Differin is a Retinoid like Roaccutane and is quite potent. I’m no expert but I believe it works by suppressing the growth of cells that produce sebum (or oil) that reacts with bacteria on your skin to create spots. I say it is quite potent because a few years ago, when my acne was severe, it completely dried my skin out after only a couple of weeks of using it sparingly – so much that I looked sunburnt. I stopped using it immediately and now only use it when I get the odd spot, after having it prescribed by a dermatologist after finishing my Roaccutane treatment.

With this currently regulated cream now looking set to become available over the counter, I thought I’d compile a list of dos and don’ts for safe and effective use.

Do use it sparingly

I use a pea-sized amount for my entire face. I rarely apply it all over, and only do so when my face is seriously oily. Otherwise, I use only a tiny quarter of a pea-sized amount per spot and apply it directly to the spot itself.

Do use it at night

Differin can make your skin extremely photosensitive, so apply it at night with clean hands before you go to bed  (and after cleansing, of course).

Do talk to your doctor/pharmacist before use

The experts are best placed to give advice on how much you need to use and whether this is the right cream for your skin.

Do discontinue use if it is irritating your skin

If your skin feels itchy or sore while using it, then stop using the cream. It could do more harm than good.

Don’t use it if you have sensitive skin or eczema 

Differin seriously dries out your skin, so don’t use it if you suffer from dry skin or eczema. It will make it worse,  trust me!

Don’t sit in the sun for too long

As I mentioned above, it makes your skin extremely sensitive to the sunlight, so don’t sit in the sun for too long. Wear a hat or high SPF.

Don’t use it if you’re pregnant 

Like all medications, you should read the packaging carefully to check whether it iseems safe to use while pregnant.  Differin can damage an unborn baby.

Do you use Differin cream? Let me know your thoughts below.

If you’re looking for a super gentle skincare range for sensitive or acne-prone skin then I cannot recommend these products enough!

Cetaphil specialises in fragrance-free and soap-free mild skincare for people whose skin needs a little bit of gentle TLC. Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser and Moisturising Lotion were recommended to me by my dermatologist just before I started by Roaccutane treatment for my acne last year. Although I haven’t taken Roaccutane for quite some time, I continue to use these two products as I find it very difficult to fault them at all!

As the packaging and product descriptions suggest, these aren’t fancy products at all. I used to spend so much money on ‘luxury’ skincare regimes from Clinique or Origins, but my dermatologist questioned the benefits when I can  have all I my skin needs in these simpler, cheaper products.

I had heard of Cetaphil about three or four years ago whilst researching the best skincare products for acne-prone skin, but it used to be quite difficult to get them in the UK. Now I believe most Boots stores stock them and have even seen the range in my local independent pharmacy, so they are becoming much more widely available.

Don’t expect to be blown away by sweet smells or anything like that when using these products- but then why would you want that when a lot of fancy, yummy-smelling products are full of chemicals that could be doing your skin more harm than good?

The larger Gentle Skin Cleanser bottle lasts about three to four months for me and is £14.99 at Boots. There is a smaller 236ml bottle for £8.99 which is useful for travelling, etc.

The Moisturising Lotion is also £8.99 for small or £14.99 for large, but the smaller bottle has lasted me absolutely ages (which it why it has the older packaging design in the picture above) so well worth saving your money there. I only use it on my face, but if you plan on using it over the rest of your body then maybe go for the larger option.

I have also just noticed there is a Cetaphil cleanser for oily skin, so I may give that a try in future as my skin can sometimes get a bit oily, especially in the summer.

What do you think of Cetaphil’s product range? Please comment below.

Astringent, or toner, is used after cleansing to get rid of any excess dirt or oil the cleansing step of your skincare regime failed to remove.

I didn’t use a toner for a while as I was a bit worried that it would dry my skin out and cause more spots, but after a bit of online research I decided to try La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Lotion Micro-Exfoliant. It seemed like one of the best mid-range toners for acne prone skin judging by the reviews I found.

