By Brandi Broxson, HelloGiggles
Having acne as a teenager is a kind of rite of passage. I spent many
weekends in high school doing peel-off masks, pore strips, and dabbing
on spot treatments. The constant search for a solution was some sort of
annoying novelty.
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Unfortunately, that quest extended into adulthood where, at 28, I’m
still plagued by those ugly red bumps and painful hormonal whoppers
which often crop up on my chin and cheeks.
About a month ago, I turned to our beauty editor, Chelsea Burns, for skin advice. She told me about Differin Gel,
a product that used to be by prescription only but recently became
available over-the-counter. It contains adapalene, a kind of retinoid
that helps treat existing pimples and prevent future ones by normalizing
cell turnover. I had heard retinoids were great for anti-aging but had
no idea that they’re also effective for treating acne. The formula is
also oil-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free, which is essential for
my sensitive skin.
I was skeptical when I saw the price was only $13 for a 30-day
supply—I’ve tried a lot of skin products and thought that expensive
equates to better results. Wrong! My skin has never been clearer, and
I’ve also noticed that it has reduced the appearance of old acne marks.
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Even better, it’s a cinch to use. Every night, I apply a pea-sized
amount (really, you don’t need any more than that!) of the gel to my
troublesome T-zone and wake up with noticeably less red and swollen
blemishes. But consistency is key if you want to see results. And a word of advice? Use a moisturizer to prevent feeling too dry.