The Differin Gel Now Comes With a Collection of Acne-Fighting Products

Earlier this summer, Differin Gel, the prescription acne treatment you begged your doctor for as a teen, officially went mainstream when the FDA approved it for over-the-counter use. Now you could go to the drugstore instead of the doctors office. And now, just five months later, Differin is expanding its acne-fighting gel into a full line to include not one—but two—new products.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty of the expanded collection, here's a little refresher on the original Differin Gel 0.1%. As the first retinoid to be approved for OTC use to treat acne, Differin Gel 0.1%, which first launched as a prescription drug in 1996, contains a specific synthetic retinoid called adapalene, which addresses blemishes by both exfoliating and reducing inflammation. And the whole idea of the treatment being moved to OTC was a big deal because topical retinoid treatments are typically prescribed for patients in the office, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner previously told Allure. Retinoids can cause photosensitivity in the sun, and higher concentrations can be irritating, which may be a few reasons the FDA has been wary about fully green-lighting the formulation.

The new product collection features three key products: the O.G. Gel, which, in case you need a refresher, targets pimples, blackheads, and clogged pores; the non-foaming, fragrance-free Balancing Cleanser, which won't irritate skin considering it only has eight gentle ingredients; and the Balancing Moisturizer, a fragrance-free, lightweight cream that soothes dryness with glycerin, avocado oil, and vitamin E. It's important to note that only the original Differin Gel contains a retinoid.

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More on acne treatments:

1. 4 Steps For Getting Rid of a Cystic Pimple, Fast
2. Best of Beauty 2016: Skin
3. Allure Editors' Best Acne Treatments

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The trio of products are to be used in unison, one after the other, starting with the wash. On freshly cleansed skin, the Gel should then used as a spot treatment on those just-popped-up pimples (you know, the ones that manage to surface right before an important event), and then follow it up with a dollop of the moisturizer—all over the face, hands, and body (yes, everywhere!). And if you're like me, you'll probably then tap on an eye cream (like the ) just to be extra safe (and hydrated, duh).

And while the product line technically doesn't officially launch until January (which, mark your calendars because it's literally only a few days away), the Differin Gel and its accompanying cleanser and cream are just now beginning to trickle onto CVS and Walgreens shelves this week. Which means, if you need me, I'll be stocking up, as I plan on ringing in the new year with crystal clear skin.

Differin Balancing Cleanser, $8.99 (walgreens.com).

Courtesy of brand

Differin Gel 0.1%, $29.99 (walgreens.com).

Courtesy of brand

Differin Balancing Moisturizer, $8.99 (walgreens.com).

Now, watch how you can treat adult acne: