Update: Skin Experiment – Using Differin for Wrinkles

I started an experiment some months ago. It’s time to update.

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Unfortunately, this update isn’t much of an update.

I had intended to use the over-the-counter Differin Gel all over my face and neck every other day to see if the 0.1% formulation would be effective in reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. I managed to hold to that plan through one 0.5 oz. tube of Differin, which lasted me about a month and a half.

Then life happened…

The last few months have been a bit… rough. I’m not going to rehash everything here, but let’s just say that I haven’t been terribly consistent with my skincare routine for a while. It’s challenging to stick to a regular skincare routine when you don’t have a regular life routine in place.

I have a proposal!

Let’s restart this experiment! I feel like to really see results, I will need to use the OTC Differin every other night, maybe working up to every night, for at least three to six months.

So, what are you starting with?

This is what my skin currently looks like.

Keep in mind that I have added at-home dermaplaning once every week or two to my beauty regimen. (Basically, dermaplaning means I shave my face from hairline to jowls.) I do it after I cleanse and dry my face, but before the rest of my skincare.

Dermaplaning takes off all the fuzz a lot of us have on our faces and physically exfoliates the skin. My face is SUPER SMOOTH after I do it. You can use a motorized shaver like this, or you can use these blades from Andrea, or these blades from Flawless. (I like the Andrea blades best.) It’s thought that dermaplaning can help smooth skin texture, so I will have to take that into account.

In my first go at using Differin I did not experience any bad side effects. I had a small breakout when I first started using it, but it went away fairly quickly. I expect I may experience the same in this second round.

When will the next update be?

Since I’m starting this experiment at the end of October 2018 (October 28th, exactly), the 3-month update should be posted at the end of January 2019. If I haven’t put posted the update by mid-February, hold me accountable. Ask for that update!

The 6-month update should be at the end of April, should I continue the experiment past January. Again, please hold me accountable and ask for that update!

Edited to add: Since I threw out the package a while back, I went to the Differin site to see what the directions for application actually were. Going by those directions, I am going to apply a pea-sized amount of Differin gel to my face and neck once daily, every morning. (My morning routine tends to be a lot more regular than my evening routine.) Let the experiment commence!

Are you currently using OTC Differin? Have you noticed any changes in the look of your lines and wrinkles, or in the texture of your skin? Do you want me to do a post on dermaplaning? Let me know in the comments below!