From the Guidelines
Adapalene is primarily used to treat acne vulgaris, particularly mild to moderate cases, as a topical retinoid medication available in various strengths (0.1% and 0.3%) as gels, creams, and lotions, with brand names including Differin. It works by normalizing skin cell turnover, preventing clogged pores, and reducing inflammation 1. The medication is typically applied once daily, in the evening, to clean, dry skin, with a treatment duration of at least 12 weeks to see optimal results, though some improvement may be visible within 2-4 weeks.
Key Uses and Benefits
- Adapalene has off-label uses for treating photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and keratosis pilaris 1.
- It is also used in combination with other topical therapies, such as benzoyl peroxide, to optimize efficacy and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance 1.
- A study found that adapalene 0.3% gel was more efficacious than 0.1% in achieving AK count reduction after 9 months 1.
Administration and Side Effects
- Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin once daily, typically in the evening.
- Side effects may include initial skin irritation, dryness, redness, and increased sun sensitivity, so using sunscreen daily is essential 1.
- Start with application every other day if irritation occurs, gradually increasing to daily use as tolerance develops.
- Avoid use during pregnancy as retinoids may pose risks to fetal development.
Combination Therapy
- Adapalene can be used in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of acne, with a study showing a greater reduction of inflammatory and total lesion counts in the PDT group at 12 weeks 1.
- However, additional high-quality trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of this combination therapy.
From the FDA Drug Label
Principal Display Panel TopCare beauty™ ADAPALENE GEL USP, 0.1% ACNE TREATMENT Once daily topical retinoid*
The uses of Adapalene (Differin) are for acne treatment.
- It is a topical retinoid used once daily. 2
From the Research
Uses of Adapalene (Differin)
- Adapalene is a retinoid agent indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris 3, 4
- It can be used alone in mild acne or in combination with antimicrobials in inflammatory acne 3, 4
- Adapalene has proved efficacious as maintenance treatment 3, 4
- It has a rapid onset of action and a particularly favourable tolerability profile compared with other retinoids 3, 4
- Combination therapy with adapalene gel 0.1% and doxycycline is effective for the treatment of severe acne vulgaris 5
- Adapalene 0.1% lotion is also effective and well tolerated in the treatment of acne vulgaris 6
- Adapalene has been compared with other topical retinoids, such as tazarotene, and has been found to be comparably effective 7
Treatment Regimens
- Adapalene can be used once daily in the evening 5
- It can be used in combination with oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, for the treatment of severe acne vulgaris 5
- An alternate-day regimen of tazarotene has been compared with a once-daily regimen of adapalene, and both regimens were found to be comparably effective 7
Efficacy and Safety
- Adapalene has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory lesions in patients with acne vulgaris 3, 4, 6
- It has a favourable tolerability profile, with most adverse events being mild or moderate in severity 6
- Adapalene 0.1% lotion has been found to be easily spreadable, easily absorbed, and pleasant to use, according to patient surveys 6