Tretinoin? Adapalene? How to find the Right Prescription Retinoid for Your Skin | Dr. Sam Ellis

Dermatologists love retinoids, especially prescription retinoids like tretinoin, adapalene, and more. Retinoids are a gold standard ingredient for treating acne and the signs of aging. I like to get my patients started on a prescription-strength retinoid to help them achieve their skin goals, but did you know there are different brands for each type of prescription retinoid? I discuss the differences between them in this video, plus share some tips on how to incorporate retinoids into your skincare routine.
💙 Connect with me on Instagram: / drsamanthaellis
Image Credit:
“The Three Layers of Skin and Their Functions: FLDSCC.” Florida Dermatology & Skin Cancer Centers, 30 Jan. 2020, fldscc.com/2020/01/30/three-layers-skin/.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician.

[@chelsey.mp4]

This was the best “explain like I’m 5” retinoid video ever! When you first started requesting video topics on your IG I was a little shy to ask, but this was exactly what I was hoping for-thank you!!

[@DrSamEllis]

That makes me so happy to hear! Glad you found it helpful. Never hesitate to suggest topics--I want this to be a helpful channel for everyone, no matter their baseline skin/derm knowledge.

[@doanphuong1325]

I concur!!

[@suthaz7352]

@@DrSamEllis can you make video about LED / Phototherapy at home devices and hyperpigmentation/melasma?

[@infullbloom3246]

What she is NOT telling you is that prescription retinoids cost less than $10/30gram tube overseas w/o prescription. Skip doctors.

[@madelinevandeven6627]

@@infullbloom3246 can you give me a link for overseas retinoids? Thank you.

[@pegacorn13]

It's refreshing that as an MD you recognize that there are real differences between generic and brand-name medications. "Most" of the time generics work just as well but there are some meds that the brand name not only causes less side effects but is actually superior as a whole. As for Tretinoin, generic 0.05% seems to work great for me for anti-aging. I have had no peeling, redness or adjustment period: just soft, smooth skin.

[@jaimegasca9556]

Which generic brand you use

[@awalker127]

I tried so many generic tretinoin formulas and all were terrible. My skin just couldn't adapt. I switched to Arazlo (tazarotene), and its been incredible. It was far less irritating than any of the other tretinoin products I tried. Thank you for making this video!! 💜

[@bfree4830]

Did u purge with Arazlo?

[@awalker127]

@@bfree4830 no. I had already gone through that phase with the other retinoids I tried before I started with Arazlo. Purging doesn't actually happen for everyone. If you're acne prone then you likely will purge. It doesn't cause more acne, it just brings the acne to the surface.

[@simoneconde5564]

I've also had great success with Arazlo!

[@awalker127]

@@simoneconde5564 I rarely hear of people using it....maybe because of the cost?

[@simoneconde5564]

@@awalker127 That sounds very likely, it's not covered by a lot of insurances. Even after my specialty derm pharmacy applies manufacturers coupons it was still $60 for a tube

[@WhereDidIndiGo]

I’m so excited you started a KZbin channel! Looking forward to all your new videos!!!

[@southerncharminca]

I have used Tretinoin for the past 24 years every night! It’s truly a God send and my skin does look younger and I am so happy I started years ago! Great video!!!!

[@sequoiacirillo9460]

hey, do you use it all over your face or just on certain smaller spots on your face?

[@kelseyLUVSnick13]

You are supposed to use retinoids all over the face and not be used for spot treatment

[@TheSisi4ever]

Thank you this was so helpful. I’m 30 and i’ve been using prescription tretinoine 0.025% for 2.5 years and I was wondering if I needed to get a higher strength. Happy to know that having a higher strength doesn’t give you more antiaging benefits. Thank you 😊

[@DrSamEllis]

You're so on top of your skincare game!

[@pinin1708]

same!!! however, I've tried to use 0.05% and it irritated my skin so badly! I will go back to 0.025%

[@CeeCee630]

I love your explanation about retinoids. I’m 57 and OTC Differin/Adapalene has done so much for my skin, I don’t think I’ll need to move up to Tretinoin.

