Hey everyone,

I've been using Differin cream for the past 5+ weeks. I know Dr. Baumann recommends the gel for my skin type, but I have ultra-sensitive skin that can barely handle even mild facial cleansers... so my doctor gave me the cream.

Talk about painful... I've practically gone into hybernation. I actually haven't had much of a problem with flaky/peeling skin. For the most part my skin has improved, but I've had painful nodules and cystic acne on my chin the whole time (AKA "the big bumps" under your skin). My chin has always been my trouble area, so this might be a typical reaction to Differin. I'll have to let you gals/guys know how I'm feeling after the 12-week mark.

Main question: I'm wondering if I should try to use something in the day (Differin is for night only). I can't use benzoyl peroxide because my skin hates it. I'm thinking about asking my doctor if it's OK to use Plexion or Klaron in the AM with Differin in the PM. Has anyone tried these or any of the other products mentioned on page 155 or 157? Do you know if certain ones shouldn't be paired with a retinoid facial cream?

Thanks!

Edit: I decided to change the title to something broader!

Hey everyone,

I've been using Differin cream for the past 5+ weeks. I know Dr. Baumann recommends the gel for my skin type, but I have ultra-sensitive skin that can barely handle even mild facial cleansers... so my doctor gave me the cream.

Talk about painful... I've practically gone into hybernation. I actually haven't had much of a problem with flaky/peeling skin. For the most part my skin has improved, but I've had painful nodules and cystic acne on my chin the whole time (AKA "the big bumps" under your skin). My chin has always been my trouble area, so this might be a typical reaction to Differin. I'll have to let you gals/guys know how I'm feeling after the 12-week mark.

Main question: I'm wondering if I should try to use something in the day (Differin is for night only). I can't use benzoyl peroxide because my skin hates it. I'm thinking about asking my doctor if it's OK to use Plexion or Klaron in the AM with Differin in the PM. Has anyone tried these or any of the other products mentioned on page 155 or 157? Do you know if certain ones shouldn't be paired with a retinoid facial cream?

Thanks!

Edit: I decided to change the title to something broader!

I had no acne ever until I started using differen gel. now I have the worst acne of my life and I am 30. I have stoped using it now for 3 weeks and my skin is finally clearing up. :'(

My dermatologist recommended Plexion. That stuff is POWERFUL! I have SUPER oily skin and my face got SO red, angry and dried out that it looked like one big RASH! It's really harsh on facial skin....I do use the Plexion cleansing pads on my chest, shoulders and back and it works great and keeps the skin clear and soft....guess it was just too powerful for my facial skin and sounds like it would be for yours too.

Thanks a bunch for the responses, and thanks for the head's up about Plexion. I've read good things about Klaron, so maybe I'll ask. I've decided that I'd like to stick with only Differin for at least another month or so.

I'm now completing week seven of my Differin treatment. About a week ago, quite suddenly, my skin's oil production dramatically decreased and my skin began clearing up. I haven't developed any more bumps and the old ones are healing. My skin isn't perfect by any means, but it seems to be getting better each day. If I wear make-up, you can hardly tell that I have a problem with acne or oily skin. Could I possibly be moving past the "purging" stage? Oh my do I ever hope so. Those were a tremendously awful seven weeks of my life (I would say that weeks 3-6 were the worst), but if it leads to clear skin in the long-run, I'll have to say it was worth it.

I'll continue to post updates.

I'n not on the prescription regimen, only phase I, but I really saw a change after 8 weeks,too...I'm glad you're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel...