Hey guys,

sorry I've been a bit quiet, had a lot on!

Well, glad to hear you're doing well SV. I was super happy then end of last week, beginning of this week as I was doing so well....very clear, with only the minimal end of spots on the temples and RHJS of my chin. Even the RHS of my face was clearing. The LHS of my face I would say was clear and smooth. Then Monday night I over exfoliated with a microfoliant as soon as I got out of the shower my face was stinging on the front of my cheeks and the crease next to my lips. Instantly it was very very dry and sore. I used a barrier moisturiser, then applied the differin as normal. The next day my skin had exploded in loads (and I mean loads) of those small under the skin, skin coloured bumps. In the light in my rear view mirror my skin looked just awful, it felt awful , and I felt awful. Unfortunately I then tried (and managed with most of them) to squeeze the hard white seeds ou. Now its just dry and sore, still sore bumps coming up and some large red marks. Its not covering up very well either.

Im so upset about the whole thing, I've not gone to work today, which is very unusual. I just want to hide away. It was all going so well Done 7 weeks and into the 8th. At first I thought it was the exfoliating, but now getting spots / bumps coming up else where from where I rubbed....I don't know if its an IB, or my TOFM, or what to be honest. Maybe a combination. But, it feels like its never going to get better The differin is aggravating it, but don't want to stop using it as i'll get more bumps. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Today will bet week 2 ! Time flies huh. SV good idea I'd stick with it too tbh.

How long did it take until your white heads stopped coming up ? I seem to be getting then like crazy on my forehead it's super depressing.

Some are just small red lumps/bumps that don't have a head! Whyyy

You bet it does

Well, I had whiteheads for ages: it only started to go away during the... 6th week? It was the same for me too, except on my cheeks and jaw too.

I still have those bumps with no head, but only a few now. I'm just waiting for those to surface to be honest.

@Sboo

Long time no hear! Ooh I'm so sorry Maybe you should lay off the Differin for a couple of days? It will get better, don't worry Maybe it's just another breakout; I know I get a couple of spots just before my TOTM

Day 53 | 8th week

I don't think I've ever woken up with my face so even before. I guess it's because I've woken up the last two days really early so I've not had a chance to see my bare skin in the natural light before I put on makeup. But holy moly, you can hardly tell pigmentation is there, especially on my left cheek. Feels smooth, I can still tell that bumps are there but the pigmentation's an improvement ey

Just gotta not mess around with it now

(by the way, yesterday I washed it last minute with really hot water, Nivea gel cleanser and Botanics microdermabrasion and then put Differin on straight after I came out of the bathroom - maybe I can start doing that now seeing as my skin's used to it)

Just noticed that I have a relatively big spot coming up on my chin, just below the lower lip but I'm pretty sure that's a TOTM spot so not too fussed. Gonna leave it and hope that it goes away soon

SV, sounds like youre doing really well...leave it alone!!!!! that's what caused all my issues earlier in the week I think. Things are calming down a little I think... trying not to look unless ive got make up on or am about to put it on, lol!!!

guys, how do i know that i should be on the Gel or the cream? i'm racking my brains as i think the gel is too drying for my already dry skin... yet i dont want to clog my face with a cream emollient :/

what shall i do? advice urgently needed before i hare to the doc and get the cream prescribed

I really don't know....the doc I saw wasn't very nice and basically told me to get on with the acne as there wasn't going to be any cure and I needed to live with it!!! She was horrible, said it wasn't that bad and def not bad enough to warrant a derm referral!!! I was wearing makeup, and she has no idea. anyway, I have the cream....but if I have to start worrying if I should have the gel instead on top of everything else then im screwed, lol

ps Jack the lad...I'd cut down on the sausage rolls, based on some of the dietary posts ive been reading, lol

SV, sounds like youre doing really well...leave it alone!!!!! that's what caused all my issues earlier in the week I think. Things are calming down a little I think... trying not to look unless ive got make up on or am about to put it on, lol!!!

Thanks, still going strong hahah Even if I don't leave it alone, my skin goes back to normal in 3-4 days... but I don't want to take that risk!

guys, how do i know that i should be on the Gel or the cream? i'm racking my brains as i think the gel is too drying for my already dry skin... yet i dont want to clog my face with a cream emollient

what shall i do? advice urgently needed before i hare to the doc and get the cream prescribed

Either use the gel and have a really good moisturiser, or switch to the cream. I don't think you'd know for sure which one is better for you without trying both to be honest Saying that, the cream really shouldn't clog you up, seeing as it's designed to do the complete opposite!