[@eobrien1]

I am the same! I have rosacea and have had such success w adapalene after about 7 years, I don’t plan to either.

[@cindygr8ce]

Oh good this was one question I had. If using adapalene for anti aging even though I've only heard it being talked about in regards to acne is still better than using any retinol. I thought it should be since retinoids should be more efficacious.

[@duszka3202]

I am so grateful for this video. I am 30 years old and today is the first day I am to start adapalene for acne, but at the same time I have very sensitive skin and psoriasis. With this comprehensive information you have unsmilingly helped to reassure me. My deematologist didn't even tell me 5% of these things. Your channel is my new OG. Greetings from Poland❤❤❤

[@efroggys]

I wish all dermatologists were as caring and knowledgable as you

[@mashabond1250]

you are amazing, very good at explaining and going into detail

[@DrSamEllis]

Thank you! I felt like this topic needed a little more exploration!

[@briannasirju8972]

The timing of this video is magical. I just started a low tretinoin percent yesterday. I was doubtful that it would help with anti-aging since it isn't 0.05% like I've seen many people on KZbin using. Though since I am solely using it for the anti-aging benefits, I definitely feel reassured!.

[@DrSamEllis]

Amazing!

[@User719ywi]

Oh girl let me tell you 0.025% Tret is POWERFUL. Yes it is the lowest percentage but with time, it’s effective! Don’t worry !

[@rakshanaiga2420]

Hey Brianna sirju! Would you mind sharing your tretinoin experience please? Like reason for starting tret and did you get it through prescription? Also your exp till now 😄

[@ickywitdasticky]

Such an amazing video. I always wanted someone to do a deep dive on the rx retinoids. I've been on every one of the common retinoids, including Claravis. I'm on tazorac 0.1% for maintenance now and I peeled like a snake at first even though I was using tretinoin 0.05% just before starting. But my skin is so glowy now. I didn't even know that tazorac was also photostable.

[@Djk8263]

Differin triggers my perioral dermatitis. Switch to Tretinoin 0.025%, no problems. Started doing some research. Apparently Differin can be known to trigger PD. Wish I knew that before trying it. Suffered through a PD flare for a few months, even with antibiotics.

[@allnamesarechosen_]

Same, I'm now on Triferatone and I love it, it works even better than tret for me, just as strong but way less irritating, and I didn't purge.

[@agnesjuhasz7715]

Thank You Dr. Ellis, this was really informative and useful! Tretinoin is such a diva queen, we really need to know how to handle her correctly :-D Prevoiusly I have used Differin for 2 whole years every night for anti ageing, pigmentation and photo ageing and I had no results with it, except for the fact that I did not have 1 breakout at all. Switching to a tretionoin, ohhh woow what a difference my god! It took me a full year to have my skin adapt to it, and I still get irritation, but the difference is sooo worth it!

[@DrSamEllis]

Love hearing this story! And you're right that certain retinoids will work differently for different people and skin types. I'm going to start calling tretinoin a diva queen too!

[@lindaackerman3507]

I also used differin, not for 2 years but for one whole year and did not notice any thing improved as far as wrinkles but then did botox and boy what a differrnce..lol..Im now using obagi some nights and olay other nights, they don't really lessen wrinkles but do smooth my skin a bit, my next step is retinaldehyde, which is supposed to be better than retinol.

[@blondefisk]

Yay! Thank you for a video that didn't feel like 50% of it was advertising.. I mean 'recommending'.. a bunch of expensive products, rather than discussion about the ingredient, process, and expectations. Just started adapalne for photoaging, taking it gentling as I phase it in. Over 5 days have applied twice, and can feel the sensitivity at this stage, so slow and steady we shall go.

[@DrSamEllis]

Thank you! And totally no rush in terms of getting your skin used to retinoids because the best results come from months to years of consistent use!

[@blondefisk]

When using Differin, what Key Ingredients do you recommend to be looking for in your moisturiser?

[@mikemcneil624]

This is by far the best video/explanation on prescription retinoids on KZbin I've ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I've been using Arazlo (Tazarotene 0.045%) for the last 2.5 months and it has done wonders for my acne. Was previously using Differin gel and Tretinoin 0.025% cream and it's been much more effective. Of course everyone is different, but this is what works well for me. Thanks again!

[@LailiBirdy]

this video is INCREDIBLY informative. I've watched probably hundreds of retinoid videos and this one is the most complete and makes the most sense.

[@lauda579]

What an amazing video, full of information and it’s just a pleasure listening to you speak!

[@DrSamEllis]

Thank you, that's so kind!

[@SusanYara]

Thank you for this informative video!

[@beth6445]

Wonderful information - very thorough, but also good, basic info rather than too high level and detailed. You really have a great gift for presenting complex information.

[@marlenarteaga3617]

Wow can you be my dermatologist! My doctor never explained this to me but it makes so much sense. My acne never cleared up with retin a, tazorac was the only thing that worked.

[@voulap1782]

Hi Dr Ellis I’m a new subscriber from Canada , a mature woman very interested in these types of videos. Your very pretty and so nice. Sending you lots of love and positive energy.🤗

[@DrSamEllis]

I'll take all of the positive vibes! Thank you!

[@kco22]

Hello, Dr. Ellis. I appreciate the informative video and sharing your knowledge. I am super happy you took us deeper into prescription retinoids! Like you said, this topic isn’t talked about a lot. I learned so many new things and put pieces together. I do have a few questions: 1. Can I mix tretinoin with my moisturizer? 2. Can I apply tretinoin to my under/upper eyes and lids, lip area, and neck? (I see people do this) Thank you again! ❤️

[@RegensDominor]

I'm a 28 year old male, about to start my tretinoin journey!

[@victoria787]

This was the best video on Retinoids I have watched - and I have watched lots! Just started on Differin OTC last week.

[@erinarajbhandari9953]

The best Vit A video I have watched and I have watched a TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON. thank you so much. Wishing you lots of youtube success ❤️

[@Silvie.1]

I have rosacea acne and started using differin and it's amazing for me too. Best prescription I have ever gotten

[@joannekree3412]

So glad you’re on KZbin! Love love love your posts on IG and now looking forward to you videos! Just wish you’re practice was in south Florida....

[@laurelsorensen6533]

How did you know I was totally thinking if this exact topic lately! Thank you for sharing and the way you share your knowledge.

[@RachelTerry]

I love the informative and honest but approachable and way you did this video! So excited for more videos ❤️

[@DrSamEllis]

Thanks so much! I’m so happy you liked it!

[@aussiekilo]

Your amazing!! Explained with such thorough informative language that provides sufficient information to those that are not getting the necessary treatment and information from their dermatologist in California.

[@chateau7]

Wow - you did a great job explaining all of this. Wonderful graphics, too!

[@MakupLver]

Great video Dr. Ellis! I’ve read that women who are trying to get pregnant/are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use retinol. I’d love to see a video on what can be used for acne if you fall under any of those categories.

[@renrut_7389]

Yes! I was about to comment & ask what her opinion on nursing & using a retinol is.. I’ve been itching to try a retinol, but have avoided it! Who knows how much longer I’ll be breastfeeding my boob monster 😂 I hope she sees this comment & decides to dive into the topic more!

[@ccap3211]

I think the general consensus is to avoid it during pregnancy just to be safe. I’ve heard Dr Shereene Idriss say she’s fine with people using it during breastfeeding. The worry is that it could possibly cause birth defects which isn’t exactly an issue during breastfeeding.

[@cindygr8ce]

My question is.....While im waiting to be able to afford a perscription retinoid, is using a retinol better than using adapalene for anti aging? Everyone only talks about using adapalene for acne but shouldnt .1% adapalene that used to be a perscription retinoid be more efficacious than any retinol.

[@touranedsall]

Thank you so much Dr. Sam! After 10 years on Tactupump (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide), I just asked my Doc to upgrade me to Tretinoin. I’m so excited. I appreciate you so much

[@anarodriguez6601]

I thought I knew a lot about retinoids already but you definitely taught me something new!

