In the quest for healthier, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin, retinoids have been recognised for quite some time as a game-changer for treating acne and acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and even skin ageing. These vitamin A derivatives, are lauded for their ability to enhance cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. Over the counter retinoids like Retinol, are now a staple in most skincare routines. Increasingly, more people are turning to prescription retinoids which are many folds stronger than Retinol such as Tretinoin, Tazarotene and Adapalene. Most people however find it hard to know which prescription retinoid to opt for within this powerful family of retinoids. We’ve previously compared Tretinoin with Tazarotene. In this post we dive into an in-depth comparison of Tretinoin vs Adapalene.
Understanding Retinoids
Before we dive into the Tretinoin vs Adapalene debate, it’s important to understand exactly what retinoids are. Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A. They are known to stimulate collagen production, promote skin cell turnover and fight acne. However, not all retinoids are created equal, and their strength and efficacy can vary greatly. In this post, we will be focusing on two of these to compare the difference between Tretinoin and Adapalene. We also discuss which is better between Adapalene or Tretinoin for a range of skin conditions.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid and is considered the standard in prescription skincare. Tretinoin is a first generation retinoid that has been around for over 50 years. As such, safety record and effectiveness are well established. It is known for its proven efficacy in combating acne and signs of ageing as well as hyperpigmentation. For this reason, Tretinoin remains the industry standard for prescription retinoids.
How Does Tretinoin Work?
Tretinoin works by binding all three retinoic acid receptors on your skin cells. This sets off a process of accelerating cell turnover, unclogging pores and smoothing the skin’s surface. Tretinoin also increases the production of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid as well as improves blood flow to the skin by encouraging new blood vessel development. Another key benefit of Tretinoin is that can increase the penetration of other skincare medications like hydroquinone. Tretinoin is versatile and comes in a range of strength from 0.01 to 0.1%. Usually most people will start at a lower strength and gradually work their way up as their skin tolerates it.
What Skin Conditions Does Tretinoin Treat?
There are a variety of skin conditions that Tretinoin treats. The most common are:
- Acne: Tretinoin is a very effective treatment for acne. It helps to clear out clogged pores, regulate oil production and prevent new breakouts. It also helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and smooth texture and acne scarring.
- Wrinkles and fine lines: using Tretinoin regularly can help treat skin ageing. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines through resurfacing the skin and by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that give skin its firmness and elasticity.
- Hyperpigmentation: Tretinoin can help to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation including, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma and hereditary patches of pigmentation. sun-damaged skin by reducing the appearance of age spots, brown spots, and rough skin texture.
- Ichthyosis: this is a rare skin condition that causes dry and scaly skin. Tretinoin can help to improve the appearance of ichthyosis by increasing the shedding of dead skin cells and stimulating the growth of new skin cells.
- Rosacea: this is a chronic relapsing and remitting skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face. It can also cause pimples and swelling on the skin. Tretinoin helps treat Rosacea by reducing breakouts and unclog pores. It can also help to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with rosacea.
Tretinoin Side-Effects
For decades, skincare aficionados and dermatologists alike have hailed Tretinoin for its wide-ranging benefits. That being said, Tretinoin isn’t without its potential drawbacks. Some users may experience initial skin irritation, such as redness, peeling, or increased sensitivity. There may also be a period of purging where your acne appears worse before it starts to improve. The great news is that these are all temporary and usually resolve within 2-3 weeks as the skin adjusts to Tretinoin. If you’re experiencing side effects after starting Tretinoin, you should speak with your doctor immediately as they can advise a change in protocol or even to stop the Treatment.
What is Adapalene?
Adapalene, on the other hand, is a newer generation retinoid, which in the UK is available only by prescription. It is however sold over-the-counter in some countries including the USA as a product called Differin. This third-generation retinoid (Tretinoin is first generation) was specifically designed to provide similar benefits to Tretinoin, but with less irritation. It’s considered to be a gentler retinoid that effectively treats acne without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Adapalene also has a more stable chemical structure than Tretinoin. This makes it okay to use alongside other acne medications such as Benzoyl peroxide which can be found in over the counter products or in prescription kits like Obagi CLENZIderm.
Like Tretinoin, Adapalene comes as a cream or gel. Adapalene is however only available in 0.1 and 0.3% concentrations and the 0.3% is a gel formulation only.
How Does Adapelene Work?
