Sooner or later, every woman experiences a period when she begins to turn her attention to cosmetic products aimed at skin rejuvenation. Currently, there are a huge number of lotions, creams and gels on the market that prevent the appearance of wrinkles on the face and neck. But not all products are as effective as manufacturers advertise. There are topical medications that contain more effective ingredients, for example Differin cream, intended for the treatment of acne. Reviews of Differin for wrinkles show that this product can cope not only with rashes on the face.
Does Differin help against wrinkles?
Differin is a complex medical product from a French pharmaceutical company. It is produced on the basis of one of the forms of retinoic acid. The drug has a lasting aesthetic effect and is intended for the treatment of recurrent acne. Several years ago, experts found Differina another purpose in cosmetology - an effective remedy for wrinkles. Numerous reviews of people who used the acne remedy showed that their skin not only became noticeably cleaner, but also acquired a uniform shade, elastic and firm structure.
The main function of smoothing the skin relief is performed by adapalene, an innovative synthetic compound, which, due to its chemical structure and properties, has an antiseptic and antioxidant effect. This component can effectively fight not only inflammatory processes, but also deep wrinkles. Therefore, using the cream for cosmetic purposes will significantly improve the condition of aging skin.
Composition and release forms of Differin
Differin is an affordable product that can be purchased at any pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. The main active component in the drug is the substance adapalene. Its concentration usually does not exceed 0.1%, which is the most optimal option for the skin.
Important! Adapalene is a synthetic derivative of retinoic acid. It is produced on the basis of vitamin A, is highly photosensitivity, and penetrates well through the cell membrane due to its low molecular weight compound.
The following substances are used as auxiliary components:
- glycerol;
- sodium hydroxide;
- natural squalane;
- butyloxyanisole;
- methylparaben;
- emulsion wax;
- Vaseline oil;
- ethyl alcohol 95%.
Differin is available in a small 30 g aluminum tube, which is placed in a cardboard box. In addition, there are instructions for use. There are 2 forms of release of the drug: in the form of cream and gel. They do not differ in the dosage of the main active substance adapalene and are prescribed depending on the oiliness of the skin.
Differin anti-wrinkle gel
Differin in gel form is intended for people with normal, combination or oily skin. Unlike cream, it acts much harsher, absorbing sebum and drying the skin. For the above skin types, this dosage form of the product is the most effective. According to many women, Differin anti-wrinkle gel has a soft texture, is easily absorbed, and does not leave any traces of a greasy film on the face. When applied to the skin, you do not need to rub it intensively, just spread it in a thin layer and leave until completely absorbed.
Differin anti-wrinkle cream
The drug Differin in the form of a cream is intended for people with sensitive skin, when it can become irritated even from slight mechanical stress. At the same time, such skin requires additional cleansing and moisturizing, which can easily be provided by the excipients of Differin cream. The cream practically does not dry out the skin and is most often used for facial peeling at home.
Description of the drug
The popular anti-wrinkle cream Differin previously had a different purpose. This name hides a gel designed to get rid of acne, blackheads and deep rashes. The principle of its action is simple: an ointment with a powerful anti-inflammatory effect helps restore the balance of arachidonic acid, thereby relieving the skin of rashes and promoting the healing of affected areas.
Differin release form
Available in two forms - in the form of an ointment and in the form of a gel. The latter is absorbed faster into the skin and is considered lighter and better tolerated by the body. The cream is suitable for dry skin, and the gel for oily skin. Sold in small aluminum or plastic tubes of 30 grams each.
It has a white color and thick consistency. The product does not have any distinct odor. Freely sold in any pharmacy, even in small towns. It doesn't cost too much and is produced in Russia.
Before use, you should definitely consult with your doctor to avoid complications or exacerbations of any chronic diseases. Pay special attention to the list of contraindications.
Useful properties of Differin ointment for wrinkles
Proper use of Differin ointment can provide an additional anti-aging effect when primarily using anti-aging gels and creams. Thus, folk methods and advice from cosmetologists helped to reveal that the product has the following beneficial properties:
- evens out skin texture;
- promotes the disappearance of age spots;
- provokes more intense collagen production;
- provides elasticity, perfectly tones and nourishes the skin;
- helps restore acid-base balance;
- normalizes sebum production;
- reduces the intensity of the appearance of facial wrinkles;
- reduces inflammatory processes in acne.