[@acrylicpourerer6992]

You are gonna blow up! Loving your videos

[@ladasiacoates4138]

I’m glad I came across your channel! Would you do videos that focus on higher Fitzpatrick’s skincare? That would be amazing!

[@getoveryourself.7516]

You speak very clearly and throughly explain your points. Love your video!❤️

[@rociogallego9568]

Finally i´ve found someone with a more gentle aproach. I have acne and atopic skin, the last dermatologist i visited suggested going under accutane (at the time i only had a few pimples). i rejected that and instead she prescribed me 5% benzoyl peroxide cream + tretinoin gel + a salicylic acid gel cleanser (2 day) + eucerin dermopure exfoliant (1 week) + lymecycline 250mg. Of course, it was too much for me, i couldn´t even handle benzoyl peroxide without getting a very red, itchy and painful reaction. I ditched everything and now i´m only trying with adapalene 0.1% and is sooooo much gentler, what a relief. There´s no need to put patients who are already suffering a lot under hard treatments just because it looks "ugly", we better be (indeed) patient. At least that´s my perspective. I´ll see how it works in some weeks. Thanks for the info, you´re a great doc. I´ll keep searching for someone like you in my country. 🤗

[@BriseisMusic]

Thank you! I found so much new info on here that a lot of the other derms I follow didn't even go into.

[@gabbyscott8181]

Yay!!! I am so excited about this channel

[@redionmyftari1626]

What a great video . Thank you Dr. Ellis This video was very informative 👏

[@genec8777]

Love this, super informative! Can't believe it's only your second video, you're made for this! Curious about your thoughts on retinol potency, people say tretinoin is 20 times more potent than retinol, but that would infer that 1% retinol is going to give you same effects as 0.05% tretinoin, but surely that's not the case?

[@lynnginn7817]

Trifaroten seems to be the prescription that finally helps my acne and skin. I am 25 already and have tried sooo many Formulas but my acne kept coming back worse. I sm on trifaroten since almost half a year and even though the beginning was rough.. my skin is finally beginning to glow like it hasnt for many years and i didnt get any hurtful, big zysts

[@29ansa]

These videos are so helpful! Thank you

[@RockBandGroupie]

Great information 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@bl00dyroar69]

such an informative video! ive been using retin a for two years now and still learned from this.

[@peilinli6422]

best tretinoin instructions video on KZbin👍👍

[@phd2007]

I've asked every dermatologist I've ever been to the same question: Why is it that I can slather tazarotene all over my face with absolutely no side effects whatsoever; however even the lowest percentage of tretinoin or adapalene causes my skin to crack so badly it bleeds.

[@patryk8203]

Hi, Dr. Ellis! Amazing video 🤩, so easy to follow and to understand how retinoids work and what are the types of retinoids and differences between them. My question is... do they also help with post-acne scars? Which one has the most potential for that?

[@shannonk.5172]

This was so helpful! You explained it so well, thank you! 🥰🥰

[@rhondamullins6192]

This is the best video I've seen so far on retinoids. Thank you for sharing this information and making it easy to understand and implement.

[@freedomlife5968]

I love your content! You just earned yourself a new subscriber! In my experience Adapalene 0.1% was never powerful enough for me but it never irritated me either, it is very gentle but not that efficacious for my severe acne. Regarding the generic vs brand name, in my opinion the best Tretinoin is Altreno, the data shows us is that at a concentration of 0.05% it is even slightly more effective than 0.1% Tretinoin(Retin-A Micro to be specific) with half the incidence of side of effects which is amazing. Obviously one should not expect substantial differences in terms of efficacy when comparing generic vs brand name, unless the generic is so bad that the Tretinoin doesn't remain as stable and degrades quickly, but when we're talking tolerability like you said, yes brand names can make a difference, many times a big difference. Really doctor if you prescribe tazarotene I wouldn't prescribe Tazorac like ever, I would always prescribe Arazlo, having tried that formulation myself(Tazorac), I can say that it looks and feels very oily and unpleasant on the skin, makes the skin super shiny looking and it just isn't the most cosmetically elegant formulation. I think Tazarotene has a reputation for being the most irritating retinoid because it is often poorly formulated. This molecule has a tendency to clump up, and Arazlo fixes this by formulating it with a honeycomb mesh technology that is similar to that of Altreno, it allows for even distribution of the drug and slow release delivery so no clumping up like with tazorac! Really the technology of Altreno and Arazlo are pretty amazing, at a concentration of 0.045%, Arazlo is slightly more effective than 0.1% Tazorac, this was confirmed in a head to head study comparing the two, and again it had half the incidence of side effects of 0.1% tazorac, personally i prefer brand names because i can afford them and they are better tolerated and work better for me than generics. I love the texture and matte finish of Retin-A Micro but other than photostability and stability in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as well as slightly more efficacy, i do not feel it offers much of a benefit in terms of tolerability over regular tretinoin despite using that microsponge slow release encapsulation technology. If you are going to prescribe a brand name tretinoin because your patient cannot tolerate generics, always prescribe altreno, just make sure they do not have a fish allergy cause it has fish collagen. For tazarotene your brand name of choice should always be arazlo, NEVER tazorac, seriously for a brand name it sucks, it clumps up, is irritating and an unpleasant formula!

[@jeffreymiller8150]

2 questions. :) 1. I tapered on an OTC Olay retinol product over 2.5 months, then switched to daily Differin .1% without many symptoms (almost 1 month of use). I was recently prescribed .3% adapalene for some milia issues. Given that it’s effectively 3x stronger, should I taper it on or can I just switch over to avoid the struggle of scheduling the applications? 2. I read that twice daily supplementation of 500mg of niacinamide(AKA nicotinamide) could significantly reduce your risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers. But I also read that it could increase the risk of melanoma in men. Do you know what the current findings are for the benefits/risks of taking niacinamide? Thank you so much for your help and educational videos! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dermlover1]

Retin-a micro is the only RX topical retinoid I can tolerate.

[@rachelweinstein9008]

Excellent, excellent educational video! Dr. Sam you’re just a natural! So glad I found you! Xo Rachel 🥰🦋💕🎉🐈🐶

[@heatherrogers548]

Thank you for this thorough breakdown of Retinoids/ retinoic acids. Is it worth using differin for anti aging purposes? From what I’m hearing, it is most suitable for acne. Is it worth using over non prescription retinols for s as not aging?

[@gwasick]

What do studies show regarding adapalene and fine lines, wrinkles, or just general skin aging? Thanks! 💕

[@DrSamEllis]

Adapalene 0.3% gel (only available via prescription) has been shown to have similar efficacy to tretinoin 0.05% cream when it comes to treating signs of photo-aging. Both adapalene 0.1% and 0.3% improve the appearance of brown spots and fine lines. Hope this helps!

[@gwasick]

@@DrSamEllis it does - thank you! ❤️

[@majatomaszewska8218]

How about adapalene combined with benozyl peroxide? Could benozyl peroxide change the anti-aging effects of adapalene?

[@anonymous6594]

This video needs more views. Thanks

[@nataliasienkowska2039]

Love that! So informative

[@makarachan7886]

I wish you offered virtual consultations 😩

[@zehraj726]

One of my favorite skincare videos of all time!❤️

[@ryed9899]

Love this Video. So informative

[@DrSamEllis]

So happy to hear that!

[@summersadie3687]

Great video. Very helpful. Would love if you could do a video showing application - ie, is it best to apply with small dots and on which parts of your face do you recommend?

