Is Differin the same as retinol?

Author: Ms. Brandyn Douglas  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Skin care products with retinol are found everywhere, but Differin is the lone retinoid available without a prescription. Compared to retinols, retinoids are the stronger, fast-acting sister product, explained Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology.

Is Differin better than retinol?

Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel, for example, can help treat acne. Studies have found evidence to suggest adapalene is just as effective as stronger retinoids, but the skin tends to tolerate it better.

Is Differin a retinol or retinoid?

Retin-A (tretinoin) Cream and Gel and Differin (adapalene) are retinoids (a form of vitamin A) used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Is adapalene a retinol or retinoid?

Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but only adapalene is FDA-approved to treat acne. Gel) regulate skin cell turnover to keep pores from clogging and to control inflammation.

How much retinol does Differin have?

The gel contains . 1 percent adapalene, a third-generation retinoid, meaning it's a derivative of the first retinoid used as topical medication (sold as Retin-A). Differin Gel is the first acne treatment the FDA approved in more than 30 years.

Tretinoin vs Differin? // DERMATOLOGIST ANSWERS YOUR SKIN CARE QUESTIONS// @Dr Dray

Can I use Differin for wrinkles?

Differin is available OTC, classified as a retinoid and is FDA approved for the treatment of acne. In addition to treating acne, retinoids increase collagen production, which reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Can adapalene be used for anti-aging?

Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid primarily used in the treatment of mild-moderate acne, and is also sometimes used off-label to treat aging as well as other skin conditions. It is effective for the treatment of mild to moderate acne where comedones, papules and pustules predominate.

Can I use adapalene in the morning and retinol at night?

Just take care to avoid using both ingredients at the same time of day, as this can easily lead to irritation. Instead, if your skin can handle both ingredients on the same day, you can try using an AHA in the morning and retinol at night, or vice versa.

Why do my wrinkles look worse after retinol?

First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.

What does Differin do to your face?

Adapalene is the active ingredient in Differin® Gel. It's a multi-benefit, dermatologist-recommended retinoid specifically used for clearing acne. Adapalene treats acne deep in the pores at the source, prevents new acne from forming and, as a result of reduced acne, restores your skin's natural texture and tone.

How long does it take Differin to work on wrinkles?

Overall, tretinoin has become something of an “industry standard” retinoid for good reason — it's affordable, effective and safe. It works quickly and well, with studies showing reductions in acne lesions, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation (dark spots) for some people in as few as three months of use.

Which is stronger retinol or retinoid?

In general, retinoids are stronger than retinol. They contain a higher concentration of the product, and the molecular structure of vitamin A in this form allows it to turn over skin cells at a faster rate than retinol.

Should I use Differin everyday?

Differin Gel is still doing its job to reduce acne-causing clogs, so it's important to keep using it daily. You could start to see a reduction in acne after two weeks of treatment.

Does adapalene build collagen?

In conclusion, tretinoin and adapalene contributed to the wound healing process resulting in an enhancement of collagen production, angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation.

What can you not mix with adapalene?

Q. Can I mix adapalene with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid? Do not use adapalene at the same time as products containing alpha hydroxy acids (i.e. glycolic acid or lactic acid), benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. This combo can be extra irritating, so you'll have to make a choice.

How long can you use Differin for?

The affected areas should be dry before application. Clinical improvement is expected to be evident in 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, with further improvement to be expected with continued use. Cutaneous safety of Differin topical cream has been demonstrated in 311 patients for up to 12 weeks of treatment.

Does Differin help with dark spots?

Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum helps to lighten post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, blotches, age spots, and even freckles. When used every day it can improve overall skin tone and clarity.

When should I stop taking Differin?

You should not stop using adapalene if your acne seems worse at first, unless irritation or other symptoms become severe. Check with your doctor if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. Do not apply any topical product to the same area where you are using adapalene, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do you wash Differin off in the morning?

Adapalene may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Therefore, it is best to apply it at night and wash it off in the morning.

What is the most effective form of retinol?

Retinoic Acid. As mentioned earlier, retinoic acid is the most potent form of retinoids. “This is the end point molecule that is biologically active on skin, and is therefore the strongest,” says Dr. Rabach.

Which retinol is best for beginners?

Jump To / Table of Contents
  • Dr. ...
  • CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum.
  • Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum.
  • FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25%
  • Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment.
  • Skinceuticals Correct Retinol 0.3 Anti-Aging Night Cream.
  • SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex.
  • The Inkey List Retinol.

How do I know if Differin is working?

During the first few weeks of using adapalene, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. It may take 8 to 12 weeks to notice results from this medication. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Is Differin the same as tretinoin?

Adapalene (also known under the brand name Differin) and Tretinoin (also known as retinoic acid) both fight acne, but Tretinoin also treats premature skin aging. Use adapalene if acne is your main problem and you want to experience less irritation.

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