Meningococcal Vaccine: Protection, Risk, Schedule

The 10 Best Retinol Products For Ultimate Acne Control

When it comes to adding retinol to your routine for the first time (or any retinoid, for that matter), remember these words of wisdom: Start slowly. "If you're new to retinol, start slow," Palm explains. "Use it every few days and slowly increase the frequency of use over time." She also suggests being conservative when pairing retinol with other acne-fighting ingredients in your routine, like BHAs, AHAs, and benzoyl peroxide. "Overdoing it can compromise your skin barrier, which can make skin worse in the long run." A board-certified dermatologist can help you determine which acne-fighting ingredients belong in your specific routine and when to apply them.

Retinoids can also have a drying effect on the skin, so it's generally recommended to apply moisturizer after using a serum or treatment. Dermatologist Dara Spearman notes that if your skin is really dry, you can also apply a moisturizer prior to your retinoid. "Retinols increase the skin's sensitivity to sun, so daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is very important," she says. "I usually recommend SPF 30 or higher."

Plus, if you're dealing with an active acne breakout and your skin is sensitive, Spearman suggests possibly holding off on starting a new retinol until the skin calms down. Ultimately, retinoids require consistent use to yield desirable results. "With retinol, consistency is key, so I recommend applying it to the skin during a breakout and when your skin is clear to prevent future breakouts," Palm says. "During a breakout, consider incorporating a spot treatment in addition to your retinol serum to treat any trouble spots."

Differin Gel

Differin Gel Generic Name & Formulations General Description

Adapalene 0.3%; alcohol-free.

Pharmacological Class

Retinoid.

How Supplied

Gel, crm—45g; Lotion—2oz

Mechanism of Action

Biochemical and pharmacological profile studies have demonstrated that adapalene is a modulator of cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes. However, the significance of these findings with regard to the mechanism of action of adapalene for the treatment of acne is unknown.

Differin Gel Indications Indications

Acne vulgaris.

Differin Gel Dosage and Administration Adult

Apply thin film to affected areas once daily after washing. Reduce frequency or discontinue if prolonged or severe irritation occurs.

Differin Gel Contraindications

Not Applicable

Differin Gel Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Differin Gel Warnings/Precautions Warnings/Precautions

Discontinue if allergic or anaphylactic reactions occur. Do not use on cuts, abrasions, broken, eczematous, or sunburned skin. Avoid eyes, lips, angles of the nose, mucous membranes, sun, UV light. Increased irritation in extreme weather. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: avoid areas with increased risk for potential ingestion or ocular exposure to infant.

Differin Gel Pharmacokinetics Elimination

Fecal. Half-life: 7–51 hours.

Differin Gel Interactions Interactions

Avoid use until the effects of sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid have subsided. Avoid waxing treated areas. Caution with other photosensitizers or irritants.

Differin Gel Adverse Reactions Adverse Reactions

Erythema, scaling, dryness, pruritus, burning, stinging.

Differin Gel Clinical Trials

See Literature

Differin Gel Note

Not Applicable

Differin Gel Patient Counseling

See Literature

Epiduo Gel

Epiduo Gel Generic Name & Formulations General Description

Adapalene 0.1%, benzoyl peroxide 2.5%; gel.

Pharmacological Class

Retinoid + antibacterial/keratolytic.

How Supplied

Gel—45g (tube or pump); Forte Gel—15g, 30g, 45g, 60g, 70g pump

Mechanism of Action

Adapalene binds to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors. Studies have demonstrated that adapalene is a modulator of cellular differentiation, keratinization and inflammatory processes. However, the mechanism of action of adapalene for the treatment of acne is unknown. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent with bactericidal and keratolytic effects.

Epiduo Gel Indications Indications

Acne vulgaris in patients ≥9 years of age.

Epiduo Gel Dosage and Administration Adults and Children

<9yrs: not established. ≥9yrs: apply thin film to affected areas of face and/or trunk once daily after washing. Use a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (eg, forehead, chin, cheek). Reduce frequency or discontinue if prolonged or severe irritation occurs.

Administration

For topical use only; not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Do not use more gel than necessary to cover the treatment area; may increase skin irritation.

Nursing Considerations

For topical use only; not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Do not use more gel than necessary to cover the treatment area; may increase skin irritation.

Epiduo Gel Contraindications

Not Applicable

Epiduo Gel Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Epiduo Gel Warnings/Precautions Warnings/Precautions

Do not use on cuts, abrasions, eczematous or sunburned skin. Avoid eyes, lips, mucous membranes, sun, UV light. Discontinue immediately if serious hypersensitivity reactions occur. Increased irritation in extreme weather. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: avoid direct infant exposure.

Epiduo Gel Pharmacokinetics Elimination

Adapalene: biliary. Benzoyl peroxide: renal.

Epiduo Gel Interactions Interactions

Caution with other topical acne therapy (eg, peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents). Avoid using concomitant topical irritants and waxing treated areas.

Epiduo Gel Adverse Reactions Adverse Reactions

Skin irritation, eczema, atopic dermatitis, skin burning sensation; hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria), contact dermatitis (eg, erythema, scaling, dryness, burning, stinging), may bleach fabrics or hair.

Epiduo Gel Clinical Trials

See Literature

Epiduo Gel Note

Not Applicable

Epiduo Gel Patient Counseling

See Literature

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