Medical Encyclopedia

According to the studies a topical combination therapy with a retinoid and an antibiotic may be of great sufficiency to treat both mild comedonial and popular or pustular acne, and more severe inflammatory disease without adding a systemic agent. A clear advantage of this way of acne treatment consists in minimizing potential adverse effects which can be caused by systemic therapy. Generally, when two topical agents are interacting in the process of acne cure, they will be applied at different times of the day. The topical antibiotic will be applied in the morning and the retinoid at bedtime.

As far as Differin is concerned, it has proved its maintaince of the improvements achieved when on combination therapy. Differin used in combination with either topical or oral antibiotics is considered to be quite safe and effective for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe acne. Moreover, it yields reliable improvements with excellent tolerability and patient satisfaction. Differin is regarded as one of the best topical retinoid medication used as either add-on or first-line therapy. It normalizes the over-accumulation of skin cells that plug the pores and keeps them clear so that the pores begin to function normally again. It works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation.

Differin can be used with Benzoyl peroxide since it does not cause any alterations in combination. Here Differin offers unique advantages to patients. Thanks to Differin they may apply the topicals once daily by using Differin and Benzoyl peroxide simultaneously. Another option is to apply Differin in the morning and Benzoyl peroxide before going to bed as Benzoyld peroxide can leave some white film on the face that could bother patients during the daytime.

Other acne medications which interact effectively when used together for treatment make Differin and Clyndamycin or Differin and Duac. The letter is a mixture of Benzoyl peroxide and Clyndomycin.

Depending on the level of skin sensitiveness Differin can be used together with Glyderm glycolic acid lotion at bedtime.

Differin can be well combined with Vitamin Cserum which is to be applied in the morning. But there should not be any kind over-combination of these drugs, like Differin, Duac and Vitamin Cserum as Vitamin Cserum must not come in contact with Benzoyl peroxide, a component of Duac, otherwise it will cause a sharp irritation to the skin.

Differin should never be applied with potentially irritating topical products such as medicated soaps, or cosmetics. Particular caution should be exercised in using medications containing sulfur or Salicylic acid in combination with Differin. It is advisable not to use Differin therapy if these products have been used until their effects have subsided in the skin.