Skin colored bumps after exfoilating with baking soda got on my cleavage. It really looks awful

On 7th week (50th day) of differin 0.1% gel. Aint doing anything yet hope to see some good results soon. Well i got wounds coz of scratching in my face n neck. It dries the skin so much i feel like i am a granny..

SV I found something interesting- I found a note from the derm that I visited way back about 6 years ago and he prescribed differin cream and duac and then stated once you clear up then to go on the gel to remove and heal hyper pig etc

Also about the two creams or gels this is interesting . Sorry it's so long

Generally, if you are using retinoids for acne, gels are the preferred choice. They are less emollient and therefore aren't as pore clogging, which can be a life-saver for those with very clog-prone and congested skin. Gels also enhance penetration, making the retinoid stronger and more effective. However, as a trade off, gels tend to cause more irritation and dryness-related side effects.

Creams may be better choices for those with dry and/or sensitive skin. Their emollient base makes them less penetrating than gels, but they are usually less irritating as a result. Cream-based retinoids are also perfect as anti-aging products. However, the cream vehicle, usually oily, can be problematic for those with acne prone or finicky skin.

In terms of retinoid strength, gels tend to be stronger than creams because they enhance penetration whereas the oils in cream bases act as slight buffers. Alcohol-based gels are stronger than water-based gels, which in turn are stronger than cream-based retinoids.

So which one is better, gel or cream retinoid treatments?

The answer is: you won't really know which base is best for your skin until you try them out. If you find the gel version to be too drying or too irritating, then switch to the cream. If the cream gives you clogged pores, then see if the gel makes things a bit better. If the cream gives you clogged pores but the gel makes your skin too dry, you can always use a moisturizer to buffer its effects.

Whichever formulation you choose to use, it's absolutely essential that you know how to use retinoids the right way. Learning proper application will help reduce irritation and redness and ensure that you get the maximum results from your retinoid

NOTE: Sometimes, retinoids in the gel form actually look like creams because they are white in texture and not translucent like most of us imagine gel products to be. So if you get Differin gel and it looks like it's a cream, don't fret! Retinoid gels tend to have an opaque, lotion-like quality and be lighter feeling than cream formulations.

Gel and cream retinoids can both be effective, but which vehicle of retinoid suits your skin best will depend on what your skin likes. Now that you understand the difference between gels and creams, learn about the difference between natural and synthetic retinoids and differentiate amongst the various brands and types of retinoids and how they vary in strength and effectiveness.

Skin colored bumps after exfoilating with baking soda got on my cleavage. It really looks awful

On 7th week (50th day) of differin 0.1% gel. Aint doing anything yet hope to see some good results soon. Well i got wounds coz of scratching in my face n neck. It dries the skin so much i feel like i am a granny..

Keep us updated! Yeah, Differin dries you out so much at the beginning but you can always use a rich body lotion in the daytime

SV I found something interesting- I found a note from the derm that I visited way back about 6 years ago and he prescribed differin cream and duac and then stated once you clear up then to go on the gel to remove and heal hyper pig etc

Also about the two creams or gels this is interesting . Sorry it's so long

Generally, if you are using retinoids for acne, gels are the preferred choice. They are less emollient and therefore aren't as pore clogging, which can be a life-saver for those with very clog-prone and congested skin. Gels also enhance penetration, making the retinoid stronger and more effective. However, as a trade off, gels tend to cause more irritation and dryness-related side effects.

Creams may be better choices for those with dry and/or sensitive skin. Their emollient base makes them less penetrating than gels, but they are usually less irritating as a result. Cream-based retinoids are also perfect as anti-aging products. However, the cream vehicle, usually oily, can be problematic for those with acne prone or finicky skin.

In terms of retinoid strength, gels tend to be stronger than creams because they enhance penetration whereas the oils in cream bases act as slight buffers. Alcohol-based gels are stronger than water-based gels, which in turn are stronger than cream-based retinoids.

So which one is better, gel or cream retinoid treatments?

The answer is: you won't really know which base is best for your skin until you try them out. If you find the gel version to be too drying or too irritating, then switch to the cream. If the cream gives you clogged pores, then see if the gel makes things a bit better. If the cream gives you clogged pores but the gel makes your skin too dry, you can always use a moisturizer to buffer its effects.

Whichever formulation you choose to use, it's absolutely essential that you know how to use retinoids the right way. Learning proper application will help reduce irritation and redness and ensure that you get the maximum results from your retinoid

NOTE: Sometimes, retinoids in the gel form actually look like creams because they are white in texture and not translucent like most of us imagine gel products to be. So if you get Differin gel and it looks like it's a cream, don't fret! Retinoid gels tend to have an opaque, lotion-like quality and be lighter feeling than cream formulations.

