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Differin for Acne User Reviews (Page 3)

Reviews for Differin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • One...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 5, 2017

"I have been using Differin gel for about a week now, and I can honestly say that this is THE BEST product that I have ever used for my face. I am 31, and I have had issues with breakouts since puberty. Within 3 days, I noticed that my face was clearing up. Since this product is working so well for me, I will have my 12-year-old use it as well... I LOVE THIS STUFF."

10 / 10
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12 Report
  • Hlg...
  • May 25, 2017

"The first 2 days of using Differin gel were a little rough. My skin was super dry, and I had to keep caking on the moisturizer. I took a couple of days off from use and then started back daily use with no problem. I just moisturize every morning. My skin still isn't perfect, but it at least dries up the larger cystic acne. I still get blackheads around my nose and small 'under the skin whiteheads' around my chin. But I don't exfoliate like I should, so that's my own fault."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • Mir...
  • May 13, 2017

"The best product. I will recommend this. My advice is to have patience with it, and your acne will disappear."

10 / 10
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8 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Amb...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 7, 2017

"I've only been using this for about 5 days, and I can already see very clear results! It says to not expect anything till 2 weeks, but with my skin, it seemed to start working overnight because the next day it was already clearer, and scars had faded a bit! Bearing in mind I have very, very mild acne, not very noticeable, just wanted this cream to prevent it from getting worse. Will keep you guys updated :) Would definitely recommend this for oily skin with some blackheads and mild acne or moderate acne."

10 / 10
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18 Report
  • Ash...
  • April 17, 2017

"I used Differin gel for almost 2 years on my face. I had moderate acne that no OTC medication helped, and some prescription medications didn't help much either. Differin took about 2-3 weeks of daily use before I saw any change, but about 2 months into the treatment, my face was pretty much all clear with no pimples. It was amazing. My skin did get red and itchy during those first few weeks, but my doctor said it was common and to keep using it because my skin would get used to it. It did, and it still keeps my skin the best it's ever looked. Also, it's now available over the counter at drug stores."

10 / 10
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26 Report

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  • Whi...
  • April 5, 2017

"I will be 30 in 3 months, and my skin is worse than it was when I was 16! What the hell! I find it interesting that everyone who really enjoyed this product properly used this product. I was prescribed Differin when I was in my teens, and it worked wonders! Now that it's OTC, I recently started using it again. I am at the 4-week point, so yes, my face is breaking out. I remember when I first used it years ago, the same thing happened, and with patience, my skin cleared up. I have already noticed a difference in my cheeks, which seem to not be breaking out as bad. I am patiently waiting for this period of breakouts to come and go, so I can see those great results once more. I used Differin as a teen and loved it."

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • Tii...
  • April 3, 2017

"I have been using this gel for about 2 weeks now and have had nothing but positive results. I'm not exaggerating when I say this started working on my skin immediately. I have been going through bad cystic acne breakouts and hormonal acne for the past two years now. Since I started using the Differin, my breakouts are minimal, with only one or two pimples, but nothing like before. I was breaking out with 3-5 new pimples daily, and the Differin stopped that from happening immediately. I have extremely oily skin, so the Differin did not dry out my skin. I have also changed my face cleansing products and also changed my foundation at the same time. I would highly recommend this product for anyone who is at their wits' end with adult acne."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • Dba...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 31, 2017

"Awesome! Best thing I ever used on my cystic acne. Bought OTC Differin about a month ago, and I haven't had a cyst since, which is unheard of for me. For the first time in years, my complexion is smoother, skin is clear, and pores look smaller. Some dryness and redness at first, but it subsided. Love this stuff!"

10 / 10
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  • Amy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 30, 2017

"So I've been plagued by acne since I was 22. I'm now 25. I went to see a dermatologist eventually through my GP, and she put together a treatment plan for me, which after three months has pretty much cleared my acne. So I'm on 100 mg Doxycycline (I've been on this for two years, and it wasn't great but works well now as part of this plan) - I take this at night. I'm on Acnecide - this is really important to use when you're on Doxycycline as it stops you from becoming immune to the antibiotic. I apply this three times a week to areas with active spots. Then Differin gel or cream - I apply this every night to areas where there are no spots but where I'm prone to spots. Differin is to prevent breakouts, Acnecide is to treat them."

