Adapalene Vs Tretinoin: Comparing Them for Wrinkles, Uses, and Side Effects

Retinoids are often the first choice for anti-wrinkle treatment seekers owing to their substantial scientific validation. Vitamin A derivatives like retinol and retinaldehyde have already gained much exposure in anti-ageing concerns, and lesser-known but highly effective options, such as adapalene and tretinoin, have started being discussed recently. 

Adapalene (commonly known by the brand name Differin) and Tretinoin (known by brand names like Retin-A) are good topical retinoids with scientifically based evidence to fight ageing signs on the skin. But what is the difference between them, and which one among them should you use? In this blog, we will explore adapalene vs tretinoin and their proper application to combat ageing problems. 

Retinoids for Anti-Ageing

Retinoids are proven to treat skin problems, primarily ageing, acne, and other skin conditions like psoriasis. They do so by stimulating the collagen production in your body that lessens the signs of ageing and makes your skin look younger, firmer, and youthful. The most commonly used retinoid for ageing concerns is retinol, but now retinaldehyde is also gaining popularity due to its higher potency and better efficacy. 

Retinaldehyde is gentler than retinol and considered beginner-friendly. DRSQ has three strengths of serums of retinaldehyde as 0.25% Starter Vitamin A serum, 0.5% Miracle Pro Vitamin serum, and 1% Advanced Vitamin A serum for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users. 

What is Adapalene

Adapalene is a type of retinoid among the third generation, and it is popular for treating different acne types and skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and keratosis pilaris. However, studies suggested that it can show significant improvements in skin photoageing (or ageing due to long-term sun exposure) when used in the 0.3% gel form, making it an effective option for ageing skin. 

You can find it in different forms and formulations, including gels, creams, and lotions. The commonly available strengths are 0.1% and 0.3%. It works by increasing the collagen production and stimulating the new blood cell production in the skin, which results in fewer fine lines and dark spots. 

What is Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a retinoid form, widely sold under the brand name Retin A, and also called all-trans retinoic acid. Tretinoin can help in several skin problems like hyperpigmentation, bumpy and rough skin, and wrinkles by encouraging the cellular turnover. It helps in unblocking the blocked pores and improving the skin's texture. 

Available in different forms like creams, lotions, gels, and liquid solutions, tretinoin can be found in 0.05% lotion and solution, 0.1%, 0.05%, and 0.025% cream, and 0.01% and % in gel. It is not available in an over-the-counter option and can only be taken with your doctor’s prescription. 

Adapalene Vs Tretinoin for Wrinkles

Both tretinoin and adapalene are retinoids, but behave differently with your skin. Moreover, from formulations to forms and available strengths, they vary. They have both been noted to fight wrinkles. But if your skin is sensitive, you must check with your doctor before using any of them.

Research was conducted in 2018 for more than 24 weeks on over 100 individuals to study the efficacy of both adapalene and tretinoin to reduce the effects of sun-induced ageing, including wrinkles. 0.3% adapalene and 0.05% tretinoin were used to reduce wrinkles. The study revealed both adapalene and tretinoin as effective anti-ageing ingredients. 

While they cannot entirely reverse your ageing, they boost the collagen and elastin levels in your skin to help smooth wrinkles and fine lines. 

Which One Should You Use for Your Wrinkles?

One approach may not work for everyone when it comes to deciding between adapalene and tretinoin. Your skin condition, intensity of your concern, skin type, and medical conditions can play a major role. It's best to consult your dermatologist to learn the best choice for you. 

Tretinoin may work faster when it comes to anti-ageing, specifically wrinkles and fine lines. Adapalene can take a little longer. But both of them show similar results and are almost equally effective for wrinkle treatment induced by sun damage.

If you struggle to address wrinkles for sensitive skin, adapalene could be easier on the skin as it is less likely to irritate reactive skin. Whereas, your skin may require more time to get accustomed to tretinoin and can be slightly more abrasive on the skin. 

Can You Use Adapalene and Tretinoin Together

Using adapalene and tretinoin together may not be a smart idea, as they both possess similar benefits and side effects. What you can do is to decide on one ingredient among them and be consistent to see effective results. Combining them can increase the chances of potential irritation, excessive dryness, and peeling, regardless of your skin type. 

How to Use Adapalene or Tretinoin for Wrinkles 

Adapalene and tretinoin are retinoids. So they will be used in the same way as retinoid products. 

• If you are new to retinoids, begin with a low concentration product. 0.1% adapalene or 0.01%, 0.02%, or 0.025% tretinoin potency would work. This will allow your skin to build its tolerance for retinoids. Always do a patch test while trying on a new product. 
• Apply adapalene or tretinoin at night. Retinoids can increase your skin's sensitivity towards the sun. Use them in your nighttime skincare routine. Ensure to apply sunscreen before going out in the sun to enhance protection. 
• Once your skin gets used to the product, you can increase the application frequency. 
• Avoid mixing or combining your product with AHAs, BHAs or benxoyl peroxide without consulting your doctor. 

Tretinoin and Adapalene: Side Effects

These two ingredients can cause similar side effects on the skin. Some individuals may experience little itching and stinging because they are new to retinoids. These symptoms usually don't worsen over time but tend to decrease with the continued use as your skin becomes used to the ingredient. 

However, in some cases, these side effects may become unbearable and may cause skin damage. This can happen due to several reasons, like you have not chosen the right concentration or retinoid type. In such a scenario, stop the retinoid usage immediately and seek your doctor's help. 

The frequently observed side effects are;

• Inflammation
  
• Redness
  
• Burning
  
• Stinging
  
• Peeling 
  
• Dryness, roughness
  
• Scaling
  
• Skin darkening
  
• Skin lightning
  

Conclusion

Both adapalene and tretinoin can be used to treat wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Adapalene may take a little longer to show significant differences in your loose skin, and it interacts gently with your skin. Your skin may find tretinoin harsher, irritating, but it can be quicker to drive outcomes. Observe your skin behaviour after incorporating any of them into your skincare routine. 

References:

John Waugh, Stuart Noble, Lesley J Scott, "Adapalene: a review of its use in the treatment of acne vulgaris", 2004

B A Bernard, "Adapalene, a new chemical entity with retinoid activity", 1993

Zoya Siddiqui, Alina Zufall, Marissa Nash, Divya Rao, Rahim Hirani, Marian Russo "Comparing Tretinoin to Other Topical Therapies in the Treatment of Skin Photoaging: A Systematic Review", 2024 November

E G Thorne, "Topical tretinoin research: an historical perspective", 1990

J S Weiss, C N Ellis, J T Headington, J J Voorhees, "Topical tretinoin in the treatment of aging skin", 1998 July