Skincare Stacy

Skincare Stacy
What’s the best moisturizer to use with Differin?

What’s the best moisturizer to use with Differin?

The best moisturizer to use with Differin gel (also known as adapalene) is any hydrating and healing moisturizer.

However, the exact right moisturizer for you will depend on your skin type!

Some of my favorites are:

This article will explain everything you need to know about adapalene gel and the best moisturizers to use with it.

Best Moisturizer to Use with Adapalene

How often should you use face moisturizer? With BowTiedFawn branding

Among other acne treatments, adapalene is my favorite active ingredient. However, it can make your skin extra sensitive.

The best moisturizer to use with Differin is one that:

  • Fits into your skincare routine
  • Helps repair your skin’s barrier function
  • Will prevent dryness

Here are my favorites for every skin type:

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore with BowTiedFawn branding

SkinCeuticals

Triple Lipid Restore

SkinCeuticals moisturizers are incredible for dry skin and irritated skin. Honestly, it’s like a holy grail in the skincare community for keeping your skin soft.

This moisturizer in particular is known for its unique fatty acid formulate that mimics your natural skin barrier and oils.

It’s a thick cream that will quickly become one of your favorite skincare products if you try it out.

Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

Stratia Liquid Gold with Flower Background and BowTiedFawn branding

Stratia

Liquid Gold

For acne prone skin, you want moisturizers that are super gentle and won’t clog pores.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and moisturizing glycerin, Stratia Liquid Gold is great if you deal with unwanted blemishes!

Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream with BowTiedFawn branding

First Aid Beauty

Ultra Repair Cream

For sensitive skin and irritated skin, Ultra Repair Cream is awesome because the 1% colloidal oatmeal in the formula is clinically proven to:

  • Protect skin
  • Reduce redness
  • Attract moisture
  • Help maintain your protective barrier

Ultra Repair Cream also has hyaluronic acid and moisturizing glycerin, so it’s a great option to buffer Differin (or other retinoids) and reduce skin irritation.

You may also like green tea moisturizers as active ingredients like camellia sinensis can help even out your skin tone!

Best Moisturizer to Use with Differin for Oily Skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer with BowTiedFawn branding

Neutrogena

Hydro Boost Gel Cream

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost line is formulated with plenty of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Plus, the gel texture is gentle enough to use when you’re treating acne.

However, be warned that this line does have a light fragrance which can cause allergic reactions in some people. This is especially important to keep in mind with you’re using an irritating acne treatment like Differin gel or benzoyl peroxide.

Remember, for oily skin types, you want to steer clear of heavier ingredients like shea butter and instead opt for lighter stuff like a hyaluronic acid serum.

Best Budget Moisturizer

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream with BowTiedFawn branding

CeraVe

Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is one of my personal favorites. The thick texture is ideal to restore lipids back to your face and prevent future breakouts by protecting your skin barrier!

And, as far as drugstore brands go, I’ve always preferred CeraVe to Cetaphil.

What is Differin Gel?

Adapalene gel with BowTiedFawn branding

Differin gel, also known as the active ingredient adapalene, is used to treat acne by speeding up skin cell turnover. It works for light to moderate acne. Plus, unlike other topical retinoids, you can find it over the counter.

In addition to the ability to fight acne, Differin adapalene gel can also help with:

  • Clearing up acne scars
  • Unwanted texture on your skin’s surface

Alternatives to Differin Adapalene Gel

PanOxyl 4% benzoyl peroxide with BowTiedFawn branding

Other common topical acne medications include:

For use with Differin gel, make sure you apply these on different nights and never layer them together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Skincare Questions with BowTiedFawn branding
What are the best moisturizers to use with Tretinoin?

The best moisturizers to use with tretinoin include Medik8 Advanced Night Cream and Stratia Interface.

Can I use niacinamide with Differin gel?

Yes, you use niacinamide with Differin gel. However, niacinamide can be irritating for some people depending on different skin types.

How to use Differin gel?

Follow these steps:
1) Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
2) Apply a pea sized amount of differin gel to your face
3) Wait 1-2 minutes, then follow up with a good moisturizer

What’s the best moisturizer to use with retinol?

Check out Stratia Night Shift.

Best Cleanser to use with Differin gel?

Check out Stratia Velvet Cleansing Milk for a good face wash.

How does Differin gel work?

Just like other retinoids, Differin gel works by speeding up skin cell turnover and preventing acne.

How often should I apply Differin gel?

Start with 2-3 times per week and slowly increase frequency.

Can hyaluronic acid cause acne?

Some people can’t tolerate hyaluronic acid and may be allergic to it. However, this is quite rare.

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