Like Tretinoin, Adapalene works by regulating the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation. There are a few differences between Adapalene and Tretinoin. Adapalene inhibits keratinocyte skin cell differentiation. As a result, It inhibits the growth of keratin which is the protein that makes up the outermost layer of skin. When keratin builds up, it can clog pores and lead to acne. This allows Adapalene to prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts.Through this emchanism, Adapalene can also help to decrease microcomedone formations, treat inflammation, and exfoliate mature comedones.
What Skin Conditions Does Adapalene Treat?
Generally, Adapalene can be used to treat the same conditions as Tretinoin. Studies have shown that adapalene is effective at treating acne. In one study, between 69% and 74% of patients given adapalene experienced “dramatic reductions” in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Adapalene offers comparable efficacy to Tretinoin, but appears to be less likely to cause irritation. Unlike Tretinoin, which works on both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, Adapalene primarily focuses on the skin’s surface. This makes it less effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles or tackling hyperpigmentation. It is still a valuable product for treating acne especially for those with sensitive skin.
Adapalene Side-Effects
Although Adapalene is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects that you need to be aware of. These include dryness, redness, peeling, burning and irritation. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own once your skin adjusts to Adapalene which can take 2-3 weeks. If you experience any severe side effects, you should stop using Adapalene and talk to your doctor.
Tretinoin vs Adapalene: The Main Differences
The main differences between Tretinoin and Adapalene boils down to two words; “tolerability” and “versatility”. While Tretinoin is more potent and can deliver more comprehensive results, it can also cause more skin irritation. Adapalene is generally better tolerated, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or who are new to retinoids. Additionally, Adapalene is more stable than Tretinoin, meaning it doesn’t as easily break down when exposed to light or air. This allows it to retain its potency for longer, offering consistent benefits over time.
As a general rule, Tretinoin is much more versatile than Adapelene both due to the range of concentrations it come sin and also the conditions it can effectively treat. Tretinoin is very effective treating acne and is thought to be more effective at treating signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation.
Making the Right Choice: Adapalene vs Tretinoin
When it comes to choosing between Tretinoin and Adapalene, it’s essential to consider your skin type, concerns, and goals. If you’re primarily looking to combat signs of ageing or hyperpigmentation, Tretinoin may be the better choice due to its superior collagen-stimulating properties. It’s also a great choice if you are battling acne that is associated with pst-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, texture or scarring. Tretinoin is also great if you want to use it to address both acne and skin ageing.
If you’re only dealing with acne and have sensitive skin, then you might find Adapalene’s gentler and more targeted approach more suitable. It’s worth bearing in mind that every individual’s skin is unique, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another. That’s why its important to consult with a doctor who can help you evaluate your skin’s needs and guide you in making the best choice between Tretinoin and Adapalene.
The debate around “Adapalene vs Tretinoin” has been going on for a long time but from our perspective, this is not about determining a clear winner. Both are impressive retinoids with their own unique set of benefits and potential drawbacks. Tretinoin, with its multi-layer approach, is excellent for treating ageing skin, while Adapalene, with its surface-level focus, is a gentle yet effective solution for acne-prone sensitive skin. When you’re ready to embark on your retinoid journey, remember that patience is key. Retinoids take time to deliver visible results, often several weeks or even months. Consistent use, coupled with a well-rounded skincare routine and sun protection, can yield significant improvements in your skin’s appearance and health over time.
Don’t let the wealth of choices in retinoids overwhelm you. Whether you choose Tretinoin or Adapalene, you’re taking a proactive step towards healthier, more radiant skin. If you would like to learn more about our online prescription skincare clinic, please book a virtual consultation with one of our doctors who will help guide you on this journey. Contact us today to book your virtual consultation and take your first step towards better skin.
Sources
Acne Treatment: Get Clear Skin with Prescription Skincare
Hyperpigmentation Treatment:
Skin Ageing Treatments: Fade Age Spots, Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Anti-Ageing Prescription Skincare
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
SPOTLIGHT ON… IS RETINOL THE ANTI-AGEING SILVER BULLET?
Tretinoin Vs Retinol: What’s The Difference?
Is Tazarotene Better Than Tretinoin?
Obagi Tretinoin Cream
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2800888
Obagi Hydroquinone
Acne
Hyperpigmentation
What Causes Hyperpigmentation And How To Get Rid Of It
Melasma Treatment: Prevent and Treat Melasma Hyperpigmentation
The Best Rosacea Treatments For Redness-Prone Skin
Obagi Clenziderm
Is Benzoyl Peroxide Your Key to Clear Skin?
