is differin a retinol?

Does Differin Gel Have Retinol? While there are many OTC retinol creams on the market, Differin is not one. Instead, Differin Gel is made up of adapalene.

A derivative of vitamin A, retinoids can tackle everything from fine lines and pigmentation to acne and psoriasis. They achieve this by boosting the turnover rate of skin cells.

We reached out to board certified dermatologist Dr. Karyn Grossman from Grossman Dermatology in Santa Monica, CA, for more insight.

She explains that retinoids can accelerate the rate of skin cell division and new cell growth. In short, they change how your skin cells function.

Applying retinoids topically, she goes on to explain, helps increase cell division on the surface of your skin, which helps thicken the top layer of skin.

She notes that retinol and other retinoids also work deep in the skin’s dermis layer to stimulate collagen and elastin production. These skin proteins naturally decrease with time, leading to thinning skin and other visible signs of aging.

Boosting their production, then, allows retinoids to offer pro-aging support, not to mention fight sun damage and help reduce the appearance of pores.

Additionally, retinoids can unclog pores, removing the bacteria that contributes to acne breakouts, and reduce the inflammation and shedding associated with psoriasis.