Before I started using the Differen Adapelene 0.1% gel, I was previously on Curology (which was a clindamycin and zinc formula). The reason I stopped using that was because clindamycin is a type of antibiotic, and if you use an antibiotic long enough, your skin builds up a tolerance and no longer works and actually makes you breakout. So, I read about alternative, long term treatments such as retnoids. I found that a lot of people love the Differen gel, it’s affordable, and doesnt need a prescription. However, 13 weeks in, my purging phase still has not stopped. It took about a month of using adapalene before I saw some purging happen, and I have moments where I have no active acne, then a week later I’ll have two or three pop up. Not to mention because I also have inflammatory acne, I have some dark spots from the purging. I know everyone says purging lasts around 4-6 weeks or 8-12 weeks, and the purging is happening in areas where I normally break out. I’m about to enter my 14th week of adapalene, and I am getting to the point where I think it’s just not right for my skin. Any advice or suggestions to what is happening to my skin? Should I keep using and if so, at what mark should I stop if no improvements are showing?
Differin - Differen Adapelene purge still happening after 13 weeks?
Question posted by rachopocho on 8 Nov 2021
Last updated on 12 November 2021
Answers
Last year I asked a similar question and no one answered. I used Differin for a year and was still breaking out so decided to try stronger over the counter retinoids. I am in my late 60's and still breaking out with cystic acne. I find wearing a face mask also irritates my skin causing breakouts. The only medication that ever helped my skin was Accutane and several rounds of treatment over the years. If you can consult with a Dermatologist , I would suggest that. I did oral Clindamycin and it didn't help and made me sick. My Dr. did prescribe topical Metronidazole 1% with Hydrocortisone 0.5 % to try but had to stop before seeing any results as bad reaction to the steroid. Hope this helps you as it is frustrating when your question goes unanswered. If you do find something that works, please post.
thank you so much for your advice. I’ve read that oral clindamycin is not that good so I used a topical version. The reason I stopped using it is because since it is an antibiotic, you cannot use it for long periods of time because of a reaction you can get that then does not make the product work anymore. maybe you should switch to the topical version on clindamycin and see how that works for you :)
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differin, purge, acne, adapalene, clindamycin, formula, zinc, gel
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