Differin and Retin-A are both classes of drugs called retinoids. They are acne medications and help reduce acne and wrinkles. However, Differin is available over the counter, whereas Retin-A is only available by prescription.
The key difference between Differin and Retin-A is the effects they cause. Differin is an acne medication that causes comparatively less skin irritation, while Retin-A is a skin medication that causes comparatively more skin irritation.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Differin
3. What is Retin-A
4. Similarities – Differin and Retin-A
5. Differin vs Retin-A in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Differin vs Retin-A
7. FAQ – Differin and Retin-A
What is Differin?
Differin, also known as Adapalene, is an over-the-counter acne medication belonging to the class of medications called retinoids. It aids in the quick healing of pimples that may develop by affecting cell growth and reducing swelling and inflammation. Available in gel, cream, or lotion form, visible results from this medication may typically take 8 to 12 weeks to appear.
Possible side effects of Differin may include highly red or irritated skin, an intense burning sensation, redness and watering of the eyes, eyelid swelling, and skin discoloration. Serious allergic reactions may also occur, characterized by rash, itching or swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
What is Retin-A?
Retin-A, also known as tretinoin, is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew by itself. It is a retinoid drug that is used to decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. It may take up to 8-12 weeks to notice visible results from this medication. This drug can come in the form of gel, liquid, cream, and lotion.
Retin-A can cause side effects such as burning, stinging, peeling, redness, or unusual dryness of the skin (severe), pain, irritation, or peeling at the application site.
Similarities Between Differin and Retin-A
- Differin and Retin-A are both classes of drugs called retinoids.
- They are acne medications.
- They are used to reduce acne and wrinkles.
- Both may take 8 to 12 weeks to give visible results.
- Both can cause side effects.
Difference Between Differin and Retin-A
Definition
- Differin is an over-the-counter acne medication that promotes quick healing of pimples and wrinkles that do develop.
- Retin-A is a prescribed acne medication that promotes quick healing of pimples and wrinkles that do develop.
Other Names
- Differin is also known as Adapalene.
- Retin-A is also known as Tretinoin.
Stronger or Weaker Form
- Differin is the weaker form.
- Retin-A is the stronger form.
Skin Irritation
- Differin causes less skin irritation.
- Retin-A causes more skin irritation.
Available Form
- Differin can come in the form of gel, cream, or lotion.
- Retin-A can come in the form of gel, liquid, cream, or lotion.
Cost
- Differin costs approximately $10.97 per tube.
- Retin-A costs approximately $23.19 per tube.
Side Effects
- Side effects of Differin include very red/irritated skin, an intense burning sensation, redness and watering in the eye, eyelid swelling, skin discoloration, and serious allergic reactions such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
- Side effects of Retin-A include burning, stinging, peeling, redness, or unusual dryness of the skin (severe), pain, irritation, or peeling at the application site.
The infographic below presents the differences between Differin and Retin-A in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Differin vs Retin-A
Retinoids are a class of chemicals that derive from the vitamin A. Differin and Retin-A are both class of drugs called as retinoids. Both are used to reduce acnes and wrinkles. However, Differin is an over the counter acne medication that promotes quick healing of pimples and wrinkles that do develop while Retin-A is a prescribed acne medication that promotes quick healing of pimples and wrinkles that do develop. Thus, this summarizes the difference between Differin and Retin-A.
FAQ: Differin and Retin-A
1. What is Differin gel used for?
- Differin gel contains the active substance adapalene, which belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids. It is used for the treatment of acne on the face, chest, or back.
2. Does Differin permanently cure acne?
- Whether you use Differin as a gel or a cream, it should be applied daily to the affected area for as long as necessary to reduce acne. Visible results from this retinoid typically take 8 to 12 weeks to appear.
3. Is Differin better than Tretinoin?
- Overall, studies comparing Differin and Tretinoin suggest that Tretinoin is slightly more effective than Differin. However, Tretinoin is stronger and available only by prescription, making it more expensive as well.
4. What is Retin-A cream used for?
- Retin-A is a form of vitamin A used to rejuvenate the skin and treat precancerous skin spots. The active ingredient, Tretinoin, regulates the skin cycle, resulting in a brighter complexion.
5. What are the side effects of Retin-A?
- Side effects of Retin-A may include burning, itching, stinging, scaling, or redness of the skin, chapping or slight peeling of the skin, darkening or lightening of the skin color, and unusual dryness or warmth of the skin.
Reference:
1. Tolaymat, Leila. “Adapalene.” StatPearls, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. “Retin-a Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Adapalene Gel (Differin) in China” By SSYoung – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Tretinoin synthesis” By Nuklear – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia