How Does Differin Differ From Other Acne Treatments
As a mid-range treatment, Differin is an excellent first option for acne sufferers – other available treatments can be weaker , stronger , or designed with broader actions .
For a more detailed explanation of how Differin compares to other treatments, you can view our acne treatment comparison page.
The Wound Healing Response
Haemostasis
Haemostasis is the process by which the body prevents bleeding. During this part of the wound healing process, platelets seal off the damaged blood vessels, causing them to constrict. These platelets attach to collagen and secrete various different substances, including growth factors, which then initiate the next phase of wound healing. Haemostasis occurs within minutes of the initial skin injury. In terms of acne lesion healing and scarring, haemostasis is only likely to take place if acne lesions have been picked at.
Inflammation
After blood flow has been stopped, blood vessels relax again which leads to reddening of the skin . In addition, melanin production may be stimulated. Wound repair requires communication between cells and this communication involves proteins called cytokines and growth factors. Cytokines stimulate cells to move, whereas growth factors stimulate cells to either divide and produce more cells or release certain substances. One such substance is collagen, which is required to form the extracellular matrix.
Granulation Tissue Formation/Proliferation
The proliferation stage of wound healing is characterised by the creation of new blood vessels, collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, wound contraction, and epithelialisation. Growth factors stimulate the multiplication of fibroblasts as well as encouraging their movement toward the healing wound. These fibroblasts then create new collagen.
Matrix Remodelling
Silicone Gels And Sheets For Acne Scars Vs Acne Marks
Silicone gels have demonstrated effectiveness at treating scars, with some research suggesting that they can reduce scar texture by 86%, scar colour by 84%, and scar height by 68% .
These results are thought to be due to one or more of the several actions of silicone gels:
- Increasing stratum corneum hydration and reducing collagen production
- Protecting scarred tissue from bacteria and thus preventing bacteria-induced collagen production.
- Regulating growth factors which normalises collagen production in abnormal scar tissue .
As you can see, silicone gels and sheeting may be beneficial for PIE acne marks and hypertrophic acne scars, but are unlikely to have much of an effect on atrophic acne scars or PIH acne marks. In fact, the majority of research regarding silicone gels and sheets for scars has been focussed on hypertrophic scars and keloid scars , both of which are fairly rare in acne.
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Types Of Acne Scarring
To help you identify which type of acne scar you might be dealing with, we also put together a quick at-a-glance view of common acne scars. While they all vary in appearance, Hartman highlighted these names are just descriptors for the different shapes of acne scars. Theyre all the same thing and just come about from different severities of acne breakouts and lesions, he said.
How Does Inflammation Happen
The skin can become inflamed for a number of reasons. Stress and irritation can both cause inflammation because they represent a threat to the body. Anything from unconsciously and repeatedly touching the face to using the wrong kind of toothpaste can irritate the skin. It becomes inflamed to prevent the irritant from spreading or penetrating deeper.
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How To Cope With The Differin Purge
This purging phase is threatening because it can lead acne sufferers to think that the Differin isn’t actually going to work, causing them to stop applying it and seek alternative treatment. While Differin isn’t right for everyone, you should have your symptoms inspected before you even think about discontinuing treatment.
In most cases, all that must be done to escape the purge is to endure it for a week or so. Once all the blockages lurking beneath the surface have been cleared, the skin can begin to truly get better, and Differin shines in this regard – users often continue to see improvement for many months after beginning treatment.
Ipl Treatment For Acne Scars Vs Acne Marks
Intense Pulsed Light is not a true laser as it does not have a specific wavelength. Instead, it is made up of a combination of different wavelengths and filters can be applied to enhance different effects . For this reason, IPL is a bit of a Jack of all trades, master of none as it can treat several conditions at once but is less effective at treating anyone condition .
Due to the fact that it can also boost collagen, improve erythema, and improve hyperpigmentation, IPL may provide a treatment option for atrophic scars as well as PIE and PIH. However, multiple treatments are needed and caution is required in order to prevent PIH in darker skin types .
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Who Will Benefit Most
We recommend Differin for people who have already tried acne treatment products that address inflammation and oil production, yet still struggle with clogged pores. If your skin isnt very inflamed, and it isnt producing extra oil, then excess skin cells are likely the reason for your clogged pores. This means that regulating skin cell life cycles with Differin gel could help to clear existing acne, and also prevent new acne from forming.
What Is Adapalene Gel
Adapalene is a retinoid, which is a catch-all term for vitamin A products. Retinoids increase the rate of skin cell turnover, which means that they increase the speed that new skin cells are made and travel to the surface of the skin. This can prevent dead skin cells from building up on the surface of the skin and blocking pores. They can also reduce the inflammation that is commonly experienced with acne.
