You might sigh with relief when your acne breakout finally clears up, but some spots can leave distressing reminders behind. When acne is severe enough, it can cause noticeable pits in the skin known as acne scars.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the world, with up to 80% of people experiencing one or more breakouts in their lifetime. The spots associated with acne occur when bacteria, dead skin, and oil block your pores. Hormonal changes, certain medications, the environment, and stress are common causes of acne. 

Acne Types

A common skin condition, acne happens to just about everyone. It can be an occasional occurrence or one that persists, even into adulthood. Acne usually appears on the face, back, neck, and chest and is the result of your hair follicles becoming clogged with sebum (oil) and dead skin cells.

Types of acne:

1. Papules: Solid and small cone shaped bumps that can be skin coloured, red, or purple.
2. Pustules: Solid inflamed bumps that have a white or yellow pus-filled tip.
3. Blackheads: Blocked follicles at the skin’s surface that appear black because of how air reacts to the oil.
4. Whiteheads: Blocked follicles below the skin’s surface that close up around the blockage.
5. Nodules: A severe form of acne that causes large and hard lumps below the skin that can be very painful.
6. Cysts: The most severe form of acne that appears similar to boils and can leave behind acne scars.

What Causes Acne Scars?

All types of acne can leave behind scars, but it’s more common with the most severe forms like nodules and cysts. Picking and popping acne can also cause scarring so it’s important to let your spots heal on their own.

When your pore becomes inflamed with acne, the pore swells and its walls become damaged. If the acne is small, the scar it creates will usually be shallow enough to heal quickly on its own. Your skin does this by producing new collagen fibres to heal the scar. Sometimes, however, your skin can’t repair the scar on its own.

There are several types of acne scars and it isn’t uncommon to have more than one type. Some of them cause depressions in the skin while others leave behind raised scars.

Types of acne scars:

1. Boxcar scars: Most common on the jaw and lower cheeks, these scars are indents in the skin with sharp, deep edges.
2. Ice pick scars: Scars that resemble the shape of an ice pick, with a wide opening that narrows as it goes deeper into the skin. They’re usually found where the skin is thinner, on the forehead and upper cheeks.
3. Rolling scars: These scars have sloping edges that can make the skin appear uneven and are common on the lower cheeks and jaw.
4. Keloid scars: Raised lesions caused by your skin producing too much repair tissue (collagen). They can be painful or itchy and are most commonly found on the back, shoulders, jaw line, and chest.

Acne Treatment

Differin is one of the most popular and effective topical acne treatments worldwide. It has been successfully used for over 20 years in the treatment of acne and even acne scars. Differin gel contains adapalene, a type of retinoid that helps with cell turnover.

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, an important mineral for skin health. With acne, vitamin A promotes the production of new and healthier skin. This can help clear up acne, slow the signs of ageing, and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Topical retinoids play a crucial role in the treatment of acne. When you have acne, your skin cell turnover is in overdrive — as new cells are being produced, old cells aren’t being discarded as they should. These old cells, along with sebum and bacteria, clog the pores.

Adapalene adjusts the speed of skin cell turnover to make sure your skin goes through the right process, creating a healthier environment for skin. Regulating skin cell turnover to a normal rate helps to keep the pores from clogging and target acne before it even starts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) therapeutic treatment guidelines, topical retinoids are recommended as a primary therapy for initial treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne.

How Does Differin Gel Work?

Differin Gel works by acting as a natural exfoliant by increasing the turnover of skin cells. This process can clear up acne, heal mild acne scars, and unclog blackheads. It also works as an anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and redness.

Positive results should start showing between week 2 and week 12. It can sometimes take up to 12 weeks of consistent use for you to notice significant improvement so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get results right away. You might have a period where your symptoms seem worse. This is known as a ‘purge period’ and usually happens during the 2–4-week mark. Differin gel works on a cellular level so your clogged pores will be pushed to the surface of your skin as it heals and clears.

Some people also experience ‘retinization,’ an adjustment period as your skin adjusts to adapalene. Your skin may be red and irritated, but it’s temporary.

How To Use Differin Gel for the Treatment of Acne

Thoroughly wash your face with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser prior to using Differin gel. Once your skin is dry, apply a thin layer directly to the skin.

You should only use it once per day and aim to use it at the same time each day, either in the morning or at night. Most people opt to use it at night so that any irritation clears up overnight.

Order Differin Online in the UK from Pharmacy Planet

If you want clearer, happier skin with fewer acne scars, visit Pharmacy Planet to buy Differin Cream and Differin 0.3 gel online in the UK. You’ll need to complete a short assessment for our prescribers to review, but once your request is approved, you can order Differin online with fast UK delivery.