If you're looking for a way to treat signs of aging, invasive cosmetic treatments might not be necessary. Differin Gel, the trade name for the drug adapalene, is one of many prescription topical medications classified as retinoids that you can apply to the skin to reduce subtle lines and wrinkles, reports MayoClinic.com. However, this topical does cause side effects and requires you to implement a skincare regimen to maintain and protect your skin.
What Causes Wrinkles
Wrinkles are a part of growing older, also known as intrinsic aging, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This process begins when you're in your mid-twenties. Your skin doesn't produce the same amount of collagen as it once did. The elastin in your skin has less snap. Signs of intrinsic aging may not be obvious for many years, says the AAD. Wrinkles can be hastened along by other factors, mainly repeated sun exposure. Smoking, gravity, facial expressions and even the way your face presses up against the pillow at night also make signs of intrinsic aging more pronounced.
About Differin Gel
Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are topical creams generally associated with the treatment of blemishes. Medications such as Differin Gel unclog pores and deter blackheads and whiteheads, says the AAD. Retinoids can also smooth out the surface of your skin and reduce discoloration, as well as promote the growth of collagen, says the AAD. Retinoids are the only topicals approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a way to reduce signs of photoaging.
How It's Used
Apply Differin Gel to clean skin with the fingertips and rub it in gently, say Mayo Clinic experts. Make sure to keep it out of your nostrils, mouth and eyes. The dosage of this medication, as well as the number of times it is used daily, varies from patient to patient. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes using Differin Gel only as your doctor prescribes.
Side Effects
Dry, red, flaky skin is the most common side effect of Differin Gel and other retinoids. Skincare expert Paula Begoun notes that many people apply too much of this medication under the belief that more will give them quicker results--but this isn't true. It only makes chafed, reddened skin worse. Begoun says that retinoids are typically applied in very small amounts, usually no more than a pea-sized amount.
Other Cautions
The most important thing to be aware of when using Differin Gel is that it increases your sensitivity to the sun, making sunburn and skin irritation more likely, cautions the Mayo Clinic. When using this medication, don't intentionally sunbathe or use a tanning bed. Put on a sunblock with a sun protection factor of at least 15 before going outdoors, advises the clinic.
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