[Question] Are different retinoids better or worse for different skin issues/types?

So there's not a whole lot in the way of studies for Differin and photoaging just yet as compared to tretinoin, but there's been a couple promising leads. If you look at the downloadable briefing document that Galderma (makers of Differin) gave to the FDA, on page 84 you'll see a section called "Potentional Off-label Use" where they acknowledge that some consumers may use the OTC product for photoaging instead of for its labeled use as an acne treatment. According to another site with citations adapalene differs in bioavailability to tretinoin, which we already know since others have linked to sites that show that adapalene is weaker than tret, as all OTC retinoids will be.

Bottom line: it is highly likely to be useful for treating photoaging, but it is weaker than prescription creams. If you can live with using an easily available (and perhaps more affordable?) with less potency, then sure why not, go for it.

I have used a few different OTC retinols and have been on tretinoin and Curology before. I honestly saw the best results while on Curology, but I did see some results from Alpha Skin Care .15% Retinol and I always did love Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Night Cream, mostly brightening and some slight softening of texture. I've used PC's Intensive Retinol which I did not ultimate care for as it was silicone heavy and I just didn't 'feel' that it worked as well, and currently I am using TO's Advanced Retinoid which I like the light serum format of. I have a tube of Differin that I'll be using next once TO is gone. If I don't wind up liking Differin, I am going back to tretinoin!

/r/AsianBeauty Thread