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • SD9...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 29, 2017

"This is a miracle in a tube! I had moderate to severe adult acne and would have breakouts on my cheeks, jawline, and chin that would leave dark marks for months. I have oily/sensitive skin. At first, the gel burned a lot, and I got a few more pimples, which are side effects of the product. But now, after about a month, my skin is adjusting and looks better than it has in years! Little to no pimples and dark marks are fading! My routine: Morning - wash face in lukewarm water with Dove Exfoliating Soap, then apply Aveeno Clean Complexion moisturizer. Makeup - e.l.f. Blemish Control Primer and BB Cream. Night - same as morning routine, but add Differin gel after washing face with soap, and apply Aveeno moisturizer about an hour afterward if needed."

10 / 10
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17 Report
  • bee...
  • March 27, 2017

"I used to have severely clogged pores as well as scarring from cysts, but once I was prescribed this cream, it cleared everything. When I first started using it, I found that it caused my skin to have extremely dry patches, and they would flake up. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, but I would avoid talking to people up close. If you honestly want it to work, you need patience! The first 2 months, you'll notice just a lot of flaking of skin, but after the 3rd month, my skin was clear, and I had a naturally clear complexion. I honestly never had such great confidence in my skin. I was able to stop wearing such heavy makeup foundation to cover up scars and moved on to BB creams or even nothing at all! The key is patience!"

10 / 10
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56 Report
  • Joe...
  • March 25, 2017

"At the three-month mark using the over-the-counter, I posted previously. I started out using it once every three days and then went to every two days to make sure no issues, and eventually each day. Skin got very dry at first. I apply each evening about two hours before going to bed. In the AM, I apply Benzoyl Peroxide and then Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 35. Wash and dry, and reapply as needed throughout the day. At the 9 or 10-week period, I had a serious outbreak after a calm period, but it cleared up. What works for me... When applying Differin, use an ample amount and massage into areas where you need it most. My sunglasses were irritating my nose where the pads sit. Turned out I was not making sure moisturizer was being applied in that region of the nose. Same for around the eyes."

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • Col...
  • March 22, 2017

"I love seeing the 1 ⭐️ ratings and reading about how they used the product incorrectly and blame the company for that. It says on the pamphlet to avoid UVs. You can't just blob it on and then go to the beach, it literally says not to do that. If it burns your face, you're using it more than once a day or you're using it too much. Before you use a product as strong as this, please educate yourself on how to use it properly. This product will start to show results for most within a couple of days if you just use a light coat once a day, at the same time, every day. Be sure to read the box, it has a list of products that aren't compatible with this gel, and make sure not to use those on your face or else it will burn worse than scalding water on your face."

10 / 10
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52 Report
  • Soq...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 20, 2017

"This stuff is AWESOME. Admittedly, it itched like fire for three days until I slacked off and used a good moisturizing cream. But my face is CLEAR for the first time in YEARS. I recommend Carmex to heal the dry flakes and Aveeno after that. If you have another breakout, go back to Differin. I can't recommend this stuff enough. It's worth it to itch and burn for a day or two; it's WORKING. Just deal with it. Thank you, makers of Differin!!! Screw makeup. I'm FREE."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Thy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 7, 2017

"I've always suffered with acne throughout my teenage years and adult life. I have PCOS, and I had a full thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer last year. I'm now 38. My hormones went crazy after surgery. I was breaking out terribly. I've tried every over-the-counter and natural treatment you could imagine. Nothing worked. I saw the commercial and was, of course, skeptical. I picked it up at Target and started using it during my usual breakout time (week before my period). Within a week, it was cleared up! My acne scars are lighter as well. People at work are actually saying how good my skin looks! I wish I would've tried it sooner. I use a very thin layer in common breakout areas. I also moisturize with coconut oil. Fantastic product!"

10 / 10
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32 Report
  • Gri...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 28, 2017

"I've had acne when I was a teenager, it cleared up during my 20s, then came back - with a vengeance - when I was 33. Differin gel and cream have been the BEST stuff I've used, and I have used A LOT of different lotions and potions, which have cost me a fortune over the years. I'm now 39 and still suffer breakouts, but I keep a tube handy for them, and it clears them up in a couple of days. I would say to ONLY put it on the papule or pustule and not on any clear skin around them. That's when it will make your skin flake and peel off! If you use it on the spots ONLY, it will work just fine. I'm also a beauty therapist, and I recommend that some of my clients see their GP for it."

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Sha...
  • February 12, 2017

"I started getting acne in my early 20s, and by 27, I was suffering from cystic acne. In total, I'd say I've tried 20 or more treatments without improvement. I did two courses of Accutane without improvement. About a year later, I went to a new dermatologist and was prescribed Differin gel. After three months, my face was perfect. No acne, no scars. Don't even judge it for two months. Waiting isn't fun, but discouragement can lead to quitting. Don't quit, you won't regret it. My skin did get dry and sensitive, but got better within a month or so. Don't scrub, use excessive products, and use moisturizer. Seriously, perfect skin!!"