In some reviews, women are skeptical about the cosmetic properties of Differin in relation to wrinkles. But it has been confirmed more than once that the cream can fight not only acne. It's all about the main component adapalene, which is able to normalize the condition of the skin at the cellular level.
Differin: indications for use
According to the official instructions, Differin gel and cream have the following indications for use:
- acne (comedones),
- in the presence of papules and pustules.
Let us draw your attention to the terminology. The term acne implies the presence of only non-inflammatory elements on the skin of the face - such as open and closed comedones (they are also called acne). As for acne, there are 2 types of acne: pustules with pus, and papules (without pus inside). The instructions for Differin also indicate that these indications apply to acne and pimples - only mild to moderate severity.
The severity of the disease is calculated individually, based on the amount of inflammatory and non-inflammatory elements on the facial skin. In severe forms of acne, topical retinoids such as Differin are no longer prescribed. In this case, the first choice drugs will be systemic retinoids based on isotretinoin, which are taken orally. The latter include drugs such as, for example, Roaccutane or Acnecutane.
Elements of acne (open and closed comedones) –
How to use Differin for wrinkles
Since Differin is an aggressive anti-wrinkle preparation for the skin, it should be used especially carefully for thin and aging skin that suffers from dryness and sensitivity.
Important! Before using the drug Differin for wrinkles, it is recommended to read the instructions and study the list of contraindications and side effects.
In order for the cream to have the desired effect, you should adhere to some rules for applying the product:
- Initially, the face must be prepared: cleanse of makeup and other contaminants using a mild cosmetic cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
- Then squeeze out a small amount of the product and apply it with gentle massage movements onto the wrinkles.
- If the skin under the eyes is particularly sensitive, you should try not to overdo it in that area.
- The procedure is especially effective if you apply the cream before bed, since all recovery processes occur during sleep.
- To avoid consequences, the application procedure should be performed no more than once a week.
- Moisturizing creams and masks can be used simultaneously with Differin anti-wrinkle cream.
- To avoid drying out your skin, you should stop using any cosmetics containing alcohol, otherwise there is a risk of causing even more wrinkles.
At the beginning of using the anti-wrinkle drug, a sudden appearance of acne and skin irritation may occur, which disappears during the treatment process. The effect of the procedures begins to appear 8-10 weeks after the start of treatment.
Side effects of the drug Differin -
Skin irritation (dryness, itching, burning, redness) may occur. In this case, you first need to take a break from applying the drug for several days, and then resume treatment, but for the first 2 weeks do not use the drug every day, but only 3 times a week. This usually solves the problem. Such side effects more often occur in patients with dry and sensitive skin who have chosen the wrong form of the drug (gel instead of cream).
In addition, you should not use medications or face washes containing alcohol in parallel with Differin. It should also be noted that topical retinoids increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so if you use the drug during periods of high solar activity, you must definitely use products with SPF 50. In addition, these products must be non-comedogenic, otherwise you will only worsen your acne and acne. We hope that our article on the topic: Differin price reviews was useful to you!
Product with SPF 50 for patients with acne (suspension) –
Sources:
1. Higher medical education of the author of the article, 2. Textbook on dermatology “Fitzpatrick's Dermatology” (8th edition), 3. “Etiology, pathogenesis, classification and clinical picture of acne vulgaris” (Barinova A.N.), 4. “Acne from the position of evidence-based medicine" (Anisimova M.Yu.), 5. "Modern methods of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with acne vulgaris" (Barinova A.N.).
Precautionary measures
The use of the drug Differin for wrinkles increases the photosensitivity of the skin, so after the procedures you should avoid being in direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. If prolonged exposure to the sun is necessary, it is recommended not to apply the cream the day before sun exposure.
The drug should be stored in a dark, cool place away from children. For external use only, apply a thin layer to problem areas, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips. A prerequisite is maintaining the shelf life. The cream can be stored for 3 years after the date of manufacture. After the expiration date, the product must be disposed of, otherwise an allergic reaction may occur.
