Adapalene vs. Benzoyl Peroxide

• Adapaleneandbenzoyl peroxideare topical agents used for the treatment ofacne vulgaris(pimples).
• A brand name for adapalene isDifferin. Brand names for benzoyl peroxide include Proactiv, Neutrogena On-The-SpotAcneTreatment, Clearasil, and Clearskin.
• A difference is adapalene is only available with a prescription, while benzoyl peroxide is availableover-the-counter(OTC) and in generic form.
• Side effects of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide that are similar include skin irritation, redness, dryness,itching, flares ofacne, and increased sun sensitivity
• Most of the side effects of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide lessen with continued use. If side effects become bothersome, decreasing the frequency with which adapalene or benzoyl peroxide is applied may reduce these side effects.
• A difference is the frequency of application of the medications. Adapalene is applied in a thin layer of gel to the affected areas once daily at bedtime. Benzoyl peroxide products may be applied to the skin up to three times daily, as needed.
• Combining adapalene or benzoyl peroxide with other topicalacnetreatments can lead to excessive dryness and irritation of the skin.

• Adapaleneis a gel used for the treatment ofacnevulgaris (pimples). The exact mechanism of action is not known. Scientists believe that when adapalene is applied to the skin, it affects the growth of skin cells and thereby reduces the formation of pimples.
• Benzoyl peroxideis a topical medication used for treating acne (pimples). It kills the bacteria associated with acne (Propionibacterium acnes) and promotes the growth of new skin cells. It also dries the skin. Increased cell growth leads to replacement of thepimple-containing skin with new skin.

Adapalene side effects

The most common side effects of adapalene are:

• irritation,
• redness,
• dryness, and
• itching
• flares of acne.

Most of these side effects lessen with continued use; however, if they are bothersome, decreasing the frequency with which adapalene is applied may reduce these side effects.

Adapalene may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sun and lead tosunburn. Excessive sun exposure should be avoided, and sunscreens should be used over the treated areas if exposure to the sun cannot be avoided. Adapalene should not be applied to sunburned skin,cuts, eyes, nose, or lips.

Benzoyl peroxide side effects

Common side effects include:

• Contact dermatitis
• Erythema
• Peeling
• Skin dryness

Possible serious side effects include:

• Hypersensitivity reaction
• Increased sun sensitivity

Adapalene

Wash and dry the affected areas. Apply a thin layer of gel to the affected areas once daily at bedtime. Avoid the eyes, lips and nose. There may be a worsening of acne during the first few weeks of therapy because adapalene promotes the growth of pimples that have begun to form but are not yet visible. Therefore, treatment should not be stopped if acne appears to be worsening. Beneficial effects should be seen by 8 to 12 weeks.

Benzoyl peroxide

• The affected area should be thoroughly washed.
• Benzoyl peroxide cream, lotion, or gel should then be applied sparingly once, twice, or three times daily as needed.
• Topical cleansers should be used to wash the affected areas once or twice daily.
• 如果过度使用的频率应该减少ive dryness or irritation occurs.

• Excessive skin irritation may occur if adapalene is used with other acne medications.
• Combining benzoyl peroxide with other topical acne treatments such asdapsone(Aczone) can lead to excessive dryness and irritation of the skin.

• Only very small amounts of adapalene are absorbed through skin and into the body. However, there are no adequate studies inpregnantwomen. It is not known whether adapalene is excreted inbreast milk.
• Benzoyl peroxide has not been tested inpregnantornursingwomen.