Gel and cream retinoids can both be effective, but which vehicle of retinoid suits your skin best will depend on what your skin likes. Now that you understand the difference between gels and creams, learn about the difference between natural and synthetic retinoids and differentiate amongst the various brands and types of retinoids and how they vary in strength and effectiveness.

Ooh, that is interesting

I would've liked to have gone for the gel tbh - I always feel like they're more effective, but the cream version is doing fine atm

And it does make sense that alcohol-based > water-based > cream-based

It all sounds about right

UPDATE: Day 55 | 8th week

Bit of a crisis. Seems like the last few days was the calm before the storm. Ok, not exactly a storm but loads of stuff was ready to come out of my pores today. So, third IB? Not really an IB but bumps are much more raised and the indents in the middle of them are much bigger, which in my experience means something is definitely ready to come out. Also that TOTM spot under my lower lip hasn't gone yet, damn it. Feels and looks like the rest of the bumps are ready to purge? Which actually is a relief.

Will update in a couple of days

One week today nothing really bad all week, a little here and there. Only a little bit now I'm wondering if its because of the mino or if in a week or two its gonna be BAD haha. I thought a peeled a few days but turns out it was my lotion tht dried and shriveled up lucky me haha

SV - glad you are persisting - only concern is that you are still breaking out- I have a feeling it could be the cream you are using, have you thought about switching or do you feel waiting till 12 weeks is best? you are not on any antibiotics are you?

The chase - good stuff, it was the second week my skin purged like a mofo. although saying that I pretty much broke out using it from the word go. My skin must have been clogged. Got two new white heads ready to bite the dust as well just now.

was tempted to do my antibiotics but would rather not upset my stomach. I abused antibiotics when I was 19/20 years old etc don't think they helped in the long term. Certainly cleared me up well in the short term though.

That's why I am hesitant to start tetrysal

If differin alone doesn't cure me after 3 months then I am going to get accutane prescribed at a low dose because to be frank at 26 years old I want my life back and to not worry about my skin - it's been long enough having this persistent shit fuck my face up

SV - glad you are persisting - only concern is that you are still breaking out- I have a feeling it could be the cream you are using, have you thought about switching or do you feel waiting till 12 weeks is best? you are not on any antibiotics are you?

Well, they're not breakouts per se, it's just the rest of the bumps surfacing. It could be the fact that I'm using the cream, but seeing as I've had great results with it already, I'm going to stick it out for the full 12 weeks and see if any more significant improvement has been made. The amount of bumps I've got now compared to when I first started are way less. I really do want to try the gel though sometime. And nah, not on any antibiotics

I wanted my life back after ten months... can't imagine how you feel jack. But yeah I'm hoping ot does acctualy just get it over with I arranged my affairs so that I can take a full week off of everything haha. But I would like to get off antibiotics I have been reading about what they can do to your system and I'm an avid weight lifter and h avnt been seeing much results or gains since I started taking them so I really want to get off

SV good move I agree in that case, it does take a while for them to surface - just happens faster on gel

Chase: yeah man I've had acne since I was 13 then it cleared at 17 then returned at 19 and then died down at 22 and then it's been mildy persistent since then until now and I'm nearly 27.. So for me this is the last straw. I know it sounds silly but I shouldn't get spots! I can't remember the last time if there ever was a time where I didn't go for a week without spots or marks/ scars from spots..

when I think of it like that, if differin doesn't work I am absolutely going on accutane. it's a shame but that's where I am.

oh and yes antibiotics really didn't help my internals - I'm sure it was the cause of a low case of folliculitis. And digestive issues. furthermore it stops absorbsion of food to a degree so yes not good for work outs

Hey

@SlinkyVintage

Sorry i've been MIA for a month. Been very busy. how is your skin doing? i stopped using epiduo on my last post here then around valentine's day i started it again. first week i used it every third night then moistiurizer after 15 minutes. my face was red and dry and flaky.

2nd week

i started using it every other night then moisturizer after. still red dry flaky peeling and sometimes itchy especially at night when im sleeping. been applying moisturizer three times a day cause it so dry and red peeling and tight.

third week

use it everynight with moisturizer right after. really red, dry, flaky, tight, moisturizer helps a lot that i can move my face without cracking but still uncomfortable.

Fourth week

i'm on the 5th day of my fourth week now and still really red,dry, flaking, etc.

im not sure if i should continue using it. they say it takes month for those side effects to go away. im really going crazy. i really want this med to work. whatdo you think??

What do you guys think?

