Updated: 04/23/2021 15:12:56
Expert: Abramova Tsilya
Differin and Baziron AS are drugs for the treatment of acne. They have different compositions, so you can see differences in contraindications and features of use. We studied the features of these drugs to understand which one is better.
A drug | Advantages | Flaws |
Differin | Effective in treating acne Strong anti-inflammatory effect Two forms of release - cream and gel Very low absorption, practically does not enter the bloodstream Well tolerated There are no serious contraindications, with the exception of intolerance Only one side effect - irritation Convenient use – once a day Available without a prescription | Not recommended during pregnancy Exposure to sunlight may cause irritation Not recommended simultaneously with cosmetics with a drying effect The course of therapy is at least 12 weeks Not suitable for children |
Baziron AS | Pronounced anti-acne effect Antibacterial and disinfectant effect Can be used from 12 years of age Good for oily skin | Higher risk of side effects due to the antibacterial component contained Not compatible with many cosmetics and local drugs |
Comparison of the effectiveness of Differin and Effezel
Effezel is more effective than Differin - this means that the ability of the drug substance to provide the maximum possible effect is different.
For example, if the therapeutic effect of Effezel is more pronounced, then with Differin it is impossible to achieve this effect even in large doses.
Also, the speed of therapy is an indicator of the speed of the therapeutic action; Effezel and Differin are also different, as is bioavailability - the amount of a drug substance reaching the site of its action in the body. The higher the bioavailability, the less it will be lost during absorption and use by the body.
Which drug is better
Differin and Baziron AS are effective in the treatment of acne. For oily skin types, it is better to choose the second option. This is due to the fact that Baziron AS normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands. For persistent inflamed acne on the face, it is better to use Differin, because in just one night it can significantly reduce the severity of the inflammatory process.
Baziron AC is recommended for use in the morning and evening, and Differin can be applied only once a day. For acne in adolescence, only Baziron is suitable, since the second drug is contraindicated under 18 years of age.
Comparison of safety of Differin and Effezel
The safety of a drug includes many factors.
At the same time, in Differin it is quite similar to Effezel. It is important where the drug is metabolized: drugs are excreted from the body either unchanged or in the form of products of their biochemical transformations. Metabolism occurs spontaneously, but most often involves major organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, brain and others. When assessing metabolism in Differin, as well as in Effezel, we look at which organ is the metabolizing organ and how critical the effect on it is.
The risk-benefit ratio is when the prescription of a drug is undesirable, but justified under certain conditions and circumstances, with the obligatory observance of caution in use. At the same time, Differin does not have any risks when used, just like Effezel.
Also, when calculating safety, it is taken into account whether only allergic reactions occur or possible dysfunction of the main organs. In other matters, as well as the reversibility of the consequences of using Differin and Effezel.
Description of Differin
Differin is available in two dosage forms - cream and gel. This is a drug for the treatment of acne. It has keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, comedolytic, sebostatic effects. The active ingredient is adapalene. Manufacturer: Laboratoires Galderma in France. Available in pharmacies without a prescription.
Adapalene is a retinoid metabolite with anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties. The action of the substance is based on interaction with receptors of epidermal cells. Under the influence of adapalene, the prerequisites for the appearance of microcomedones are reduced. The substance acts on inflammatory factors by metabolizing arachidonic acid and inhibiting leukocytes.
Absorption of the local product is very low - up to 5%. It is excreted from the body with bile.
Research and effectiveness
Differin is a highly effective basic treatment for acne. To obtain the desired effect, it is recommended to use it for 4-6 months.
Randomized studies show that Differin reduces the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory elements of the rash. For lasting results, maintenance therapy is required for 3 months.
The effectiveness of the drug largely depends on the particle size of the active substance. In Differin, this figure is 3-10 μm, which ensures delivery of the product to the sebaceous hair follicle. Distribution of adapalene occurs within 5 minutes after application.
Sources:
- External acne therapy: medical choice. Pharmateka. Belousova T.A. 2012.
- Read more about the drug Differin cream. Medi.ru. Details about medications. From March 1, 2012.
Contraindications
A strict contraindication to the use of cream and gel would be hypersensitivity to the composition, namely an allergy to retinoids, retinoic acid analogues and auxiliary components in the composition of the product.
It is not recommended to combine Differin with cosmetics that dry out the skin. Relative contraindications that require consultation with a doctor include skin tumors, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and burns. For children, during pregnancy and lactation, it is also not recommended.
Side effects
The gel and cream are well tolerated. Of the rare side effects, the most likely will be skin irritation, especially when exposed to sunlight.
Very rare unwanted symptoms include:
- dry skin;
- peeling;
- burning;
- itching;
- hypo- and hyperpigmentation;
- worsening of the rash;
- allergic conjunctivitis;
- increased likelihood of sunburn;
- contact dermatitis.
Dosage
The product can be applied to the entire face and spot-on, directly on acne. For mild acne, using only this drug is sufficient. For severe acne, Differin is used in combination with other agents.
Before use, you need to wash your face. Differin is applied 1-2 times a day, without rubbing into the skin. The course of treatment is from 3 months. The maximum effect is observed from the first month of use. The gel is best used for oily skin types, but not for dry skin types.
Low absorption of the drug almost completely eliminates the possibility of overdose. With prolonged uncontrolled use, increased adverse reactions may occur. An overdose in this case may resemble hypervitaminosis A. A doctor's help is needed.
Who is it suitable for?
Differin is used for mild, moderate and severe acne. Can be used as a single drug and in combination with other drugs, such as antibiotics, antiandrogens.
