Ive been on Differin for nearly 6 months now. First of all, let me start off by telling you my background. Im 29 years old and have noticed acne forming around my chin and neckline. The rest of my face is relatively clear. I decided that I needed to go on prescription strength acne medication because my chin and neck seemed to be breaking out a lot more. The more I read about it, the more I learned that this type of acne develops due to a hormonal imbalance. I always seemed to break out about a week or so prior to my menstrual cycle. I would say that I experienced anywhere from mild to moderate acne since I was in high school and I have really oily skin. I never experienced acne like this before though. Before, it was always on my face rather than around my neckline.

I personally didnt have a problem with dry skin, but I always used a moisturizer (Cetaphil). I also used Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser because it had a less drying effect than other cleansers on the market. I used Differin the evening before I went to bed and applied 10% Benzoyl peroxide in the morning along with a moisturizer (although, if I were to do it over again, I would apply 5% directly on active pimples only). Try to resist popping your pimples and clean your face gently by washing your face with your hands. I think that it took longer for my face to clear up because I was using a wash cloth, which was too rough on my skin and possibly spread the bacteria on my face. The tube will last for 4 months if you use a pea size amount. You really dont need any more than that. If you use more, it will only dry out your face.

It took about 3 months for my face to really clear up to the point where I was happy with it. The first 2 months were awful. My face broke out worse than it ever had in my entire life! Lucky for me, it was winter time and I could cover it up by wearing turtleneck sweaters. I would have been mortified if the acne was all over my face rather than just on my neckline. I would not recommend starting Differin if you have any big plans in the next 2 -3 months. Your face WILL get worse before it gets better. So, if you have a big wedding coming up or a graduation ceremony soon, skip the Differin until you have a good solid three months to suffer through the worst part of your acne management. Also, if you have severe acne, you may want to ask your doctor about being put on antibiotics when you start the medication. It will probably take at least 5 or 6 months for your face to clear up if you have severe acne.

My face is perfectly clear now, with no active lesions. I had a few dark, red spots on my face that eventually faded. I am grateful that my acne is now under control. I have to tell you, after 3 months, I was ready to call it quits. It was a rough three months, but Im so happy that I stuck with it! If you have lots of patients, than I say give it a try! If not, skip Differin and stick with on the spot Benzoyl Peroxide to dry up pimples that show their ugly, little heads! But, BP will not do the trick to completely rid your problem skin. I feel, with time, only Differin can do that. Good luck!