Acne Treatment with Retinoid Agents

Adapalene - Topical Acne Treatment

Adapalene (Differin) is another retinoid agent that is available for topical acne use. Its efficacy is similar to or slightly better than that of Retin A 0.025% gel, and it is available in either gel or solution.

Like tretinoin products, adapalene is comedolytic and often is used in conjunction with antibacterial agents. It produces significant erythema and dryness as a side effect and is best used once nightly and applied sparingly. Mild photosensitivity may occur initially.

Acne patients should be cautioned that this agent may initially exacerbate acne, although improvement will follow. Some patients may require 1 to 2 months of therapy to become accustomed to this agent. As with tretinoin, we encourage patients to begin with small amounts of drug and gradually increase the quantity as the skin becomes tolerant. Adapalene can be applied by patients at the same time as other topical agents and does not seem to be inactivated in this case. Retin A Micro should not be used at the same time as benzoyl peroxide.