Differin and Itching: What Users Say

• HPD...
• October 16, 2019

For Acne "I've been using Differin for 13 weeks now, and I'm still breaking out in painful cystic acne EVERYWHERE. I've got 10+ cystic pimples on my forehead, whereas I've never had them there before, and it's been two weeks, and they're still not gone. It's painful, itchy, makes you self-conscious AF. I hate it. If your skin isn't too bad but you're thinking about it, find an alternative. It's not worth it. I feel like I have depression because of this."

• Acn...
• March 24, 2015

For Acne "I tried this medication when I was a teenager but did not stick with it because the irritation it caused me was unbearable. I wonder if it was because my acne was worse and my skin more sensitive at the time, but I can't remember how long I stuck with it. I started my current try with it about nine months ago. I had about one to two months of redness, itchiness, and a lot of skin flaking, but as soon as this wore off (which it did completely) as my skin adapted to it, I started noticing big improvements: I have had almost no blackheads, which were causing me a lot of scarring. For most of the month, I get no spots, and when I do, it's just a few, and they are MUCH smaller, less painful, and disappear quicker, and my skin overall looks clearer and more youthful."

• Ash...
• April 17, 2017

For Acne "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."

• Soq...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2017

For Acne "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."

• Bar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 12, 2019

For Acne "Differin really works for acne, you just have to keep using it. I remember when I was in my late teens, I started breaking out more than when I was younger. I went to a dermatologist. At that time, it was only available by prescription. I remember her telling me to wash my face and gently pat it dry. Make sure your face is very dry before applying a small, thin amount on your face. She also told me that I would start breaking out even more a couple of weeks after I began using it. It gets deep in your skin and pushes all the oil to the surface. Your skin may get a little red and itchy. You will also start to see a little flaking on your skin. Don't give up. Keep using it. Eventually, it will clear up acne. When I started breaking out more, I would apply my makeup to cover it up. I like to put it on at nighttime after I wash my face. Give it a try!"

• Tee...
• October 22, 2016

For Acne "Started Differin almost 2 months ago. I had some cystic acne on the chin and some pimples on the cheeks before starting Differin (i.e., mild acne). Three weeks after starting Differin, I started to get a bunch of whiteheads on one side of my cheek. It wasn't that noticeable until 1-2 weeks (4-5 weeks in) that the whiteheads became incredibly noticeable - very raised, incredibly itchy. The whiteheads eventually became pimples, meaning that I had 5-6 pimples in this little patch. Worst acne I have ever had (I am assuming this is the initial breakout period). Eight weeks on Differin now, and that one side and spot of my cheek that had all those whiteheads has cleared up over 50%. Can't wait to see what happens in the next 2 weeks! Hopefully acne-free!"

• Lun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2019

For Acne "Give it time. It took longer than 12 weeks to work for me. It took about 4 months for me. I previously had severe acne, 'aggressive' cystic acne, where I was ashamed to go out in public, and now it's mild to moderate acne. It's not perfect, but a vast improvement. Doctors wanted to prescribe me Accutane in the past, which I cannot take because of my mental health. Differin has been a lifesaver, though, but you have to be patient. My acne is not gone, but Differin has been a success. I only wear a thin layer of makeup now by choice, and my foundation and concealer routine used to take an hour before Differin. I also use benzoyl peroxide-clindamycin gel, which complements Differin well. STAY PATIENT! The first month is hard because your face will get extra sensitive and sometimes burned a little bit in the beginning, but Differin is worth it, I promise."

• Lau...
• October 12, 2016

For Acne "This gel has been horrific for my skin. As a result of taking it, I have come up with an allergic reaction on my neck and around my eyes, which is so painful, itchy, and red. I really wouldn't recommend trying it unless you are really desperate. I have read a lot of other reviews where people said this happened to them too, but the GP never informed me of the potential side effects."

• Yay...
• October 19, 2019

For Acne "I was prescribed Differin by my dermatologist in March 2019, and it has been the best decision I've made for my skin. I complained to her about my acne and how I had hyperpigmentation from it. When I started using Differin, my skin was pretty sensitive for a week, it felt like I had a burn on my face, but it was bearable. I wouldn’t say my skin purged like crazy because, as I was getting more breakouts, the acne got smaller right after. Mind you, my skin is usually oily and not sensitive. After about two months, my skin was dramatically clearer. The red marks on my skin have also gotten lighter but still haven’t gone away completely. I love waking up with clear and smooth skin because I wouldn’t have thought this was possible seven months ago."

• Hil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2019

For Acne "UPDATE: I had to quit. Just a quick reiteration of my backstory: I had been using benzoyl peroxide for a long while with okay results. I still would have 2-3 zits on my face sometimes (mostly around my time of the month), but looking back, it wasn't too bad. I just started to notice my skin was looking dull and congested, so I thought I needed to change up. My dermatologist suggested Differin last time I saw her, so after much research, I decided to give it a try. I knew there was going to be a purge phase, so I thought I was prepared. I was not. TODAY: I look like I have a disease on my face. After week 8, and seeing no improvement and suddenly developing itchiness that was driving me crazy, I made an emergency appointment with my dermatologist. I am now on 3 medications to counteract the effects of Differin. It may work for some, but unfortunately, I was not one of those people. I regret it so much. Please be cautious, because I now have months of recovery ahead of me."

