When to Apply Adapalene Gel in Your Skincare Routine

In my clinic, one of the most frequent questions I receive from patients who suffer from acne is how to use the acne products in their clinic. When using adapalene gel (such as Differin) it is essential to get the timing right – otherwise clear skin will be replaced with a damaged, irritated skin barrier.

The short answer? You should apply adapalene gel once a day, strictly at night.

Adapalene is a very strong retinoid. It does so by controlling the turnover of skin cells, preventing pores from getting clogged with dead cells and skin oils. Retinoids can be degraded by exposure to sunlight and are thus less effective when used during the day. Give it a job to do while you sleep.

Here is the exact nighttime routine I recommend to my patients to get the best results with the least amount of irritation.

The Ideal Nighttime Routine

You will likely experience burning, peeling and redness if you simply apply adapalene to your face immediately after washing it. To keep your protect your skin, do the following in order:

• Wash with a gentle cleanser: Use a mild, hydrating cleanser for washing your face. Avoid using face scrubs and pimples formulations.
• Dry thoroughly: Pat face with a towel. Wait a few minutes to make sure your skin is completely dry. In moist skin, the retinoid absorbs rapidly, and may be extremely irritating.
• First thin layer of basic moisturizer, non comedogenic (Highly Recommended) followed by a thin layer of a moisturizer containing a new ingredient. This forms a light barrier to shield the skin barrier.
• Use the Adapalene: Use a pea sized amount on your finger. Apply it around the face and gently spread it over the entire area to be treated. Avoid applying it as a single application. It is designed to stop acne from occurring, rather than to reduce existing pimples.
• Seal it in: Seal it with an additional layer of your moisturizer to maintain moisture.

My Top Rules for Success

Acne treatment takes time. To make sure you do not damage your skin or give up too early, keep these rules in mind:

• Take it gently: Do not use first night, just start off slowly. Begin by using it only 2 times a week. Bump to every other night after about two weeks. Over time, gradually increase the amount you use until your skin gets used to it, and use it every night.
• Sunscreen must be worn: Retinoids thin the very top layer of dead skin, you become a lot more sensitive to the sun and you will need to wear Sun Screen (Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or higher) every day.
• Other Active Ingredients to Put Away: During the initial adaptation period to adapalene, try to stop the use of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C and physical scrubs. Together they can cause chemical burns and raw skin. Maintain a simple lifestyle.
• Take your time to get rid of the “purge”: Trust the process; it takes anywhere from 8-12 weeks before you notice a difference. In the first few weeks, your acne may get worse first before getting better. This is referred to as “purging. Stick with it.

What to Do in the Morning

Make mornings really simple to treat skin. Simply wash your face using your gentle soothing cleaner or even a splash of water, moisturize daily and slather on plenty of sunscreen.