Where does Differin fit into this picture? Differin (also called adapalene) is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A that has been shown in clinical studies to be less irritating than tretinoin. According to a study published in the March 1996 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Differin was also significantly more effective in reducing blemishes and was better tolerated than tretinoin gel. Other more recent studies have come to the same conclusion, which is that, by several measures, adapalene cream and gel were less irritating upon multiple dosing than various tretinoin creams and gels. (Sources: InternationalJournal of Dermatology, October 2000, pages 784-788; and Journal of Cutaneous Medical Surgery, October 1999, pages 298-301.)
It seems that Differin has a radarlike ability to positively affect the skin-cell lining of the pores, substantially improving exfoliation and helping to prevent blockage. Moreover, for those with oily skin, the original Differin comes in a lightweight gel formula that is barely felt on the skin. It contains little more than water and cellulose, a sheer thickening agent. Differin is also available in a cream base for those with dry skin and blemishes.
Should you consider Differin? If you have tried Retin-A or other tretinoins and had difficulty dealing with the irritation, or if you just want to see if Differin can work better for you (which it may), then it is certainly an option. Unlike tretinoin products, Differin is not inactivated by benzoyl peroxide, which means you can apply both at the same time.