• skm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

For Acne "Differin burned my skin and destroyed my moisture barrier. I've stopped using and am now a week off of it, and all other actives and cleansers, and am still red, itchy, and have super visible pores. I guess I am just one of the people who are extra sensitive or allergic to retinoids, as I've heard many people have had a wonderful experience with it."

• WTF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2018

For Acne "I'm reporting back after not knowing whether to keep using this product or not... For 2.5 months, I had acne for the first time in my life because of Differin! The skin 'purging' never got better. The bleeding from just washing my face left spots that took forever to heal. My face hurt for weeks. Red, flaky areas around my mouth, I'd itch and get tingles. I had a million bumps under my skin, uneven, leathery, burnt skin. I stopped using Differin, and now it's been 2 weeks of washing with antibacterial soap/charcoal bar, applying hydrogen peroxide as a toner, and then 2 drops of tea tree oil mixed with salicylic acid clarifying moisturizer, and my face is super soft. All my dry skin patches are gone, I have no pimples, no blackheads. Very upset I wasted my time thinking this product would work. ***THE ONLY THING I would recommend it for is fine lines and wrinkles (I'm 32), and it does wonders to apply to forehead and laugh lines with no irritation. Hope others find this useful."

• NCR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2019

For Acne "I have oily skin. Since 2 years ago, I maintained a skincare routine that manages to get rid of my dry patches and dehydrated skin, but cystic acne is still a concern. BP doesn't work on me, and 2% salicylic acid ceased to work on me after a while. So I tried 0.1% Differin. First day, I experienced crazy itchiness, so the following day I decided to amp up my moisturizing game. DO NOT USE THIS WITHOUT A GOOD MOISTURIZING ROUTINE, BE WARNED. I apply Differin once every other night, and my routine for those nights is (in order of application) hydrating lotion, Differin, cream moisturizer, a spritz of hydrating mist, gel moisturizer, and sleeping mask mixed with tamanu, rosehip, and grapeseed facial oil. I don't have a waiting time, because my skin can tolerate it. I stopped having itchiness since the first day, and now my problem areas no longer have texture, and cystic/less severe acne goes away on its own with very minimal scarring (if any)."

• Bar...
• February 26, 2016

For Acne "2 weeks into the treatment, the first week was awful, burning, redness, peeling, more pimples. Slowly improved. I'm feeling a lot better, still a little bit of peeling and dry skin and a pimple here and there, but it doesn't burn anymore. They say 8 weeks, others 3 months to see results, so although it's too early to say that Differin won the battle, I have to say that I'm satisfied. Also, I use Clinique bar soap in the morning, Clinique acne cream, and tonic. And at night just St. Ives scrub and Differin. I wear my regular makeup, Revlon, but I want to switch to Clinique. It doesn't hold all day, my skin starts to get itchy in the evening. Just be patient!"

• Mad...
• November 29, 2018

For Acne "My dermatologist told me I should try Differin since it would work the same as the prescription gel that worked wonders for my skin. After a few weeks of use, my skin broke out so bad. I had at least 3-4 painful, deep, and red pimples on my face at all times along with many bumps on my forehead and cheeks. I knew, though, that both medications I went on had a purge stage where my skin got bad, so I kept using it. Finally, I have been using Differin for almost 2 months and my skin is clear and smooth again. My scars are beginning to fade again and I'm praying it stays this way. My tips are to keep up with using Differin and only use a small amount. Like, very small. Too much made my skin so itchy and red and wasn't effective. Besides the 3 weeks of terrible skin, I think retinoids work very well for mild acne with a bit of patience and chugging tons of water each day."

• Viv...
• February 10, 2016

For Acne "I went to the dermatologist for the first time in my life a few weeks ago (January) to try and get gorgeous skin for my wedding in September. I was prescribed this drug and chose it over the two others because it was the least expensive (still $125 for me, though). After using it for a few days (without seeing too much of a difference, but no deep pimples), I developed a rash on both arms and my upper side below my armpit. I didn't think it could be the product because I had applied it to my face, but after seeing that hives are a common reaction, I am sure that's what it is. The rash still itches occasionally and is unsightly on my arms even after 2 weeks. What a disappointment-and now I have to figure out how to get rid of this rash."

• Sho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2017

For Acne "I have hormonal acne, and my skin's not sensitive at all. I only used this for 1 week, only every other day. This stuff seriously dried my face out so bad that not only did it dry my face out and make it burn and itch like crazy, but it also gave me dermatitis. Absolutely the worst product ever!!!"

• Cyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

For Acne "Terrible for my skin, it made my skin so dry, itchy, and felt like it was on fire. How do I even heal my skin? It's been two days without using the soothing moisturizer and the Differin gel, and my skin is still having terrible effects from it."

• Kp1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2016

For Acne "This stuff is horrible. Doctor prescribed it because I was getting eczema next to my chin and a few breakouts. And now my face is on fire, is burning, itching, peeling, scabbing, and all, and it's made my face 100 times worse. Worst experience ever. I don't want to leave the house, this is ridiculous. Don't buy it."

• Kp1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2016

For Acne "This stuff is horrible. Doctor prescribed it because I was getting eczema next to my chin and a few breakouts. And now my face is on fire, is burning, itching, peeling, scabbing, and all, and it's made my face 100 times worse. Worst experience ever. I don't want to leave the house, this is ridiculous. Don't buy it."

• Lee...
• August 29, 2017

For Acne "Excellent product. Cleared my acne in 1 week. You have to follow the instructions to avoid skin irritation and limit sun exposure."