Oh hai there, welcome back My skin's calming again, skin's feeling smooth and soft to the touch, and definitely looking smoother too. Been on it for 58 days now, so just over 8 weeks and my skin is doing quite a lot better than when I started. Sure, I've got the odd breakout but in terms of under-the-skin bumps, they seemed to have reduced to a point where I'm no longer self-conscious of them anymore. It's all good Hoping to stick it out until 12 weeks and then see whether I think I should switch to the gel for those stubborn little bumps, or see whether the cream will get rid of them in time. They still seem to be focused on the outer areas of my face: the middle of my face I'd say is 95% smooth now.

Hmm, as for your situation, it's been a month now and if your skin is still as bad as it was when you started the Epiduo, I don't think it's working for you? Either that or you need a lower concentration/more emollient formula. Any other options? Maybe your face really can't tolerate retinoids any more, for some reason or another

@slinky vintage

Are you getting wounds or scratches because of dfferin? I got new yestersday near my mouth, it stings even if i wash my face..

Is this normal?

@slinky vintage

Are you getting wounds or scratches because of dfferin? I got new yestersday near my mouth, it stings even if i wash my face..

Is this normal?

Are they wounds as a result of scratching and picking or did they just come out of nowhere? If it's the first, then yeah, I've gotten some during my journey but that was near the beginning but I've never had them just come out of nowhere before

Yup beacuse of scratching at night while am asleep, n then next morning i find this wounds in my face..it wasnt like this in the begining but now its getting itchier, drier.

What should i do.? :/ i am applying moisturizer 15 mints later differin gel. N evn moisturizer stings when i apply it..:/ is this normal?

guys with any topical you must lay off it if you start to get any symptoms like this. then resume once your skin has had a break

Hey

Day 61 | 9th week

Sorry I haven't updated for ages, been too busy to actually reply (been reading the posts though), what with revision and everything. Well, still been applying every night and it finally looks as if the bumps on the outer areas of my face are starting to go, slowly though. I've not had any spots for ages and my face still feels very smooth and soft. Hyperpigmentation is SO much less noticeable, even by the window. If I face side-on to the window then my bumps aren't noticeable at all: I think the Differin has reduced the size of them, even though some are still there. I've not really paid attention tbh, my skin's the least of my worries at the moment!

How is everyone doing with Differin at the moment?

i stopped applying epiduo since the other night, my face is really red, dry, and flaky. i need to apply moisturizer immediately after washing my face cause its really dry and uncomfortable. i'm planning on using epiduo again but not sure if i should wait for my skin to turn back to its normal appearance or should i just give it a week then apply epiduo again even if there's still some irritation? what if i still get irritation when i use epiduo again? am i allergic to it? or just sensitive that i need to just use it less frequently? i'm not getting hives, swelling, etc. just the normal side effects but they're just so uncomfortable.

Hey

Day 62 | 9th week

Yesterday night, I did the OCM again: I made a new batch because my other one was months old. I basically got an old foundation bottle (ya know, with frosted glass and a pump because it makes me feel like I'm using a high end product haha), washed it out very thoroughly and filled it up. 50% extra virgin olive oil, 45% castor oil and 5% jojoba oil. I used to use sunflower oil instead of EVOO but we didn't have any left. Then I placed the pump on tightly so it's more hygienic. I washed my face with my cleansing gel and patted dry before using a couple of pumps and massaging it in. Bloody hell, the amount of black gunk that came out! I concentrated most of the places where I had bumps and felt a load of stuff come out from them. So I continued to massage the oil in and gradually more and more black gunk came out and then I removed the oil with a towel soaked in hot water. When I patted my face dry, at first I thought I could still feel some of the oil on my face but as my face dried more, my face just felt so soft and looked more even. EVOO is much more moisturising so I'm glad I used that because I was getting some flaky skin around my nose from having the flu and probably because of the Differin too. I put Differin on straight after that and this morning, I looked side on in the mirror for both sides of my face and no joke, the amount of bumps I have today is about half of the amount I had yesterday!

Will continue to use this batch of oil in conjunction with the Differin as it just helps it along a bit: if you're not afraid of trying something new, then I highly recommend the OCM!

Last night i kind of decided epiduo or adapalene isn't for me anymore. Battling acne shouldn't be this bad. i understand IB and some side effects but this isn't normal haha it just sucks knowing that something that helped me a lot before, is probably no longer safe for me.

 

for everyone who's having success from differin and is slowly clearing them up, take it from me, don't take it from granted. haha i still have a tube of differin in the drawer and whenver i see it i need to stop myself from using it again.

 

i was just wondering how you would know if you're allergic to something, i tried applying differin and epiduo on my wrist before to see if i'm going to have a reaction from them but i didn't. what gives?

 

Since i can't get out of the house with my face looking this bad (redness, dryness, flaking) , i'm going to give my derm a call tomorrow.