General Information

Differin Gel 0.1% has been approved for the treatment of acne. Differin Gel is a new topical prescription medication that penetrates deeply into hair follicles where it can prevent and reduce blackheads and whiteheads.

Clinical Results

In controlled clinical trials, Differin Gel was shown to effectively reduce the number and severity of acne lesions after 12 weeks of therapy. Furthermore, the subjects on Differin Gel experienced less skin dryness and skin irritation than those on topical Tretinoin Gel 0.025%. Stinging, burning, peeling, and skin redness associated with retinoid therapy have been a barrier to subjects remaining on their Tretinoin acne medication and achieving successful treatment outcomes.

Side Effects

Some adverse effects such as erythema, scaling, dryness, pruritus, and burning will occur in 10%-40% of subjects. Pruritus or burning immediately after application also occurs in approximately 20% of subjects. The following additional adverse experiences were reported in approximately 1% or less of subjects: skin irritation, burning/stinging, erythema, sunburn, and acne flares. These are most commonly seen during the first month of therapy and decrease in frequency and severity thereafter.

Mechanism of Action

Differin Gel is a synthetic retinoid analogue with advanced receptor selective activity and potent anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties.

Literature References

Shalita, Weiss, Chalker, et al. "A comparison of the efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.1% and tretinoin gel 0.025% in the treatment of acne and vulgaris: A multicentre trial." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. March, 1996.