Does the Differin Acne Gel really work?

Reaction to Acne Medication (CLINDOXYL GEL, DIFFERIN XP, & DOXYCYCLINE)?

• So Earlier on this month my dermatologist prescribed me: -APO-DOXY 100 Mg to take twice a day for 12 weeks -Clindoxyl Gel (Clindamycin/benzoyl pero) to put on every morning ...show more

• Answer:

  One of the most common ways of treating acne is the use of retinoids. Retinoids are substances derived from Vitamin A, which attempt to cure acne by normalizing the lifecycle of follicle cells. There are two types of such substances, based on application: external (topical) and oral. The best known external retinoids are Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac, while the oral retinoids list is headed by the popular Accutane. However, about one quarter of the patients who used Accutane or other drugs based on isotretinoin may relapse and require additional treatment. But the biggest drawback of retinoids is the long list of side effects, which sometimes makes retinoids look like a disease rather than a cure. The most common side effects are dry skin and nosebleeds. Many patients have also reported liver problems, while a few complained of depression. However, the scientific community is still split on the issue of depression. More seriously, isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects, which is why female patients have to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence during the treatment. Pregnant women are not allowed to use anything but the mildest treatments. The bottom line is that retinoids are a good idea if one can cope with the side effects. This begs the question: why not use something just as effective, but without the side effects. Acne treatment systems, such as ClearPores: http://www.clearpores.com/clicks/clickthrough.html?a=150901 are also popular because of their success in dealing with the condition, but lack the extreme side that makes retinoids a pain to use. The choice between these treatments is yours.