At £11 from Boots  it’s not the cheapest product available, nor is it the most expensive. My 200ml bottle has lasted since the beginning of October and I still have some left, so you’re not paying for something that’s going to disappear in a couple of weeks. I put just a small spot on a cotton wool pad, give my face a quick wipe over, and its job done.

It’s very gentle and hasn’t stung my face like some other toners have done in the past. It also gives my face that nice ‘clean’ feeling after use.

Gold star to anyone who can actually pronounce La Roche-Posay  or Effaclar correctly, too.

The scars are still pretty prominent and although I have products that should reduce the appearance of acne scars, I don’t want to start using them until I’m sure that I’m not getting any new spots. At the moment I have a grand total of one spot (although you can’t tell from the pics) on the bridge of my nose/near my eye, but other than that I’m completely clear!

The corner of my mouth and lips have been very dry over the weekend as the temperature has dropped a bit. I got wind burn on Saturday which I think took the moisture out of my skin and made me look a bit red on Sunday.

I’ve noticed my skin has got a lot thinner and my hands are getting cut quite easily. Nothing particularly bad, but my hands are covered in little nicks at the moment! I’ve been using hand cream quite a bit, so hopefully it might make my skin less prone to cracking and getting cut.

Winter has arrived, which means a whole host of new skincare goodies are to be purchased!

1. Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner

This lip balm was recommended by my dermatologist as being really good for dry, cracked lips. Winter will surely make my lips sore and Blistex is a name synonymous with lip care, so this balm will definitely be added to my shopping basket soon.

2. The Body Shop Thirsty Hands Moisture Gloves

I often suffer with cracked and sore hands over the winter months and I definitely want to give these gloves a go. I love The Body Shop for their ethical products and high quality range you don’t seem to get with a lot of other high street brands. I look forward to putting a good moisturiser on and sleeping in these gloves to give me nice smooth hands by morning.

3. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

This is my all time favourite facial moisturiser! It’s a little on the pricier side like a lot of Clinique products, but worth every penny during the winter months. I always dab a bit around my nose and mouth, an area that’s especially dry for me, and it soothes and dry spots within hours. Perfect after a windy, cold day.

4. The Body Shop Mango Hand Cream

It keeps your hands lovely and soft, it smells delicious, and it’s only £4! What’s not to love about this hand cream? Buying this hand cream is a top priority next time I go shopping.

(Images from their respective brands’ websites)

On Saturday it will be three months to the day that I started Roaccutane. My dermatologist told me at the beginning of the treatment that I will probably see lots of ups and downs during this period, with my skin flaring up every so often, and when I saw her last week she said the number of spots I get should start to reduce now.

Two weeks ago I had my worst bout of acne in a while, mainly on my left cheek. It was hot and itchy and just generally bothered me quite a lot, but it strangely almost cleared up over one weekend.

Since then my skin has improved quite a bit. These pictures were taken yesterday and, aside from a few spots here and there, my skin feels very smooth and soft! My face isn’t as red as it was too, which is a bonus.

Even though I have been moisturising daily, the eczema on my arms has returned and I’ve started using an eczema cream to treat it.

So far I’ve been impressed and pleased I didn’t go for the pricier lotions I was looking at. My skin stays moisturised for hours after using this lotion and my arms and shoulders now feel smooth and hydrated, whereas they were dry and itchy before.

I chose the ‘very dry skin’ variety with L-Bifidus and Shea Butter. It smells gorgeous and sinks into my skin quickly so I don’t have to wait for an age before I put my clothes on when I get out of the shower. I use it in the morning and in the evening, though I’m pretty sure just once a day would be enough if your skin is fairly hydrated anyway.

The squeezy bottle and runny texture makes it easier to apply than say, a body butter or a moisturiser that’s in a tube.

I highly recommend this product, especially if you suffer from very dry skin. It definitely does what it says on the bottle.

(Apologies for the quality of the pictures. This is what happens when you get back from work in the dark every day!)