[@ZeroToHero22]

Thank you for this video! I have a clarifying question- I've been using tazarotene 1% (originally for acne) for years. I don't really have any side effects from it at all, my skin tolerates it very well. But now I'm more interested in photo aging benefits - should I switch to tretinoin since you mentioned the science is there. Or are you saying they work the same for photo aging

[@andreeadanielacristina9230]

So, so informative! Most comprehensive video on retinoids. My question would be, is tretinoin still doing its best magic if only used every other day? I can’t seem to be able to tolerate it more than that, even a year after I started using it. I’m on 0,05. Or should I go down in strength so I can use it daily? What would be more effective: 0,05 every other day vs 0,025 daily? Thank you!

[@DrSamEllis]

For anti-aging, I prefer something that you can use more often, so a lower % more frequently!

[@410mirby]

This was a wonderfully informative video! Thank you!

[@Lololamazone]

This was such a great video! Thank you!

[@bronibashinsky]

Great videos! Can you do a video on Hyperpigmentation/Melasma (pregnancy related) treatment options?

[@debbiesokoloff1991]

Good information presented in an understandable way; thank you!

[@idilrumilly7814]

Thank you for such an informative video--was awesome! I have heard that retinol stays in the skin for two days and it's not necessary to use it every day. Your thoughts? And also: if only we could have you over on the east coast, even for a day... :)

[@laurajanesherman9126]

Great info here! I was on tazarotene but sensitivity was still bothering me so I tried the arazlo samples and don’t have the dryness and irritation. It’s $65 vs $10 for the generic.

[@melmel9638]

Hi Dr. Ellis! This was one of the most informative videos I’ve watched on retinoids! I just had a question. How long can you stay on Biacna for since it contains an antibiotic? I went to a walk in clinic and that’s what they prescribed but didn’t tell me how long to stay on it for! Thanks!

[@beckymcandrews2749]

Great info. You explain it all so well. Thank you!

[@madhatter4173]

I'm 52 and have been using tretinoin for around 7 months (5 x week) for angi-ageing and have experienced no irritation but also no noticeable results 😔

[@yoylos3p]

I’m 50yo, I’ve used tretinoin and now Arazlo for several years, consistently. I think, and hope, that we’ll see the results as years go by. That in 5 years, and so on, your skin will look way better than it’d have looked had you not used a retinoid. I will not stop using a prescription strength retinoid because I have absolute FOMO!! 😊

[@maalikserebryakov]

Sounds like you got scammed by some indian counterfeit company

[@madhatter4173]

@@maalikserebryakov it was prescribed by my doctor and purchased from a reputable pharmacy. I suppose the results might not so much a noticeable change but rather a slower ageing process

[@katiepope8746]

Thank you! This was so helpful. Your skin is 😍.

[@KD-yk9wv]

What about Adapalene for aging skin? Fine lines, wrinkles, etc

[@crysvader]

I don’t know if you’ll see this, Doctor, but I want some advice/assurance on this: I suddenly have oily skin that I’ve never had before. The dermatologist I went to prescribed me the Arazlo lotion to stop the oiliness, but I am a bit wary to start applying it to my skin nightly as directed for the five months. Do you recommend a certain moisturizer to combat the irritation as I will say my skin is sensitive? Edit: my skin barrier may be damaged and that’s probably why it’s oily? So I’ll stick to a simple routine and explain myself to the derm when I see her in five months.

[@jennifersaylors3952]

Great video! Thank you for the thorough explanation. What are your thoughts on adapalene for anti-aging? I know it isn't "gold standard" like tretinoin, but is it a good option if one doesn't have access to a derm/rx. Or is otc retinol better in this scenario? Thank you!

[@DrSamEllis]

Adapalene is great for anti-aging too, and I should have mentioned that in the video! It's certainly more effective than OTC retinol products.

[@jennifersaylors3952]

@@DrSamEllis Thank you!!!

[@shirleyhow4317]

Hi Dr Sam Ellis, I enjoy watching your video on over the counter retinol n Trenitoin, I’m over 50s and seldom use sunscreen before coz a lot of times I find it sticky on skin n sting to my eyes specially when I’m sweating, and overtime it cause some damage to my skin, My skin get darker during summertime. Now I’m trying to change my skin care routine and want to incorporate Trenitoin or adapalene for anti aging purpose hoping to improve my skin. I lived outside US so the available brand I can purchase here is the Galderma differine from France and the Menarini Trenitoin from India. I’m not sure if you know these two brands but I’ll be happy to get an answer from you which of these two brand will be suitable for me to try , thanks a lot

[@fostoriapink57]

Enjoying your channel! Great and useful information. Thanks!

