Best moisturizer to use with differin reddit

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is an incredibly overrated product that effectively doesn't do its only job, in my honest opinion. I used it for at least a year, but after getting on Tretinoin, it starting stinging when I applied it. If a benign moisturizer stings when you apply it, the cause is generally a compromised moisture barrier -- AKA terribly dehydrated skin.

I decided to try a different moisturizer several months back, and I cannot overstate the improvement. Consider trying the Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream or Eucerin Roughness Relief in the tub. They contain urea, which is a total game-changer when it comes to moisture. Urea is great for preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Really, you wanna focus on keeping that moisture in.

The Advanced Repair Cream is thinner, lighter, and maybe more pleasant to apply than the thicker Roughness Relief Cream. But the Roughness Relief Cream is basically the heavy-duty version, containing more urea than the Advanced Repair Cream.

I still use the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, but the moisturizer is honestly kinda garbage. Seriously, I had bulk purchased two tubs of the moisturizer and I can't bring myself to use them. I hate to be wasteful, but they're probably going in the trash.

Other commenters mentioned using an occlusive, which is a great recommendation. However, we can't force ya to use a product you don't like the feel of. If you want to try an occlusive that's more cosmetically elegant, consider trying the LRP Cicaplast Balm. It's more expensive than I like to go for, but it isn't slimy, sticky, or goopy like most occlusives are. I saw someone recommend Aquaphpor and CeraVe Healing Ointment, and I hate to bring the bad news that these products feel almost identical to Vaseline. If you don't like Vaseline, you probably won't like Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment.

Another tip -- trap that moisture in while your skin is still damp. Do not pat you face dry, but instead apply your moisturizer to your still damp skin. Apply actives after your skin and moisturizer have completely air dried. It might take awhile to get used to, but it makes a big difference.

Btw, I'm on the highest strength of tretinoin (0.1%), and I regularly incorporate benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid in my routine as well, without dryness.

If you can tolerate it, I would recommend using an occlusive at night, at least until your scaly eyelids heal up. I hope this was helpful, and I wish you luck!

TLDR: Ditch the CeraVe Cream and try Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream and/or Roughness Relief Cream. Apply moisturizer after cleansing and before actives, while your skin is still damp. Use an occlusive if you can tolerate the texture. Consider LRP Cicaplast Balm.

Differin Balancing/Soothing Moisturizer

And since adapalene is a synthetic retinoid, I bet the same popular moisturizers people use while on tretinoin and retinol could be beneficial so I would recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

For lightweight moisturisers that are inexpensive (not sure what you're looking for personally), I used to swear by nivea soft. The one in the white tube or tub, not the original in the blue. It's nicely moisturising but not greasy and sinks in fairly quickly. It was my HG for year until my skin got ridiculously dry from illness/medication. I also love garnier moisture bomb (night one in the tub), I love the texture and my skin also loves it. I can't personally use that on its own because it isn't quite enough, but if your not particularly dry I'd imagine it would be :)

i have dry, sensitive & acne-prone skin, almost 2 weeks into differin. before differin i had nothing in my routine that specifically helped with acne so i was nervous, but my skin is tolerating it really well!

am: • vanicream gentle cleanser (or) fab face cleanser • hada labo gokujyun lotion • aveeno daily moisturizer • skin aqua super moisture milk (spf 50 pa++++)

pm: • vanicream gentle cleanser (or) fab face cleanser • hada labo gokujyun lotion • aveeno daily moisturizer • vaseline around eyes, corners of mouth • differin • laneige lip sleeping mask

I mostly had closed comedones (CCs) on my forehead/cheeks/chin and some red marks on my cheek before starting differin. My forehead and nose tend to be oily. I am using differin 3 times a week and use a cleanser (teen derm gel wash) and moisturizer (Neutrogena water gel) every day (AM/PM). On days I use differin, I apply it at night after moisturizing.

I've reached the 3-month mark, and I don't see my skin being any smoother or CCs subsiding. My skin has a sandpaper texture and the CCs persist. I also notice that after applying differin, my forehead is very shiny (almost plastic-looking), even the day after. I'm not sure if I'm still in the purge phase. I have heard people purge for 3 whole months and only after that see a difference - that's my only sign of hope right now...

I am just wondering how quickly after the purge do things clear up? Do you see a difference after each application of differin or does it take weeks?

Any advice/motivation on getting through this will be appreciated!

What moisturizer do you use with Differin?

How long after using Differin can you moisturize?

Does Differin work better with moisturizer?

What should you not use Differin with?