Retin-A vs. Differin

• Are Retin-A and Differin the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Retin-A?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Differin?
• What Is Retin-A?
• What Is Differin?
• What Drugs Interact with Retin-A?
• What Drugs Interact with Differin?
• How Should Retin-A Be Taken?
• How Should Differin Be Taken?

Retin-A (tretinoin) Cream and Gel and Differin (adapalene) are retinoids (a form of vitamin A) used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Differin is available over-the-counter (OTC).

Side effects of Retin-A and Differin that are similar include skin warmth, stinging, tingling, irritation, redness, dryness, itching, burning where the medicine is applied.

Side effects of Retin-A that are different from Differin include swollen, blistered, crusted skin, or peeling where the medicine is applied; or changes in skin color (darker or lighter).

Side effects of Differin that are different from Retin-A include worsening of acne.

Both Retin-A and Differin may interact with other topical medications, especially those containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid.

Differin may also interact with products containing alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, alcohol/lime/menthol, hair perming products, medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect, other drugs that may increase sensitivity to sunlight including antibiotics, diuretics, sulfa drugs, and phenothiazines.

Common side effects of Retin-A include:

• red, swollen, blistered, or crusted skin;
• burning,
• warmth,
• stinging,
• tingling,
• itching,
• dryness,
• peeling, or irritation where the medicine is applied; or
• changes in skin color (darker or lighter)

Common side effects of Differin include:

• a brief sensation of warmth or stinging immediately after applying the medication.

Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using Differin Gel 0.3%. These side effects usually decrease with continued use Differin Gel 0.3%. Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Differin Gel 0.3% including:

• very red or irritated skin,
• an intense burning sensation,
• eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis),
• eyelid swelling, or
• skin discoloration.

Retin-A (tretinoin) Cream and Gel is a form of Vitamin A used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Differin (adapalene) Gel 0.3% is a topical (applied to the skin) medication similar to vitamin A used to treat severe acne in people who are at least 12 years old. Differin Gel 0.3% is available in generic form.

Retin-A may interact with other topical medications, especially those containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

Differin may interact with steroids or tetracycline antibiotics.

Differin may also interact with vitamin A, hormonal contraceptives, St. John's wort, and phenytoin.

Apply Retin-A to infected areas once a day. Use enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. Exposure to sunlight including sunlamps should be minimized while using Retin-A. If you have a sun burn you should avoid using Retin-A until you have completely recovered from the sun burn.

Differin Gel 0.3% should be applied in a thin film to the entire face and any other affected areas of the skin once daily in the evening, after washing gently with a non-medicated soap.