By now you all know how much we love retinol and its many benefits for the skin. But there is another ingredient you may have heard of, and that is Differin. This ingredient has earned a well-deserved passionate fan club from skincare users to skincare experts. Differin is one of the most effective forms of retinoids that is only available in prescription formulations. You see, this ingredient is highly effective and can be used to treat a variety of skin issues, from cystic acne to body acne.
So you might think that using Differin and retinol will surely make a powerful combination to improve skin clarity and reduce all signs of premature aging, from fine lines and wrinkles to loss of elasticity.
What is Differin?
Differin is a form of retinoid formulated in a prescription product. Since it is one of the most effective retinol products, it is recommended that you slowly incorporate it into your evening routine. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect when you incorporate Differin into your daily routine.
It is a powerful ingredient that can help prevent skin breakouts by fighting acne-causing bacteria.
Fights existing skin imperfections and makes them appear less and less.
A powerful anti-aging ingredient that speeds up skin cell turnover for a rejuvenated complexion.
Has a slightly different chemical structure than other retinoids, which means it is less irritating.
Works on the lower layers of the skin to boost collagen and elastin production.
Helps fight hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is commonly found in over-the-counter formulas. However, it comes in different strengths and is also used in medical skincare products. The main difference between retinol and retinoids is that the latter are only available by prescription. Here are some examples of the benefits you’ll see when using retinol.
Prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and increases their visibility.
Brightens the overall complexion.
Fights any uneven texture and provides a smoother skin surface.
Tones the skin and helps reduce blemishes and breakouts.
Reduces pigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and age spots, ensuring an even skin tone.
Works on the lower layers of the skin to improve signs of sagging by boosting collagen production.
What products should not be used with Differin Gel?
While Differin is very effective, it also does not play well with certain other skincare ingredients. Ingredients to avoid using with Differin are:
Benzoyl peroxide
Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic and lactic acid
Beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid
Astringent toners and other drying agents
These are primarily chemical peels that usually work on the outer layers of the skin, with some penetrating deeper into the skin. Using exfoliants with retinoids can lead to over-exfoliation and dry, irritated, flaky skin. To avoid this, it’s best to follow up Differin with a moisturizing formula, especially one with other nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E.
Can I use Differin with a retinol product?
Not really, primarily because the ingredients of retinol and Differin are very similar. Both are forms of retinoids that differ only in their strength. If you use both at the same time to get faster results, you might be surprised to learn that the opposite is actually true. Since both retinol and Differin increase skin cell turnover, your skin can become dry, uncomfortable, tight, red, and develop flaky patches. It also strips away the vital oil and water content needed to keep the barrier in a healthy state, leading to overproduction of sebum (the skin’s natural oil). This can lead to increased breakouts and imbalanced skin, making it oilier.
Is Differin stronger than retinol?
Yes, it can be, as Differin is a prescription ingredient, which means it’s significantly more potent than some retinols found in over-the-counter products. If you want to add some form of retinoid to your skin care routine, it’s generally considered best to start with an over-the-counter or 0.5% medicated product. Once your skin has developed a certain tolerance, you can then increase the percentage. Just remember that whatever formula you add to your regimen must be introduced slowly and correctly to avoid over-irritation and skin irritation.
Can I use Differin if I don’t have acne?
Yes, you can. While Differin is highly effective for skin blemishes, that’s not the only benefit of using Differin on your face. Its ability to boost skin cell turnover can help you reduce all the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It can also combat uneven skin tone, fade age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. These are just a few examples of the benefits of using Differin. Note that you should use it as directed and only apply it to your skin once a day as part of your evening routine. Applying it several times a day does not increase the likelihood of seeing faster results, but it does cause irritation and negative reactions.
Are Retinoids and Retinol the Same Thing?
They are similar, with the main difference being that retinoids often come in prescription products because they tend to be more potent. As for retinol, it is believed to be a weaker version with formulas found in over-the-counter products. Good to know: Whichever form you choose, always consult your primary care physician or dermatologist to find the best product for you and your skin. If you want to learn more about whether retinoids and retinol are the same, read our dedicated blog post.
I hope this answers some of your questions about using Differin and retinol products together. If you have any questions, don’t forget to visit us on Instagram.
