What is the difference between Retin and Differin?

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?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Retin-A from the group tretinoin is a topical form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself and treat acne and  reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration. It also  make rough facial skin feel smoother.

On the other hand, Differin belongs to the group of adapalene, another topical medicine similar to vitamin A. Like tretinoin, it  is also  used to treat severe acne in people who are at least 12 years old. Adapalene in small concentrations is a moderator of cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes. It has both exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effects, decreasing acne formation.

These 2 medications are both indicated for acne. However, more side effects can be attributed to tretinoin  such as increased risk of extreme sunburn and  thinning of the skin. Discuss this and the other questions with your dermatologist to ease your worries.

Take care and regards.