Compared to tretinoin, the original topical retinoid, adapalene is a lot less irritating, more stable, and is better able to penetrate the oil glands;which makes it particularly suitable to treat acne.
Lower concentrations of adapalene gel are available over the counter in some countries, but higher concentrations usually require a prescription.
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How Does It Compare To Other Products For Serious Pimples
Differin acne treatment is not really as effective for serious inflammatory acne as some other retinoids, such as Retin-A or Tazorac. Cystic acne, specifically, may or may not respond to adapalene 0.1% or 0.3%. In this regard, products like Retin-A on their own are often more helpful than adapalene. However, Differin in combination with other treatments could work.
Whats The Difference Between Acne Scars Vs Acne Marks
The difference between acne scars vs acne marks lies in both their appearance and their underlying causes. As mentioned, true acne scarring is caused by an underproduction or overproduction of collagen during the wound healing process. In contrast, it is thought that acne marks are due to remaining inflammation that is partly caused by the slow break-down of the non-surviving p-acnes bacteria in the hair follicle .
This inflammation is visible in individuals with fair skin as red acne marks and in individuals with darker skin as brown acne marks . However, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience both PIE and PIH at the same time.
PIH and PIE both tend to resolve themselves with time, thus differing from true acne scars .
The key distinction is that acne marks are flat and either red or brown in colour, whereas acne scars are textural irregularities .
Red acne marks = PIE
Indented acne scars = Atrophic
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Adapalene/benzoyl Peroxide Gel Reduces Atrophic Acne Scars Lesions Up To 48 Weeks
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After 24 weeks of treatment with adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel, atrophic acne scarring and lesions were reduced, and results were maintained after 48 weeks of treatment in adult patients.
In the randomized, investigator-blinded, vehicle-controlled first part of the study, 54 patients applied Epiduo Forte gel on half of the face for 24 weeks. Forty-five patients chose to enter the 24-week extension phase, in which the gel was applied on both sides of the face. Forty-one patients completed both parts of the study.
At baseline, most participants had moderate acne and mild scarring. Patients had a mean of 39 acne lesions per half-face.
At week 24, patients had a mean of 9.2 scars on the half of the face treated with the adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel and a mean of 13.9 scars on the half of the face that received vehicle gel.
The scar count reduction from baseline was 21.7% at week 24 and 26.9% at week 48 for the skin treated with adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel. Scar Global Assessment was clear/almost clear in 48.9% of patients at week 24 and in 55.6% at week 48.
Researchers reported a reduction in acne lesions in both groups. At week 48, the median reduction in total lesions was 77.8% in patients who received adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel and 74.5% in vehicle-treated patients.
Beautybio Glopro Regeneration Tool And Face Attachment
Microneedling is when tiny pins vibrate back and forth on the skin and create micro injuries that help stimulate collagen production and smooth out the skins surface, according to Hartman, who provides medical-grade microneedling treatments at his practice.
Although Hartman said he hasnt used at-home microneedling kits, brands like Ora and Beauty Bio make top rated microneedling tools. Beauty Bios for example, received a 4.5-star average rating from nearly 190 reviews on Amazon and it comes with prep pads, an empty sanitizing bottle and power adapter. At-home microneedling kits like Beauty Bios wont penetrate the skin as deep as professional-grade treatments, which is why the brand recommends utilizing the device up to three times a week.
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Combination Treatment Is Best For Clear Skin
If Differin is combined with benzoyl peroxide its a different story. Benzoyl peroxide is an acne-fighting agent that can kill a high percentage of;P. acnes , so applying a thin layer of adapalene gel 0.1% as well, can significantly decrease moderate to severe cystic acne and keep new acne from forming.
Some products combine adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, but this is not ideal for all skin types. For more flexibility and perhaps better results, use Differin and a benzoyl peroxide cream, or wash your skin with them separately. However, stop immediately if the combination causes excessive irritation or dryness.
Where To Buy Adapalene Gel For Acne Scars
As mentioned above, only 0.1% adapalene gel is available to purchase over the counter. Differin gel is probably one of the most trusted brands of 0.1% adapalene gel and is readily available in many locations, including Amazon.com hello one-day prime delivery!
Differin gel, itself, has been used in clinical research studies to investigate the effectiveness of adapalene gel at reducing acne . 0.1% Differin gel can improve acne by 87% after 12-weeks of use.
If you currently have active acne breakouts that are beginning to scar, 0.1% Differin gel would be an excellent option, however, if you have more severe acne scarring then you really need to see your doctor or dermatologist for a prescription of 0.3% adapalene gel.
Differin adapalene gel is available in 15g which is approximately 30-days worth of once-daily application or 45g which can last for up to 90-days.
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What About Pockmarks And Raised Scars
This process applies to pockmark scars as well. The product can help generate healthy cells to take the place of the scar tissue cells, although you may need to see a doctor or a dermatologist to get rid of those completely.
