Click for phone
Doctors at the Gold Level are active members of the RealSelf.com community. They share their knowledge by posting before and after photos, answering questions and linking to RealSelf.com from their websites.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Request info from Dr. Oppenheim

50 words maximum (0 words entered)
Your info is protected by our privacy policy

Recent answer posted by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Q: Differin for wrinkles

A:

     Differin ( Adapalene) is a bit different than its two Retinoid mates Tretinoin ( Retin A, Atralin, Avita, Tretin X,) and Tazarotene ( Tazarac, Avage).  It is a third generation retinoid and its molecular structure differs from the other two. 

    All three of these reinoids activate retinoid receptors (RAR) in the skin, but which ones they activate varies. RAR-gamma and RAR-alpha are found in the epidermis. RAR-Beta is located in the dermis. Tretinoin activates all RAR pathways; Tazarac activates RAR-Beta and RAR-gamma; Differin activates only RAR-gamma. 

    Differin, is not a natural Retinoid like the others, but was designed by some pretty creative scientists at Galderma. This adaptation from the original retinoid molecule gave it  increased specificity to maximize its anti-acne benefits and minimize its irritation. Most of my dermatology colleagues would agree with me that Differin is less irritating than its competitors. It also is more stable in the sun. ( By the way, dermatologists prescribe Retin A and Tazarac to be used at night not only to avoid possible redness from the sun, but also to prevent its breakdown and loss of potency. 

    There have been a satchel full of articles on the anti-aging properties of Tretinoin. While Tazaratene has been less studied in this regard, but the studies have all been positive. Taz does slow down the wrinkling process. However, although studies on Differin for wrinkling may be on-going they have not been published. 

    One could argue, that due to Differin's more gentle nature, it could be used if patients are irritated by Tazarac or Tretinoin ( even its more bland derivative Renova). However, if you are irritated by the other two, I would suggest you buy Retinol OTC. This would be less expensive and probably as effective as Differin.  Roc and Oil of Olay make good Retinol products.

    

Board certification
EducationMedical School:
Boston University School of Medicine, 1974
Post-medical school training Internship:
Gynecology-Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, 1975

Residency:
Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 1976
Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Hanover, NH, 1977
Dermatology, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, 1980
Pathology, Yale-New Haven, New Haven, CT, 1981
Aesthetic medicine experience 28 years (post-medical training)
Professional membershipsFellow, American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)
Hospital affiliations Sentara Virginia Beach General
Medical or professional licenseVA
Requesting an appointment with Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD using RealSelf.com is free & confidential. Consultation fee: Free if you mention RealSelf.com
LocationVirginia Beach Dermatology
5320 Providence Road
202
Virginia Beach, VA View map

Comments from Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD on RealSelf.com

Articles by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Last modified 25 days ago