Acne is a frustrating and confidence-shaking experience for many people. Luckily, there are effective treatments available to help manage breakouts and improve skin health. Among the most popular options are retinoids, specifically adapalene and tretinoin. These ingredients have proven effective in treating acne, but they work in slightly different ways and may suit different skin types.
| Feature | Adapalene | Tretinoin |
| Brand names | Differin | Retin-A, Aknemycin Plus (with erythromycin) |
| Formulations | Gel and Cream | Cream, Gel and Liquid |
| Treats | Mild to moderate acne, sensitive skin | Moderate to severe acne, ageing skin |
| Side effects | RednessBurningIrritationDry skin | More pronounced irritation, dryness, peeling |
| Strength | Generally 0.1 % | Various strengths (0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%) |
| Skin irritation | Less likely to cause irritation | More likely to cause irritation |
| Who is it suitable for | Adults and adolescents 12 years and older | Adults and adolescents 12 years and older |
| Stability | More stable, can be used with benzoyl peroxide | Less stable, breaks down with light and air exposure |
| Effectiveness for acne | Highly effective | Highly effective |
| Anti-ageing benefits | Limited evidence | Strong evidence for anti-ageing effects |
| Application Frequency | Once daily | Once daily |
| Availability | Prescription-only in the UK | Prescription-only in the UK |
Retinoids are compounds made from vitamin A and are used to treat various skin concerns, especially acne vulgaris. These powerful ingredients speed up how quickly your skin generates new cells, helping to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
There are different types of retinoids, ranging from mild over-the-counter options to stronger prescription-only formulations. They all work in similar ways, but their strength and potential side effects can vary.
Retinoids not only help with acne but can also improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone and hyperpigmentation. This is why they’re often found in anti-ageing treatments.
Adapalene is best known under the brand name Differin, but is also available in other formulations. It works by improving skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation, which helps prevent pores from getting clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It’s particularly effective for blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples.
One of the big pluses of adapalene is its relatively gentle nature. Compared to some other retinoids, it’s less likely to leave your skin feeling like it’s on fire. This means that side effects like irritation, redness, or peeling are less intense, especially when you’re just starting to use it.
You’ll typically find adapalene in gel or cream form, and it is usually applied once a day, preferably in the evening. Like all retinoids, it’s important to use sunscreen during the day, as it will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a prescription-strength retinoid widely used for treating acne and other skin conditions.
Tretinoin works by promoting rapid skin cell turnover, helping to prevent clogged pores and reduce the formation of acne lesions. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm existing breakouts and improve overall skin texture.
This retinoid is effective for various skin conditions, including inflammatory acne like pustules and cysts. In addition to its acne-fighting abilities, tretinoin is often used in anti-ageing treatments because it can stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While Tretinoin and Adapalene are both retinoids, there are some slight differences:
A meta-analysis of five comparative studies involving 900 patients found that adapalene 0.1 gel and tretinoin 0.025 gel demonstrated the same ability to reduce the number of spots and lesions. Interestingly, adapalene worked faster compared to tretinoin, with a significant difference in the reduction of inflammation and total lesions at week.
Another study comparing adapalene 0.1% gel to tretinoin 0.025% gel in Chinese patients with acne vulgaris found that both treatments greatly reduced total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory acne spots by 69-74% on average over 8 weeks.
However, when comparing higher concentrations, tretinoin may have a slight edge. A review found that tretinoin 0.05% gel “exhibits a greater anti-acne efficacy” than adapalene 0.1% gel.
Adapalene consistently shows better tolerability across lots of different studies. Tretinoin is more potent but has “higher skin irritation potential”. Topical adapalene tends to cause less skin irritation, making it a better option for those with sensitive skin or those new to retinoids.
Ultimately, the choice between adapalene (Differin) and tretinoin (Aknemycin) should be based on your skin needs, tolerance levels, and treatment goals. Some people may respond better to one treatment over the other. Consulting with a doctor or pharmacist can help determine which option best suits your skin type and acne severity.
Are you tired of dealing with acne? At Click2Pharmacy, we understand how frustrating it can be and are here to help you find the solution you’re looking for.
Our online acne clinic stocks lots of different treatments, including Differin gel or cream (adapalene) and Aknemycin Plus Solution, which contains Tretinoin.
With our straightforward process, you can access these treatments without the hassle of in-person appointments. Simply fill out a quick assessment form and upload images of your skin. Our experienced pharmacists will review your information and, if appropriate, approve your prescription. Once approved, we’ll dispatch your treatment directly to your door.
Don’t let acne hold you back any longer. Explore your options with Click2Pharmacy today and take the first step towards clearer, healthier skin!
Yes, you can switch from Differin (adapalene) to tretinoin, but it’s best to check with your prescriber first. We recommend a gradual transition to minimise potential irritation. When switching, start with a product that contains a lower-strength tretinoin, like Aknemycin, and slowly increase as your skin adjusts.
Using tretinoin and adapalene together is generally not recommended. Both retinoids work similarly to promote cell turnover and prevent acne, so combining them can lead to increased irritation, redness, and dryness.
If you are new to retinoids, start with one product at a time. This will allow your skin time to adjust and help you identify how your skin reacts to each treatment.
Differin (adapalene) and tretinoin are not the same, though they’re both retinoids. Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid, while tretinoin is first-generation. They work similarly but have some differences in strength, tolerability, and specific uses.
Both can help with acne scars, but tretinoin is generally considered more effective. Tretinoin has been shown to stimulate collagen production more effectively, which can help improve the appearance of acne scars over time.
At Click2Pharmacy, getting a prescription for Differin adapalene gel or cream or something containing tretinoin like Aknemycin is easy. Simply complete our online consultation form, and our qualified pharmacists will review your information to determine if the treatment is suitable for you.
In the UK, both Differin and tretinoin-based products need a prescription. However, our online consultation process makes getting the prescription you need convenient, without an in-person doctor’s visit.