10 / 10
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38 Report
  • Joe...
  • February 7, 2017

"It's been over a month using the over-the-counter. I posted previously. I had started out using once every three days and then went to every two days to make sure no issues. Skin got very dry at first. Apply each evening about two hours before going to bed. In the AM, I apply Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 35 and reapply as needed. Had several blackheads mature during the month. Some were under the skin surface. All gone. A few whiteheads. Skin has calmed down considerably. Skin seems healthier. No longer use Benzoyl Peroxide."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Joe...
  • January 3, 2017

"Using the over-the-counter product for just a few weeks. Oily skin has always been a major problem. Seems to have knocked down excess skin oil big time. I apply early evening. I use it with Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 35. Been in the sun and no burning or dryness noted. Did the beach yesterday for about an hour, no problem. I first started using every third day after reading a number of postings. Thought I'd ease into it as some reported issues using daily right off the bat. No issues. Did notice dryness of the skin before using my moisturizer. Just went to every other day. The skin has calmed down and a few flare-ups that were just not going away are clearing. End of the week I plan on daily use."

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Loo...
  • October 16, 2016

"This cream has been amazing for me. At first, I wasn't seeing anything good except more spots and sore skin. My boyfriend said, "Why am I using cream to make me look worse?" But I knew you had to stick at it. I got frustrated, so I applied peroxide as well, which was great to rid the spots fast but meant my skin all flaked off. That was horrible at the time but got rid of every scar and blemish. Like a chemical peel, I guess. Then, 2 months in, I really noticed the difference. Now, about 4 months in and for about 2 months now, I have had skin I had wished for for years. Clear and no marks, and can leave without makeup. I honestly wish this was over the counter and don't get why it isn't because it would help so many more people who don't go to the GP."

10 / 10
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29 Report
  • mar...
  • September 25, 2016

"Struggled with acne for years, and this has honestly been a miracle worker. I've tried many different treatments (different strengths of benzoyl peroxide, oxytetracycline, and limecycline), and I decided to use Differin before trying BC or Accutane, and I'm so glad I did! The first week was tough because my skin peeled rather a lot and felt extremely dry. However, I didn't experience any 'purging,' and the dryness was easily solved with a light moisturizer. After about 2 weeks, my skin was significantly clearer and was nowhere near as dry as before. The gel has been the best treatment I've used by far, and I strongly encourage you to persevere with it as it's a game-changer! My skin is now really clear, and I have so much more confidence!"

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • Kit...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 15, 2016

"I've had a great experience with Differin gel. I was prescribed Differin for acne that got worse as an adult. When I was 31, the acne was so severe that I felt like a teenager. The first week was hard. My skin was very dry to the point where flakes would fall off when I touched my face. I used moisturizer in the morning and would still flake all day. After about a week, the dryness completely went away. I've been using this product for a few weeks now and have seen a HUGE difference in my skin. My acne is clearing up, and my skin has a smoothness that it has never had before. My skin is combination/oily, and it feels a little oilier now. I'm okay with that - with the smoothness of my skin, it looks dewy and clear."

10 / 10
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23 Report
  • 332...
  • July 13, 2016

"Great product, no acne or wrinkles."

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • Roo...
  • June 28, 2016

"I've had acne problems since the 4th grade and have since tried tretinoin, Benzaclin, and Dalacin T, which did not help me very much. I gave up prescriptions for the last 5 years, using OTC benzoyl peroxide, when I suddenly had the WORST breakout of my life (I think from stress) with cystic acne. Family doctor gave me Differin XP gel. I've been using it for 1 month, and my acne has dramatically cleared up. I did not purge at all (maybe got 3-5 small pimples), and I peeled once while swimming outside. I was also prescribed 333 mg erythromycin tabs by a dermatologist, but did not take it yet, as it seems Differin has already cleared me up. I did skip a few days and used 4 dot-sized amounts instead of the recommended 'pea-size.'"

10 / 10
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15 Report
  • meg...
  • June 24, 2016

"I've always had acne, ever since puberty started! I broke out really badly at the start of this year, probably because I went on a 'TRY EVERYTHING' rampage and destroyed my own skin. But yeah, it was one of the lowest points for me in terms of my self-esteem and confidence. I really hated looking at myself, and I was so depressed. Anyway, I was prescribed Differin by my dermatologist. Alas, after many painful months of breaking out, my skin slowly but surely cleared up. I would say the initial months were VERY TOUGH, but don't give up! BE PATIENT, and you will see your skin transform! Give it at least 3 months."

10 / 10
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31 Report

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