[@TangShuYang]

Can La Roche Posay adapalene helps wif wrinkles?

[@ArielleOnDemand]

Thank you for making this really informative video! Since you mentioned Tazarotene being more robust for acne, is it a better keratolytic agent than Tretinoin? I tolerate both the new lotion formulas (Altreno/Arazlo) well with minor irritation, but I’m not sure which would be better for my clogged pores.

[@Juliet42110]

Hi Arielle, did you ever find out if Altreno or Arazlo is better for clogged pores? I'm trying to find the least irritating prescription retinoid for my very acne prone & aging skin.

[@Carmen-ne7iw]

Excellent info!

[@laurenching]

I am surprised at how much more I like Retin-A versus Apostrophe because of the vehicle. My skin is on the drier side and the Retin-A spreads much more easily. Do you have any tips for using tretinoin around the eyes? Right now I use an eye cream with retinol but I always hear eye creams are kind of a scam. Thanks!

[@DrSamEllis]

Yes the vehicle makes SUCH a big difference! When using tretinoin under the eyes I always have people layer it over a thick moisturizer to avoid/minimize irritation. If someone is still getting irritation from that, an eye cream with retinol is a great option! I'm not big on eye creams either, but when they contain proven ingredients, like retinol, I'm cool with them.

[@themedit]

LOVED! this video so much good information thank you

[@ajaim6039]

So glad I found this video! I just started arazalo

[@fireonice8856]

I have acne, dark spots, hyperpigmentation,dark acne marks, black and white heads and facial dandruff near nose 👃 on both sides please help me. I don't know what cream i should start with to get clean,clear and glowing skin. I'm desperate please help.

[@manojreddy123]

Hi doc, I just got prescribed Arazlo lotion (Tazarotene based) for my hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Should I keep it or request for Altreno lotion (Tretinoin based) instead? What are your thoughts? Which one is better and more effective for fine wrinkles and anti-aging? Can you make a video comparing these two lotions please?

[@matthewportillo5648]

same! she basically explained your question around the 9-10 minute mark and so on for a bit! hope that helps

[@gbp_live7044]

I was just prescribed arazlo for acne because nothing else worked and accutane caused me vision issues

[@manojreddy123]

@@matthewportillo5648 yup! But, I want the whole video dedicated to comparing these two lotions. Like studies, research etc. I’m sure, there’s more to talk about these lotions. Thanks anyway!😊

[@manojreddy123]

@@gbp_live7044 I got off of Accutane just 3 months ago. Sorry, you had the vision issues, I know it’s a big deal. My side effects were common ones, like super dry skin, dry eyes, I got headache once during the 5 month course. At the end, It’s worth it for me. My skin is never been this better before. Though Arazlo is a lotion, it’s still pretty strong compared to Altreno. Every time, I apply it on, after 2-3 days my skin starts peeling off. Now, I have two lotions. I like Altreno, it’s pretty nice. But, Now my goals are more on the anti-aging, wrinkle prevention side.

[@emilysmith2984]

I started using tret 6 months ago, and it has been amazing. My skin isn't sensitive at all and was able to handle it every day from the get go (I had been using 1% retinol for about 3 yrs prior, but also never reacted to that). Forehead wrinkles which I had from age 21 are sig reduced. Skin glows too. But someone pointed out to me recently a study that showed those that used tret were more likely to die early (possibly due to metabolites that are created? Was linked to higher risk of lung cancer). The study was stopped early due to increase in deaths. I know it's one study but still kinda scary? Any thoughts on long term safety of tret? Does it sig affect serum levels of vitamin A, or cause other damage? Would love of professional opinion on this, as I would be so depressed if I had to stop using tret as I've gained so much confidence and happiness from it!

