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This is an excellent question. Retinoids like tretinoin (Retin A), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac) all act on the skin via retinoic acid receptiors (RAR). There are three main types of RARs found in the skin - alpha, beta, and gamma. Tretinoin activates all three kinds of RARs, while adapalene only activates RAR gamma - as a result, tretinoin is more active in the skin, while adapalene is specifically formulated to be less irritating and better tolerated than other retinoids.There are no dearth of studies demonstrating the collagen-stimulating and anti-aging effects of tretinoin. There are comparatively few studies showing the benefits of adapalene. While adapalene likely does have some anti-aging benefits, they likely are not as dramatic as those seen with tretinoin. There is no benefit to combining adapalene and tretinoin - really, the only reason to chose adapalene over tretinoin is because it has less risk of skin irritation. I hope this helps!
I think Dr Kalimullah nailed it with his scientific explanation of retinoid receptors. I can not agree more, for standard skin rejuvenation, tretinoin is my pick over others. Adapelene is less irritating and more tiered for acne whilst tazarotene is the most powerful and irritating. Bottom line- tretinoin. You dermatologist can compound a concentration according to your skin type. (In some cases I prescribe up to 2% as a stat peel). All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser Dermatologist. Brisbane. Australia.
This is an excellent question! It sounds like you are using your Retin A exactly as recommended. Redness and peeling are common side effects of Retin A, but are by no means required for the Retin A to be effective. Many patients, particularly those with thicker and/or oilier skin, ex...
The first question is: what kind of laser is being used on your legs? And who is doing it? We have seen numerous clients who have had poor results elsewhere, usually from either inappropriate treatments or wrong settings on the lasers used. Once they are treated properly, their...
The presence of eye bags is often inherited and if you inherited them there is little to prevent them from happening. However lifestyle and diet in particular can contribute to eye bags. A diet that is high in salt as well as excessive alcohol consumption can cause fluid retention and mak...
Buying branded Retin-A from a pharmacy will cost you several hundred dollars if you are older than 30 because it isn't covered by most insurances. It might be more cost effective for you to purchase the retin-A from your dermatologist. Many of my patients face the same issue. Tretinoin...
Thank you for your question and photograph. It's difficult to evaluate your skin through photographs, but from what I can see, it looks like you have closed comedones. In my experience, treatment modalities that exfoliate the skin are most effective in treating comedones. Treatment options...
Some patients will break out from retin A use, but it is normal if you do not. I would always supplement retin A with a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase Moisture Booster to hydrate your skin. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles
