Start Adapalene Gel Before School? Weighing the Pros and Cons

 

If you're in a thoughtful position about starting adapalene gel, especially with school starting soon. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

1. Understanding Adapalene Gel:

• What It Does: Adapalene is a type of retinoid that helps to prevent clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and promote cell turnover, which can help clear acne over time.
• Purging Phase: It's common to experience an initial "purge" when starting retinoids like adapalene, where your skin may break out more as it brings underlying clogs to the surface. This can last several weeks before improvement is seen.

2. Current Regimen:

• Acne Cleanser & Spironolactone: It’s great that your skin is already showing improvement with your current regimen. Spironolactone typically takes a few weeks to start showing results, so it's understandable that you want to see how it works before adding a new product.
• Azelaic Acid: This is another effective ingredient for acne that reduces inflammation and can help prevent future breakouts without the purging phase.

3. Timing Considerations:

• Starting Adapalene Now: If you start adapalene now, you might experience the purge phase just as school starts, which could be stressful. However, it can also prevent future breakouts and keep your skin clear in the long run.
• Waiting: If your skin is responding well to your current routine and you're worried about the purge, waiting a month to start adapalene might be a good idea. This gives your skin more time to stabilize on spironolactone and azelaic acid.

4. Consulting Your Dermatologist:

• Revisit Your Plan: Since you have an upcoming appointment, discuss your concerns with your dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice, possibly adjusting the frequency of adapalene use or suggesting alternatives if you're concerned about purging.

5. Final Thoughts:

• Trust Your Gut: If you’re worried about starting adapalene right before school, it’s okay to wait. Your mental comfort is important, especially with a big event like the start of school.
• Introduce Slowly: If you do start it, consider using it every 3 days as your dermatologist suggested, and gradually increase the frequency as your skin adjusts.

Conclusion:

You don’t necessarily need to start adapalene gel right away if you’re concerned about purging before school. Given that your skin is already improving with your current regimen, waiting to start adapalene might be a reasonable choice. Discuss your concerns with your dermatologist at your upcoming appointment to make the best decision for your skin.