I use Differin gel---in combination with Benzaclin---for hormonal, slightly cystic jawline breakouts. My face was clear until I hit about 39 and then I started breaking out--weird! Anyway, the combination treatment has worked really well for me. I'm completely clear now. Took maybe 2-3 weeks and had to find a cleanser over time that was more suited to my newly sensitive skin (became much less oily so really needed to adjust cleansing/moisturizing routuine). I'm not sure I would have had such good results using Differin alone, as the Benzaclin has BP and an antibiotic of some kind and I use that in the AM under moisturizer/makeup. It really keeps the day time oilies at bay.

I have heard that Differin is the more mild of the retinoid anti-acne products and that something like Tazorac is stronger if the Differin is not working for you. But...you have to give it time and they do say you will get worse before you get better. Brings up the bad stuff sitting under the skin during the first weeks---kind of a purging effect. Another reason why the Benzaclin helps. It treats those eruptions really quickly and effectively. At least for me...

Talk to your derm if you're not seeing results in a few weeks time.

I have used Retin-A cream and the micro for several years now. It's okay. I still break out, but if I stop using it within six months, I undo the problem--so it helps to some degree. I have used Benzaclin which irritates my skin non-stop. It just doesn't stop irritating my skin and then I develop a red irritated patch on my face that looks weird. Maybe I am allergic or whatever--it is worse when the sun hits my face such as during driving--I feel the burn, so I stopped using it.

My derm also gave me rosac to use over retin-A. I don't have rosacia, and he gave me rosac to treat inflamation. It's okay--sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and it smells because of the sulfur. I don't find any use for it right now plus it is extra drying.

I have never tried any other topicals I hear about, so I am thinking of trying something else.

I have tried antibiotics orally, but that is useless. I breakout again in 6 months and not only that, but the breakouts are really, really bad. I don't trust any antibiotics for acne treatments anymore. Not for me.

I am thinking of seeing the derm to be on some other topicals I haven't tried. It's because I hear some people function better with another kind, so I thought it's time to try something else.

It's true that skin changes overtime.

Were you using a good sunscreen when in the sun? Remember that Differin and all retinoids make your skin hyper sensitive to sun. Any chance the retinoids could have caused the irritation?? On the other hand, Benzaclin is drying if you don't moisturize (with a product that doesn't have AHAs or BHAs) so I understand. I hope you have luck finding another product that works for you.