Unfortunately, Differin is not overly helpful in reducing raised scars. These need to be addressed by a dermatologist as well.
The best part about using the gel for scarring is that its safe for nearly all skin types. Many skin lighteners or acne scar reducers work fine on light skin but are less effective with dark skin. Some products can even make discoloration worse in dark skin , turning it a purplish color. Some retinoids are also guilty of this, but because Differin is a milder retinoid, it can safely reduce scarring on light or dark skin without causing increased hyperpigmentation.
Management Of Acne Duration Severity Can Improve Rate Of Scar Repair
REPORTING FROM AAD 19
WASHINGTON Addressing modifiable risk factors of acne scarring such as the duration, severity, and manipulation of lesions improves the rate of scar repair, Jerry Tan, MD, said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Jerry Tan
A large majority of patients present with active acne scarring, even those with mild and moderate disease, said Dr. Tan of the University of Western Ontario, London. The stigma associated with acne and scarring is real in one survey, 41% of respondents noted that acne was the first thing they noticed about a persons face .
Patients with scars are stigmatized because they are perceived as being less attractive, Dr. Tan said. Theyre perceived as being less healthy, less confident, all those negative attributes because they have developed something that was not of their own making.
Dr. Tan presented results from his own group that estimated the risk factors of scarring. They found factors such as acne severity , a family history of acne scarring , acne duration , and manipulation behaviors increased the risk of acne scarring . However, in a separate study, they found acne scarring and repair was an ongoing process: Of 32 patients with moderate inflammatory acne studied for 6 months, 36% of scars that were discovered within the study period were not present at follow up .
SOURCE: Tan J et al. AAD 19, Symposium 012.
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What Is The Best Treatment For Acne Scars
Start with chemical exfoliation. Gross says using a product that offers gentle chemical exfoliation is the first step in healing scars. We like his Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel; it has a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids that exfoliates dead, darkened scar skin cells while stimulating collagen production. He also says to look for anti-inflammatory and skin brightening ingredients in your serums and, such as vitamin C, a skin-brightening antioxidant, and vitamin E, which regenerates skin cells and improves the texture.
Farber agrees, recommending SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum, which has a high concentration of both antioxidants, as well as anti-aging ferulic acid. Chang says to look for topical treatments that contain retinoids, hydroquinone, and azelaic acid, which have all been proven to dramatically lighten dark marks and even melasma. Her favorite picks are the Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum and Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream. A word of caution: hydroquinone, a skin-bleaching agent, should only be used under the care and supervision of a dermatologist, since it can potentially lighten healthy skin, too.
For darker skin, Davis loves using retinoids such as ProActiveMD Adapalene Gel to help fade the dark spots. She also recommends using an ingredient like tranexamic acid as it helps pigment correction, brown spots, and PIH by evening out skin tone. Her favorite picks include SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 or SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense.
Pih Acne Marks Vs Pie Acne Marks
The difference between PIH vs PIE is not just down to the colour of the acne marks, but how these acne marks are caused. Both PIH and PIE are caused by inflammation or skin injury. However, in PIH, this inflammation causes an increase in the production of pigment. Specifically, melanin is overproduced by melanocytes and transferred to surrounding keratinocytes .
In contrast, PIE results due to the blood vessel dilation associated with wound healing. The appearance of which is worsened by the fact that the skin is thinner during the healing process . Some evidence also suggests that acne is associated with skin barrier dysfunctions and that the residual erythema associated with PIE is largely due to damage and dehydration in the skins outermost layer the stratum corneum .
Another difference between PIH vs PIE may be purely down to the type of melanin produced in response to inflammation. There are two basic types of melanin that are found in human skin; eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is the type of melanin that springs to mind when discussing pigmentation as it is brown/black in colour, more prevalent in darker skin types, and has a photoprotective effect. Pheomelanin, on the other hand, is yellow/reddish in colour, is more prevalent in fairer skin types, is photo-unstable, and may even promote skin cancer .
In this sense, the difference between PIH vs PIE may simply be down to the different types of melanin expressed by different skin types.
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Stress Often Causes Inflammation
Stress can cause inflammation because our bodies dont always distinguish between literal, physical stressors and emotional stressors. If were very tense about a big test coming up, our body reads the stress as a threat and prepares for an invasion by going into the fight, flight, or freeze mode. One way it protects itself is through the inflammatory response. If the skin is inflamed, there is less of a chance anything dangerous will enter it because the tissue around the pores is slightly swollen. Unfortunately, stress is a common part of daily life, meaning our skin may always be slightly inflamed.
Inflammation leads to acne because it traps oil, bacteria, and dead cells under the surface of the skin. This can clog the pores, causing blackheads and whiteheads, or it can allow the bacteria to generate a minor infection, which leads to pimples and cysts.