Comparison of addiction in Differin and Effezel
Like safety, addiction also involves many factors that must be considered when evaluating a drug.
Thus, the totality of the values of such parameters as “o syndrome” in Differin is quite similar to the similar values in Effesel. Withdrawal syndrome is a pathological condition that occurs after the cessation of intake of addictive or dependent substances into the body. And resistance is understood as initial immunity to a drug; in this it differs from addiction, when immunity to a drug develops over a certain period of time. The presence of resistance can only be stated if an attempt has been made to increase the dose of the drug to the maximum possible. At the same time, in Differin the meaning of the “syndrome” is quite small, however, the same as in Effezel.
Side effects and contraindications –
Symptoms of skin irritation may appear - this may include dryness, flaking, redness, as well as itching and burning. Usually such symptoms disappear after 1-1.5 weeks. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, if such symptoms appear, it is advisable to reduce the number of gel applications (apply it every other day, not every day), and also begin to simultaneously use skin moisturizers.
But to prevent side effects, we recommend using such moisturizers from the 1st day of therapy. In addition, while using Effezel, you should not use other products containing retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or drugs with similar effects, as well as cosmetics with an irritating and drying effect, containing alcohol, as well as peelings, scrubs, etc. And besides, you will need to be sure to use sunscreen with SPF 50, which must be non-comedogenic.
An example of a product with SPF 50 for patients with acne (suspension) –
Absolute contraindications –
- during pregnancy (if breastfeeding is possible),
- in children under 9 years of age,
- if you are allergic to one of the components of the drug.
Dermatitis and eczema are relative contraindications (use with great caution).
Special instructions for use –
- the drug should not be applied to skin that has abrasions and scratches,
- should not be applied to the mucous membranes and red border of the lips,
- avoid getting the gel in your eyes,
- Keep in mind that upon contact with dyed hair and clothing, Effezel causes discoloration. We hope you found the article useful!
Sources:
1. Higher medical education of the author of the article, 2. Textbook on dermatology “Fitzpatrick's Dermatology” (8th edition), 3. “Etiology, pathogenesis, classification and clinical picture of acne vulgaris” (Barinova A.N.), 4. “Acne from the position of evidence-based medicine" (Anisimova M.Yu.), 5. "Modern methods of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with acne vulgaris" (Barinova A.N.).
Comparison of side effects of Differin and Effezel
Side effects or adverse events are any adverse medical event that occurs in a subject after administration of a drug.
Effezel has more adverse effects than Differin. This implies that the frequency of their occurrence is low in Effezel and low in Differin. Frequency of occurrence is an indicator of how many cases of an undesirable effect from treatment are possible and registered. The undesirable effect on the body, the strength of influence and the toxic effect of drugs are different: how quickly the body recovers after taking it and whether it recovers at all. When using Effezel, the body's ability to recover faster is higher than that of Differin.
Cost and analogues
Means | Price | Analogues/substitutes |
Differin | Gel 0.1% 30 g – from 820 rubles Cream 0.1% 30 g – from 890 rubles | Klenzit Adaklin |
Baziron AS | Gel 5% 40 g – from 740 rubles Gel 2.5% 40 g – from 790 rubles | Zenerite Skinoren Effezel Eclaran 5 |
Comparison of ease of use of Differin and Effezel
This includes dose selection taking into account various conditions and frequency of doses. At the same time, it is important not to forget about the release form of the drug; it is also important to take it into account when making an assessment.
The ease of use of Differin is approximately the same as Effezel. However, they are not convenient enough to use.
The drug ratings were compiled by experienced pharmacists who studied international research. The report is generated automatically.
Last update date: 2020-12-04 13:42:49
Effects of the active substance Differin: differences from the therapeutic properties of Skinoren
Differin is based on an artificial analogue of retinoic acid – adapalene. Its action is aimed at completely eliminating pimples, comedones and blackheads, while Skinoren, the active component of which is azelaic acid, is also used in the treatment of post-acne (has a whitening effect, eliminates pigmentation, pink spots after acne).
Reviews from those who have used them in treatment and can give a comparative description will help you understand how both products affect skin formations:
Inga, 24 years old: “Differin is a retinoid. It does not treat inflamed acne, but it works well on clogged pores. First, the product causes inflammation of the epidermis, which forces many to abandon it. The fact is that after the inflammatory process, the pores are cleansed.
I advise you to use Differin with other medications, as it is not intended for the treatment of inflamed acne. Skinoren is based on azelaic acid, which is ideal for treating inflammation on the surface of the epithelium. I used both medications, but chose Skinoren.
I think that it is more gentle on skin covered with inflamed acne. The only negative is the long course of treatment, ranging from 1 to 3 months.”
What to choose?
Skinoren is intended not only for the treatment of acne, blackheads and rosacea. It has a neutralizing effect on the very mechanisms of development of these formations.
The product is often used to maintain skin health after treatment with other drugs, as it helps prevent the appearance of spots after rashes and even out the color of the skin. The effect is noticeable after 2 - 4 weeks of regular use.
Differin is intended directly for the treatment of skin lesions - acne and closed comedones. Features of the use of the drug are as follows:
- long course of therapy - the first results will appear only several months after regular procedures;
- severe redness - the first two to three weeks the skin will get used to the new substance and react to it with dryness, redness and peeling;
- the need for repeated treatment - you need to understand that acne is considered a chronic disease and often after a course of therapy, acne appears again, and therapy has to be repeated;
- the ability to combine with other medications - treatment can be enhanced with other medications, including Skinoren.
Let us emphasize once again that Differin helps to cope with serious acne defects of the skin, and Skinoren is a reliable protection against spots and scars remaining in the place of cured acne and blackheads.