Differin XP Gel is used to treat acne. It may decrease the number and severity of acne and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. 

Apply a thin film of Differin XP Gel to the entire face and any other affected areas of the skin once daily in the evening after washing gently with a non-medicated soap. Avoid application to the areas of skin around the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. A mild transitory warmth or slight stinging sensation may occur shortly after Differin XP Gel's application. Patients should be instructed to minimize sun exposure. Patients may be instructed to use moisturizers to relieve dry skin or irritation.

Therapy should be re-evaluated if therapeutic results are not noticed after 12 weeks of treatment. For topical use only. Not for ophthalmic, oral or intravaginal use.

During the first three weeks, you use Differin XP Gel; your acne may worsen before it gets better. Full improvement should be seen within 12 weeks, especially if you use the medicine daily. Check with your doctor if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. You should not stop using Differin XP Gel if your acne worsens unless irritation or other symptoms become severe. Do not apply any topical product to the same area where you are using Differin XP Gel unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If applied to the same area treated with Differin XP Gel, the following products may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin:

• Hair products that irritate the skin, such as permanent or hair removal products
• Skin products for acne or other skin products containing a peeling agent
• Skin products that cause one to be more sensitive to the sun, such as those containing spices or lime
• Skin products that are too drying or that contain a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, cosmetics, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions
• Skin products that are abrasive, such as some soaps or skin cleansers
• Applying the products at different times of the day will lessen the chance of causing skin irritation.
• Since your skin may be more prone to sunburn or irritation, use sunscreen or sunblocking lotions regularly with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Avoid getting too much sun on treated areas during treatment with this medicine, and do not use sunlamps. Wear protective clothing against the sun, wind, and cold weather.

Get emergency medical help if you have the following:

• skin redness,
• stinging, burning, or
• peeling after sun exposure.

Some side effects may occur during the first four weeks of using Differin XP Gel. These side effects should become less noticeable with continued use.

Common Differin side effects of Differin XP Gel may include:

• dry, red, or scaly skin;
• the feeling of warmth and mild stinging or burning;
• peeling skin; or
• skin pain.

These are not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. 

Can Differin XP Gel be mixed with other medications?

Avoid mixing Differin XP Gel with other creams, gels, or lotions. You should apply it to your acne as is. If you use other acne medications, you should apply them at different times of the day.

Is Differin XP Gel the same as Retin-A Gel?

Differin XP Gel and Retin-A Gel are different medications, but they are both used to treat mild-to-moderate acne.

Can you moisturize before or after Differin XP Gel?

Applying Differin XP Gel is best to give your skin the best chance at absorbing the full dose. Once the medication is completely rubbed in and your skin is dry to the touch, you can apply a moisturizer.

What side effects are possible with Differin XP Gel?

Burning sensation or stinging, dryness and peeling, itching and redness of the skin may occur.