Differin Gel treats acne. It works partly by keeping skin pores clear.

Use Differin Gel only as directed. Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds.

Apply the Differin Gel to clean dry areas of the skin affected by acne. Rub in gently and well. Please wash your hands afterward to remove any medicine that may remain on them.

To help clear up your acne completely, you must keep using this medicine for full-time treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a short time. If you stop using Differin Gel too soon, your acne may return or get worse.

• During the first three weeks, you use Differin Gel, and your acne may worsen before it gets better. Full improvement should be seen within 12 weeks, especially if you use the medicine daily. Check with your doctor if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. 
• Hair products that irritate the skin, such as permanent or hair removal products
• Skin products for acne or other skin products containing a peeling agent 
• Skin products that cause one to be more sensitive to the sun, such as those containing spices or lime
• Skin products that are too drying or that contain a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, cosmetics, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions
• Skin products that are abrasive, such as some soaps or skin cleansers
• Your doctor may ask you to use other topical products, such as benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or erythromycin, during your treatment with Differin Gel. 
• If your skin becomes too dry or red, discuss with your doctor whether you should continue using Differin Gel. Applying creams, lotions, or moisturizers as needed helps lessen these skin problems.
• Since your skin may be more prone to sunburn or irritation, use sunscreen or sunblocking lotions regularly with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Avoid getting too much sun on treated areas during treatment with Differin Gel, and do not use sunlamps. Wear protective clothing against the sun, wind, and cold weather.

Differin Gel may cause side effects. The following symptoms will likely affect your skin during the first 2-4 weeks of treatment. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• redness
• scaling
• dryness
• burning or stinging
• pain at the application site

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• hives, itching, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat

Differin Gel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Differin Gel.

What is Differin Gel?

Differin Gel, 0.1%, is a retinoid used to treat acne.

Are there any other warnings for Differin Gel?

Wear protective clothing and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you go outside. Differin Gel can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause you to sunburn more easily.

What are the side effects of Differin Gel?

Common side effects of Differin Gel include:

• Dry skin
• Skin redness
• Scaling or peeling 
• Stinging or burning 
• Itchy skin.