Can Differin be used with retinol products?
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.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.