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Information & Advice
Boots Prescriptions Direct makes it easier to get treatment for acne.
Published 23/02/2011
| Skinoren | Differin | |
|---|---|---|
| How often can I apply the product? | Twice daily | Once daily |
| How long can I use the cream for? | Six months | Three months, then assess. If working should be continued until skin is no longer prone to acne |
| Can I use if I'm pregnant? | No | No |
| Can I use if I'm breast-feeding? | No | Yes |
| What are the common side effects of the product? | Redness, scaling, dry skin, burning sensation | Dry skin, skin irritation, redness, burning sensation |
| Other information | Exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light should be avoided |
Skinoren works by killing the bacteria involved in causing acne. It also clears blackheads and whiteheads by reducing the growth of the harder outermost skin cells that block the pores of the skin.
Before applying Skinoren, the skin should be thoroughly cleansed with water and then dried. If your skin is greasy then a mild skin cleanser may be used. Skinoren should be massaged well into the affected areas twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. This can be reduced to once daily for sensitive skin.
To obtain the best results you will probably have to use Skinoren regularly for several months, although for no longer than six months at any time. The length of treatment will vary from person to person, depending on how bad the acne is at the beginning of treatment.
Do not use Differin while you are using Skinoren.
Skinoren can provide a distinct improvement to the affected areas within four weeks of starting treatment.
Skinoren can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. They are generally mild and usually occur at the beginning of treatment. Possible side effects include local skin irritation, such as red, itchy, dry and flaky skin. This usually improves as treatment continues.
Differin works by reducing the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), which is the earliest stage of mild to moderate acne. Differin should control the acne by preventing the comedones becoming inflamed. In addition, using a Benzoyl peroxide wash in conjunction with Differin will help reduce inflammation in acne.
Differin should be applied every night, before bedtime. The cream should be applied gently after washing, in a thin layer, using your fingertips. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying Differin, taking care to avoid the mouth and eye area. Don't let others use your cream. Differin shouldn't be used if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant during use, you should stop using Differin immediately and contact your doctor.
You should use Differin for three months, at which point you should assess whether your symptoms are responding to the cream. If you see signs of improvement, you can carry on using the product. Don't use any other acne treatments, other than Benzoyl peroxide wash, as you may find the treatment is less effective.
Do not use Skinoren while using Differin.
Differin is effective in helping to treat mild to moderate acne because it reduces the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).
Possible side effects for Differin can include localised skin irritation, dryness, redness or a burning sensation. Occasionally, there may be itching or peeling of the skin. In the event of persistent or troublesome side effects, patients should stop using Differin and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Customers can obtain up to four tubes per order and a maximum of 12 tubes in total for up to six months of treatment (Skinoren), or three tubes per order (Differin).
| Cost of Skinoren 30g | Cost of Differin 45g | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tube | £14.90 | £24.60 |
| 2 tubes | £18.72 | £41.70 |
| 3 tubes | £24.33 | £58.80 |
| 4 tubes | £29.94 |
We recommend that first-time users of Skinoren or Differin obtain only one tube initially to check suitability for them.
Skinoren and Differin are currently the only options available through Prescriptions Direct for acne.
However, there are other treatments to help treat mild to moderate acne, including:


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