug;
- period of pregnancy and lactation.
Salicylic acid acts quite aggressively, penetrates deeply into the dermis and can cause harm if used incorrectly. With home remedies based on it, it is easy to “overdo it” and get a burn instead of the promised “soft” peeling.
Signs that acid recipes are starting to harm your skin:
- constant feeling of dryness and tightness;
- persistent redness;
- the appearance of spider veins and age spots.
Similar symptoms occur more often in people with sensitive and dry skin.
Safety precautions and possible complications
Salicylic solution is an effective acid for black sebaceous spots.
Recommendations to speed up recovery:
- wash your face in the morning and evening, thoroughly remove your makeup;
- do not use heavy, oily cosmetics;
- regularly wipe problem areas with black comedones;
- moisturize your face with light creams so as not to dry out your skin;
- wash off salicylic masks and dots with herbal decoctions;
- do not wash off acid-based products with alcohol, its effect is quite aggressive;
- If new black plugs, rashes, or red spots appear on your face, stop using the product for a while, treat your skin with Bepanten, consult an allergist.
Contraindications to salicylic drug for points:
- allergy;
- kidney diseases;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- age up to 12 years.
If you use salicylic acid for blackheads and spots carelessly, side effects occur - swelling, itching, redness, urticaria.
Contraindications to the use of salicylic acid
Salicylic acid 2% for spots and acne has its contraindications.
The main thing is peeling of the skin , which may appear after the first use. In this case, there can be two solutions - instead of a regular alcohol solution, try using a solution without alcohol, which is the Stopproblem Tonic Lotion.
If this drug turns out to be useless, then we can conclude that salicylic acid does not help you, which means that the drugs containing it should be changed to others.
Dry skin is also a contraindication. When using the solution, her condition may worsen significantly. If you have combination skin, you can use this medicine, but only where the skin is oily, and this is the chin, forehead and wings of the nose. This is where acne appears most often.
It is important to remember that the medicine cannot be used together with other acne medications, and most often it is baziron or zinerite.
During pregnancy, you should consult your doctor before starting treatment.
The medicine may be addictive. This happens after about a couple of months of daily use. Therefore, from time to time it is necessary to take a break, after which the therapy can be repeated.
Salicylic acid for acne. Reviews
Marina: “The ideal remedy! I cured my pimple in literally three days, and then used Levomekol for several days to get rid of the mark. In the end, I’m incredibly satisfied!”
Julia: “I confirm - salicylic acid is an ideal remedy for pimples on all parts of the body, but only for oily skin. It didn’t help my friend, and her face started peeling off like crazy.”
Beta: “After this treatment, I ended up in the hospital with allergies... Therefore, you should check for allergies before use.”
Action of acids
Preparations based on acidic compounds, offered in pharmacies, are often used to get rid of black sebaceous spots. In addition to salicylic acid, boric, carbolic and fruit (alpha-hydroxy acids) are used. The latter are known by the acronym AHA and are a milder acne treatment. Fruit drinks include lemon, apple, milk, glycolic, and wine.
Properties of acids beneficial to the skin:
- destroy intercellular connections, accelerating regeneration;
- inhibit pathogenic microflora by breaking down the proteins of microorganisms;
- rejuvenate;
- dried;
- exfoliate dead cells;
- regulate gland secretions, preventing the formation of unaesthetic black spots;
- lighten spots, strengthen the upper layer of the dermis.
Salicylic, boric and carbolic acids, compared to fruit acids, act more harshly; they are used carefully to treat sensitive skin: there is a high risk of inflammation, irritation and even a chemical burn.
The effect of acidic compounds is cumulative. Don't expect instant results. To cleanse the nose and other areas of the face from black comedones and spots, a course of 7-14 procedures is needed.
