Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease affecting almost 17 million Americans.  It is a disorder of the skin's sebaceous oil glands located at the base of the hair follicle, especially on the face, neck, chest, upper back and shoulders, resulting in plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples.  Although acne is not a serious health threat, if not treated acne can cause permanent scarring. 

Acne varies in severity form some white heads and blackheads (Grade I) to severe pustular and cystic acne (Grade IV). Differin® is a recommended topical treatment of Grade I - Grade III acne vulgaris.  Differin® is not indicated for those with Grade IV Acne where pustules and cysts predominate - severe pustular and deep cystic nodular acne known as Acne Conglobulata.

ACNE- GRADE I:  Comedones (whiteheads & blackheads) only Grade I Acne is characterized by open comedones and closed comedones commonly referred to as blackheads and whiteheads.  There are no inflammatory lesions, making scarring unlikely.

ACNE - GRADE II:   Comedones, papules and few pustules Grade II Acne is characterized by mainly open and closed comedones ( black heads and whiteheads) and papules, with some pustules.  Papules are small, granular lesions associated with the destruction of the epithelial lining of the sebaceous hair follicle wall.  These may be inflammatory and scarring generally does not result.

ACNE - GRADE III:  Comedones, papules, pustules, few nodules Grade III acne is characterized by papules and pustules.  Pustules have yellowish, blister-like appearance and result from the breakdown of the follicle wall.  NOdules are small, solid nodes detectable by touch.   Scarring may be likely.

ACNE - GRADE IV:  Grade IV acne is characterized by a few comedones, some papules, and many pustules, nodules, cysts and abcesses.  This is a severe but not very common form of acne known as acne conglobata.  Scarring exists and is generally severe.  Differin® is NOT prescribed for this condition.  You need to consult your doctor or dermatologist.

If you have been diagnosed as suffering from Grade I - Grade III acne vulgaris and are not using another prescription or non-prescription retinoid, Vitamin A or trinitoin product, Differin® may be for you.

1. First read about Differin® to learn more about its indications and contraindications.
2. If you do not have any of the contraindications, next read and  agree to the Waiver of Liability.
3. Next, accurately and truthfully complete and submit a medical consultation questionnaire
4. Your medical consultation will be reviewed by one of our Physicians and if approved you will receive a prescription for Differin® with 2 additional refills for  treatment which you can fill at any pharmacy of your choice. NO prescription purchase required.  Choose a pharmacy that accepts your medical insurance!  If you desire EXPRESS service your prescription will be called into a local United States pharmacy of your choice within 24 hours. The consultation fee is only $49.95 if approved plus S & H processing fee, if not approved for Differin® there is NO charge.

1. Cleanse your face regularly with a mild NON-soap cleanser such as Cetaphil, but not too often. No more than twice a day
2. NEVER squeeze, pick, or pinch acne pimples or use sharp objects on them.  This will only contribute to infection, inflammation and scarring.
3. If you use cosmetics or moisturizers, be sure they are "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic." Use oil-free cosmetics and moisturizers.
4. Be patient as it can take several weeks or longer for your acne to clear and even longer for large pimples to fade completely.
5. Use your acne medications regularly and consistently to help the formation of new pimples.  Remember, once a pimple starts, it can stick around for weeks or months. It is easier to prevent new pimples from forming than to have to wait for existing ones to clear.
6. Follow your doctor's recommendations in caring for your skin.
7. If your acne does not respond to treatment after 12 weeks consult your own physician immediately.
8. In order for Differin® to be effective one must use it consistently as directed.  If you get severe irritation or blistering discontinue use and consult your own physician.