Can You Use Differin with Retinol Products?
By now you are all aware of how much we love retinol and the plethora of benefits it has on the skin. But there is another ingredient you may or may not have heard of before and that’s differin. This is an ingredient that has gained a well-deserved, adoring fan club, from skincare users to skincare experts. Differin is one of the most potent forms of retinoid, with it being available by prescription only formulations. You understand that this ingredient packs a bit of a punch and is used to target all manner of skin concerns, from cystic acne to body acne.
So, you may be thinking, surely using differin and retinol will make a powerful duo that will work on improving skin clarity and reducing any signs of premature ageing, from fine lines and wrinkles to loss of elasticity.
What is differin?
Differin in a form of retinoid that is formulated into prescription only products. With the fact it is one of the most potent retinol products it is always advisable to take your time when adding it into your evening routine. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect when using differin in your routine.
It is an effective ingredient to help prevent blemishes by combating the bacteria that causes breakouts.
Combats existing blemishes resulting in them becoming reduced and less frequent.
Potent anti-ageing ingredient that can increase the skin cell turnover revealing fresh, new skin underneath.
Has a slightly different chemical structure that other retinoids meaning it is known for being less irritating.
Works in the lower layers of the skin to boost collagen and elastin production.
Helps target hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is often found in over-the-counter formulations. Having said that it does come in a variety of strengths and can also be found in medical grade skincare products. The main difference between retinol and retinoid is the fact that the latter is only available through prescription only. Here are some examples of benefits you will see when using retinol.
Prevents fine lines and wrinkles developing and becoming more noticeable.
Brightens the overall complexion.
Targets any uneven texture giving you a smoother skin surface. Regulates the skin helping it to reduce blemishes and breakouts Fades hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and age spots giving you an even looking complexion. Works in the lower layers of the skin improving signs of skin sagging by boosting the collagen production. What products should not be used with differin gel? As effective as differin is, it is also known for not playing nicely with certain other skincare ingredients. The ingredients you should avoid using with differin are. Benzoyl Peroxide Alpha Hydroxy Acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid Beta Hydroxy Acids, such as salicylic acid Astringent Toners and other drying agents These are mainly chemical exfoliants which often work on the outer layers of the skin, with some penetrating further into the skin. By using exfoliating ingredients with a form of retinoid will be too much exfoliation and will lead to reactions, such as dry, irritated, flaking skin. To avoid these, it’s best to follow your differin product with hydrating formulations, particularly those that contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and other nourishing ingredients, such as vitamin E. Can I use differin with retinol products? Not really, mainly because retinol and differin are very similar ingredients. Both are a form of retinoid that just vary with the strength of potency. If you use both together with the idea of seeing quicker results, you may be surprised to find the opposite occurs. With both retinol and differin increasing the skin cell turnover your skin will become dry, uncomfortable, tight, red, with areas of flaky patches. It will also become stripped of the vital oil and water levels needed to keep the barrier at its healthiest state leading to it kick starting an over production of sebum (the natural oil found in the skin). This will result in a flare-up in breakouts and an imbalance in the skin making it oilier. Is differin stronger than retinol? Yes, it can be, this is because differin is a prescription only ingredient meaning its level of potency will be considerably higher than some retinol found in over-the-counter products. It is often considered best if you are wanting to start introducing a form of retinoid to your everyday skincare routine, that you can start with an OTC or medical grade product containing a percentage of 0.5%. Once your skin has built some tolerance you will then be able to increase the percentage. It is important to remember that no matter which formula you choose to add to your regime, you must introduce it slowly and in the correct way to avoid any excessive irritation and flare-up to the skin. Can I use differin if I don’t have acne? Yes, you can. Although differin is highly effective at combating blemishes, this is not the only benefit of using differin on the face. With its ability to increase skin cell turnover you will find it is able to reduce any signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It is also able to combat uneven skin tone and fade age spots, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Those are just a couple of examples of the benefits of using differin, bearing in mind that you must use it as instructed and only apply it to the skin once a day during your evening routine. Applying it more than once a day will not increase the chances of seeing faster results but will lead to irritation and negative reactions. Is retinoid and retinol the same? They are similar, the main difference is the fact that retinoids are often found in prescription products as they tend to be more potent. As for retinol, this is thought to be a weaker version and formulas are found in over-the-counter products. Just a word of caution, whichever form you decide to use, ensure you have consulted with your GP or dermatologist to find the best product you and your skin will love. If you are wanting to find out more about whether retinoid and retinol are the same, check out our dedicated blog post. I hope that has answered some of your questions about using differin and retinol products together, don’t forget if you have any questions come and find 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.