Differin application
It is better to use the cream just before bedtime. Apply it in gentle strokes to affected or wrinkled areas. Be sure to apply a thin layer of the product to avoid overdose. Before this, be sure to clean the dermis. The top can be moistened with bepanthenol or other creams.
However, you should not clean your face with alcohol-containing products, including lotions. You cannot use regular soap. The best option is a special washing gel. Additional peeling should be avoided. Also, before applying the product, be sure to remove all makeup using thermal water.
Do not apply the product to fresh wounds or scratches.
When applying, avoid damaged skin areas. Do not apply the product to fresh or open wounds. It's better to wait until the scratches go away and heal completely. Avoid the area around the lips, eyes, and nose. Can be applied to shoulders, back and décolleté.
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with running water. If there is severe itching and blurred vision, or the eye hurts for a long time, be sure to consult a doctor.
The recommended treatment period is about 3 months, once a day.
Contraindications and side effects
Preparations containing the substance adapalene have a whole list of absolute and relative contraindications, so not everyone can use Differen.
Absolute contraindications include the following diseases and conditions:
- children under 12 years of age;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- individual intolerance to the main and auxiliary components;
- allergic manifestations;
- increased sensitivity;
- malignant formations.
There are also relative contraindications. These include thermal and mechanical damage to the skin resulting from disease or injury. Dermatological diseases in the acute stage, for example, seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, are also a contraindication to the use of Differin.
Possible manifestations include dryness and burning of the skin, peeling, a feeling of tightness and discomfort, acne, soreness and swelling of the skin. On the part of the visual organs, swelling, itching and irritation of the eyelids are observed.
Important! If adverse reactions occur, treatment should be suspended until they disappear completely or the frequency of use should be reduced.
Contraindications
The main contraindication to the use of the ointment is considered to be hypersensitivity to one of the components of the drug. If there is no exact information about allergies, apply a small amount of cream to the back of your hand before use. Wait a few hours and monitor the skin’s reaction to an unfamiliar product.
You cannot use the drug if you are currently undergoing rejuvenation procedures. Do not combine with retinolic acid-based serums as it may cause an overdose. Before combining it with other courses, it is better to consult your doctor.
Reacts poorly in combination with drugs that greatly dry out the dermis. Possible consequences include irritation, flaky skin, redness and other similar symptoms. It is forbidden to use if there are any neoplasms, eczema and burns, scratches and wounds on the face. The main contraindication is seborrheic dermatitis.
Cannot be used on children - must wait until adolescence. Not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Differin - side effects detected
What is better to choose for wrinkles - Differin or age-related cosmetics
Cosmetologists do not give a clear answer to the question of which cosmetics are better - special anti-aging anti-wrinkle or Differin cream, originally developed for the treatment of acne. An excellent option is to combine two cosmetics. To do this, the use of Differin anti-wrinkle cream can be aimed at exfoliating the upper keratinized layers of the skin, thus creating a peeling effect. One procedure per week is enough.
The undoubted advantage of a good anti-aging cream is its daily use. To do this, it is advisable to purchase a nourishing or moisturizing cream and apply it every morning and evening after washing your face. Don't forget about caring masks prepared at home. Such an integrated approach will not only prolong the youth of the skin, but also help improve its condition.
Differin analogs
With all the significant advantages of Differin, it has one significant drawback - its price. On average, the cost of a 30 g tube is 800 rubles. There are drugs with a similar composition, but at the same time cheaper in cost compared to Differin. Such drugs are called generics, that is, they have a similar composition and components, but for some reason they are sold under a different name. Most often this happens for 2 reasons:
- Another manufacturer has a patent for this product.
- The patent protection for the drug has expired.
In this case, generics are released without the consent of the patent holder, under a different brand.
Important! First of all, the release of generics is necessary for the population, so that in the absence of one drug there is an opportunity to purchase another without wasting time.
There are 3 known drugs that have a composition similar to Differin. This cream is Adolen, Adaklin, Klenzit.
Adolen is a product for external use in the form of a gel. Available in aluminum or laminate tubes of 3, 5, 10, 15, 30 g. Despite the fact that the drug is produced in Russia, it is quite difficult to find it in pharmacies. The cost of a 15 g medication is approximately 85 rubles.
