It’s safe to say that I am blessed with a combination skin condition. Which means, my skin is stored with a perfect amount of sebum and normality. However, the problem with people with combination skin, sometimes we can’t control the amount of oiliness that is being produced all over the skin layers. And with all the excess oil, dirt and products leftover being stuck underneath the barrier, that’s when the angry hormonal acne made its debut—especially on the day that we least expected.

So, the solution? None other than the Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%, which contains sodium hydroxide that can help to dismiss the appearance of acne, even the most stubborn one! 

I tried to spend my whole week using this one particular product in order to regain my silky-smooth skin appearance, and it is safe to say, it’s working! Without further ado, I shared with you my acne-free skin journey using the trustee Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%. Exclusively at Beauty Insider. 

What Is ‘’Hormonal Acne?’’ 

Everyone deals with acne differently. So, the term ‘’hormonal acne’’ may vary for different people. However, the best way to detect if you’re facing hormonal acne problems is when you are going through a cycle of periods, pregnancy, or menopause. Basically a time where your hormones play a vital role in changing the state of your biology. For example, hormonal imbalances, your PMS and even environmental contamination can all lead to the ‘’construction’’ of these stubborn acne.

Moreover, hormonal acne often comes along with a few other annoying nibs, which are irregular periods, weight gains and excessive oil production. Hormonal acne—or mostly referred to as adult acne—usually grows on the U-zone of the face; cheeks, chin and jawline. 

What Causes Hormonal Acne? 

As mentioned above, hormonal acne usually occurs when the state of your body, or biology is changing. For women aged between 18 years old to 50 years old, their Estrogen and Progesterone levels actively play their part, and they will drop just before your period happens. During your menstrual cycle, the levels of Androgen—also known as masculine hormones—are higher than your other femminine hormones. Which leads to clogged pores. And while most of us think it’s only affecting teenagers, it can also occur at any stage of an adult’s life. Even around 40-50 of age. The more you know. You can read more about it here: Hormonal Acne: What Causes Them And How To Treat Them?

The Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Review

Now, I’m sure those of you who are struggling with acne skin problems are tired of spending hundreds of dollars on different products, and none of them doesn’t deliver the result that you hoped for. This Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the last unsung hero you never thought existed. Surprisingly, this gel is the first FDA-approved over the counter treatment that contains heavy retinoid inside, and really was the saving grace to my all acne-concern problem.

They first made its market debut in the year of 1996, where the initial target was to cure acne vulgaris for anyone aged 12 years and above. I even found out that this small but mighty gel contains the Rx-strength, which is the powerful retinoid element that can help take out any breakouts, and can even block the growth of acne before it reaches the surface of your skin.

The product that was first created to treat special patients with doctor’s prescriptions (only) has now become the world-wide favourite, ever since it was made available over-the-counter in 2017. 

The Ingredients 

This Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% contains heavy retinoid inside. Though, some people tend to get confused with retinol. I saw some bloggers and beauty reviewers wrongly explaining that this gel contains retinol instead of retinoid. What’s the difference, anyway? Well, mainly retinoid (which this gel accommodates), works faster in delivering results as opposed to retinol. Retinol usually takes its time to move around and cure specific skin concerns, while retinoids, which have better molecular structure, move faster in processing the condition of your skin.

However, both ingredients work just fine for all skin types, even the most sensitive. It just depends on how long you are willing to wait on curing your acne problem. 

The Texture

When it comes to texture-wise, this Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% feels super lightweight, non-greasy or sticky—which is really a good point for me because as mentioned, I have pretty solid amount of sebum on my face, so I tried to strive away from any products that could lead to even more oiliness. This gel is in clear-coloured, kind of transparent in look. It glides smoothly on every perimeter of my skin, where I want to apply.

According to the website and other triers, you don’t really have to splash too much of this product on the targeted area. A little goes along the way. A tiny dot is enough to shush the red dots away. The good rule of thumb is to squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your finger and just dot them around the place where you want to get rid of.

The Feeling

As for the feels or any reaction, there was none. Though, for you with overly-sensitive skin might face a little tingle effect at first, but overall this gel is safe to use for all skin types. I did not suffer from any irritation, peeling, or stinging the whole time I used this gel. If anything, it makes my skin look even better than before. It feels smoother, silkier and my uneven skin tones even goes back to its normal state. No more dark spots or acne scars around my face, detected.

Basically, after a total of seven days of suing, you can already start to see the difference. Some of you with minimal acne conditions can even get a sooner effect. That’s good news! There are still a few scars or acne spots that need to be gotten rid of, but so far my skin starts to look like skin again. 

The Verdict? 

An absolute worth it acne-gel product that will help to diminish not only hormonal acne, but ‘’baby’’ acne, scarring, uneven skin tone, dark spot, wrinkles and fine lines. Even with a heavy retinoid ingredient inside, this product is safe to use for any skin condition, including the most sensitive ones.

They won’t irritate your skin, so don’t worry. A tiny squeeze goes along the way. There is no need to layered them thickly all over your face, just dab them around on the targeted area over a night, and you’ll be surprised at how fast your acne disappears. Definitely a must have product for anyone suffering from a stubborn acne problem. 

Buy Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Why we love it: 

  • Effective Acne Cleansing Gel with 0.1% ADA
  • Prevents breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, clog pores
  • Restores skin tone and texture by clearing acne

Price: RM 36.00

Where to buy: Shopee

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