Please tell me the difference between Retin A and Differin

[Allison35]

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?

[azalea82]

Both Retin A and Differin are topical retinoids.  Retin A is older and available as generic so it's cheaper.  Differin is newer, no generic yet, so it's more expensive.  Retin A is a more harsh, and can cause redness and peeling.  

[RachelVaughn]

I have been on both and i personally hated retin A becasue its much to harsh for my skin..Differin is much more gentle and it is prescribed more often.