Hello, I am hoping someone can help tell the difference between these produtcs. Last yr I went on Retin A 0.05% and although it took awhile I had pretty good results, skin was smoothe and had a nice glow and clear as well. Well, like a fool I decided to quit over the summer because I knew I'd be outdoors a lot and I was afraid of the sun with using Retin A.

Anyway, I started getting breakouts again which have gotten worse and I went to my reg doc who gave me a prescription for Retin A 0.025%, while waiting to go back to the dermatologist(which took awhile to get in) But, I figured I'd hold off on using it until I saw the derm which was yesterday, and he prescribed me Differin , along with other acne meds. But, when I did my research to my amazement from what I've read the only difference between the 2 is that after the peeling/redness phase you go through Retin A gives you a glow and also helps to improve over texture of your skin (which is what I had last time) where the Differin just helps to control your breakouts. Can someone please tell me if this is true? If so, why didn't he just prescribe me Retin A, I wanted to ask, but he went so darn quick with me and I had so many other questions! Can someone please help?

In short, Differin is less harsh than Retin-A. That does not necessarily mean it works better or worse, just that it is supposed to cause less dryness/irritation than Retin-A.

This is a personal opinion, but I equate that to mean there's less sloughing of the skin, so I don't think you will get exactly the same or as good of a result as you would with Retin-A. I don't use either, I use Tazorac (Retin-A seriously hyped up).

HTH

D

Hello and thanks for responding. I am also using a creamy benzoyl peroxide wash, but will I be able to continue that when I start the Retin A?

I haven't started it yet, was waiting until this breakout cleared up, which its almost there, but he had me also using that bp wash 4% and also clindamycin lotion at night before I was to apply the Differin all of them together, but I can't imagine that would be good with the Retin A?

I, personally, would stop the use of BP. It is not good for your skin, over time. You might consider going to a salicylic wash instead. BP causes free radical formation (this was found in studies and is a known "thing") on the skin, over time that can age and wrinkle your skin. I would never put it on my face, personally.

RetinA should be the last thing you put on your face at night and you should wait 20 minutes after washing to use it. You can use other things before it, but still best to wait 20 minutes afterwards before applying the RetinA.

I don't know if that holds true for Differin or not.

Good luck.

D

Wow, I just did the research and your right! I had no idea! He also has me using Clindamycin 1% lotion after I use the BP wash, but I just figured I'd use this combo to clear the current breakout I had. I am also taking minocycline (oral antibiotic) and I have to say, so far its all working, I don't have any active pimples, just old ones, but they are still red. Do you think I should wait a little longer to clear them up or go ahead and start the Retin A? I'm dying to get back on my Retin A, but I want to make sure its the right timing.

I really can't advise you. I'm also not a skincare professional, nor medical professional--just someone who's wanted nice skin all of her life. So, I've tried to learn as much about what's good for the skin and what's not, based on my research.

All of these items you mention are RX except the BP, so better to ask a doctor/medical professional. It may be best to ask your doctor about the RetinA.

Good luck and I hope all turns out well for you.

D

I like the way Paula Begoun words it in her book Don't Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me; whatever active ingredients are in a facial cleanser don't actually have time to do anything as they get washed down the drain! makes sense doesn't it?
I use a mild facial cleanser from AlphaHydrox and then retin A at bedtime - and like the above post, my derm recently gave me the new higher % Differin and I am not sure why, it was a coupon for a free tube so i filled it but he said finish the retin A then give this a try - I was still breaking out but retin A did give me a nice clear rosy coplexion, consensus seems to be retin A as the gold standard - might just stick with that.
And my daughter was prescribed retin a and clindamycin last summer - use the Clin. in the AM and retin A in pm were her directions - NOT together.

I'm using Retin-A and it helps reduce my pimples and heals the skin. I highly recommend this coz it works effectively. You can order it online from online pharmacy http://WWW.MEDSHEAVEN.COM
rheng0512