Adaklin is a 0.1% cream, available in a 30 g tube. The price range of the product is 500-600 rubles. Country of origin: India. To achieve the effect of getting rid of wrinkles, experts recommend using the cream for 4-8 weeks continuously.
Clenzit is one of the most popular medicines that effectively fights acne. The active ingredient adapalene is presented in the same concentration as in Deffarin. The product has similar side effects and contraindications. Available in tubes of 15 g and 30 g. The price range of the drug is 400-600 rubles.
Differin: instructions for use
The pharmacological effect of Differin gel and cream is due to the presence of the active component in the composition - adapalene 0.1%. The latter is a 3rd generation topical retinoid, which means better tolerability and less risk of skin irritation - compared to previous generations of topical retinoids. The drug Differin has the following effects:
- Suppressing hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands – overactivity of the sebaceous glands is one of the main causes of the formation of acne and pimples. The use of topical retinoids (adapalene) suppresses the production of fatty secretions by the sebaceous glands. Within 1-2 days from the start of use, you will immediately notice that your skin has become much less oily, throughout the day. This effect is much more pronounced in preparations with adapalene than in preparations with azelaic acid.
- Reduction of follicular hyperkeratosis – hyperkeratosis of the epithelium of hair follicles is the second most important mechanism that leads to the formation of acne and pimples.
Follicular hyperkeratosis consists of thickening of the layers of keratinocytes of the follicle epithelium and disruption of their desquamation. Together with increased secretion of sebum (secretion of the sebaceous glands), this leads to clogging of the follicles with fatty plugs, i.e. comedones/blackheads form. The use of adapalene helps to neutralize the phenomena of follicular hyperkeratosis, which occurs by enhancing the differentiation of keratinocytes of hair follicles, as well as facilitating their desquamation into the lumen of the follicle. Next, the exfoliated cells are brought to the surface of the skin along with sebum. Also, topical retinoids reduce the phenomenon of hyperkeratosis in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, facilitating the exfoliation of dead skin cells.
- Comedolytic effect - this means that the drug causes a slow dissolution of the fatty substrate that makes up comedones (acne). This releases hair follicles clogged with comedones and normalizes the unhindered removal of sebum to the surface of the skin (24stoma.ru).
- Anti-inflammatory effect – adapalene also has anti-inflammatory activity.
Against the background of hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands and the colonization of the sebaceous gland ducts with P. acnes bacteria, a large amount of free fatty acids (monoglycerides) can be found in the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, they should not be present, but with acne and pimples, their number often increases to 20% of all lipids secreted by the sebaceous glands onto the surface of the skin. This occurs because enzymes in the bacteria P.acnes break down triglycerides into free fatty acids. The latter not only have increased comedogenicity, stimulating the formation of comedones in the follicles, but also have chemotaxis (i.e., they stimulate the migration of neutrophils to the follicles). The migration of neutrophils, in turn, leads to the formation of papules and pustules, i.e. acne. So, adapalene inhibits chemotaxis and migration of neutrophils, which provides anti-inflammatory activity.
Important: thus, the drug Differin has a complex effect - on the most important mechanisms (links of pathogenesis) leading to the formation of acne and pimples. But we once again draw your attention to the fact that this drug as monotherapy will be effective only in the presence of non-inflammatory elements - comedones (acne). For acne, you will need to combine it with benzoyl peroxide-based products and/or an antibiotic.
Reviews from cosmetologists about Differin for wrinkles
Irina Kotova, dermatocosmetologist, Moscow
Differin is a fairly active agent, the main purpose of which is to fight acne. Since Differin is an analogue of synthetic retinoids, it is quite successfully able to rejuvenate the skin, even out its texture, restore natural color, and remove age spots. It helps the skin become thinner and exfoliate properly. The main limitation is its poor compatibility with the sun, so if you need to go on vacation, use of the product should be postponed.
Igor Patrin, dermatologist-cosmetologist, St. Petersburg
Differin cream belongs to the category of products that was originally developed for the treatment of acne, closed comedones and even blackheads. But thanks to its composition and properties, the cream has been successfully used by women as an anti-aging agent for a long time. The main active ingredient in the cream is adapalene, a substance similar to retinoic acid. As a result of the action of this substance, collagen synthesis is stimulated, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic. The only drawback is the high cost of the drug - on average about 1000 rubles.
