Differin for Wrinkles

Over the counter wrinkle creams usually contain retinol, which is converted in your skin to Retin-A (tretinoin).  Unfortunately, retinol is far less effective than tretinoin.  Retin-A has been out much longer than Differin and therefore has a more established and documented track record when treating wrinkles, freckles, crow's feet, etc.  Both should be effective, although I am not aware of any  head-to-head studies comparing the effectiveness of the two.... more

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... more

Differin or adapalene, is one of the topical prescription strength retinoid available. All topical retinoid can smooth out skin texture, stimulate collagen production and help to minimize fine lines to varying degrees over time. There are more literature supporting the use of topical tretinoin (Retin-a) and tazoratene (Tazorac) for fine wrinkle reduction. If you were to use Differin, Differin 0.3% gel is most efficacious but should not be used more than 3x/week initially to prevent... more

Differin (Adapalene) is in the retinoid (vitamin A) family, others of which have been demonstrated to improve facial wrinkles. My preference would be to use one better established for that purpose such as tretinoin or tazarotene. Another non- prescription option is to use OLAY ProX line of products which have been shown in a study to be as effective in treating wrinkles as the retinoids.

Retinoids are known to improve the signs of skin aging. Differin is the only Rx retinoid not PROVEN to do so in clinical trials. It is a milder retinoid than Retin A and Tazorac for acne, so it is often better tolerated. But if I were going to use a retinoid for aging, I'd use the ones that have FDA approval and more clinical trials, so that would be Retin A and Tazorac.

It is unlikely you'll get better results from Differing for your wrinkles. What kind of wrinkles are you trying to address? There is only so much expensive skin creams and topical treatments can do. Retin-A can improve your skin texture over time and help with fine lines. However, if you trying to address visible lines and wrinkles, you might need to up your ante and consider a fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, Botox and Juvederm or Restylane injections.

Differen is supposed to be a product similar to Retin-A. It is not indicated for the management of wrinkles and has not really been studied in this regard so I don't believe it is any more effective. Dermatologists tend to prescribe this medication more freqeuntly and I look forward to their feedback.