[@Danuliq952]

That's really interesting. I would also love to see professional reply to this.

[@emilysmith2984]

@@Danuliq952 I've done as much research on this as I could over the past few months. Found a few papers that propose possible mechanisms through which tretinoin (applied topically or taken orally) could both reduce and increase risk of fibrotic diseases. It was suggested that in lungs tretinoin could actually prevent fibrotic disease. But that doesn't match findings of the clinical trial that showed increased death in the tret group linked ot lung cancer. I am weary of that study being disregarded as some have tried to do (by suggesting there is no possible mechanism through which it could have caused more deaths - how often are we wrong in medicine and it's foolish to suggest that when there was a clear signal of increased death). It was sig enough of a finding to stop the study early, and I am not very trusting of big pharma. The fact that the study was brushed aside and basically hidden for yrs too is sketch. Big pharma makes a lot of $ from tret so would not want bad press. Anyway, what my hypothesis now is - perhaps it was the BHT that is used in tret as a preservative (I looked up full ingredient lists and contacted the company of my tret to get a full list - yep BHT and a lot of other crap in there, almost all retinol products are preserved with BHT, although there are some cleaner ones now). BHT has been linked to lung damage and tumors. Of course the dose is the poison of any chemical, but if you use it every day, and perhaps if there are other ingredients in the product that increase penetration (there are many of these ingredients used in skin care), and some people may be genetically more susceptible to effects of BHT (all about genes + environment). It's really impossible to trust studies esp when financial stake at hand. But that's my guess now. I personally just don't feel comfortable enough to use tret anymore, given my distrust of big pharma. I am using more AHA BHA exfoliants, peptides which I LOVE, red light mask, microcurrent (both amazing!), natural vitamin rich oils and serums, and am looking at ways to make my own high concentration retinol serum sourcing my own raw materials so I don't need all the preservatives. My skin is still looking pretty good, and if I get a few more wrinkles meh I have other tools, and for me personally not worth the worry. I just don't like using it now and thinking every time "is this killing me" lol. Sorry for long reply, I just invested a lot of time into this so thought I'd share! :)

[@NotThatDeep]

I’m curious. Going to follow this post.

[@misunderstood18_]

@@emilysmith2984 do you have any knowledge to share on adapalene? Is it safe?

[@codiannsmith]

Sad to see there was no response to this. I just paid a lot for tretinoin and now I'm scared to use it.

[@maverickbull1909]

Wait. But does Adapalene have photo-aging benefits??? I don't have any acne at all. I'm just using it for the photo-aging benefits... but I can't figure out if it works for that or if I need to get Tret. Help...

[@karaleonor9638]

Hey Sam, I just found you 💙 you have a new sub! Thanks for the info regarding the strength for melasma/wrinkles purpose, I wanted to go back to 0.5 because there are so much pilling and patches with the 0.1 strength ☹️ so now I can confidently use the 0.5 Thanks !!

[@rachelmergo]

So so good. I use retin-a micro gel and loooove it. I use 0.04% and was wondering if it’s beneficial to increase the % or just stay where I’m at? I’ve used mine almost nightly for 9 months and my skin is obvious to adjusted to it.

[@DrSamEllis]

Totally depends what you're using it for! For anti-aging, it probably won't add much benefit. If using it for acne/breakouts I typically keep someone at a consistent strength if they are well-controlled and only consider increasing if they've gotten some improvement but continue to break out.

[@helenh3395]

just terrific!!!! can you address prp and prf for female hair thinning You are a natural teacher!!!

[@nohelia90]

Love this video! Man, so much information!! I started with adapalene only on my forehead that my doctor prescribed when I was 16 and have been trying to get my skin acclimated to treatinoin. I have tried 0.025%, 0.05% and am now using Altreno in 0.05% because all the other ones were a little too aggressive for me. I live in Utah and the air is super dry so I don't know if there's anything you'd recommend me doing to help my skin adapt or if maybe I am just not a good candidate for tret.

[@CamilaSaurus]

Was Altreno more gentle for you than the .025%?

[@nohelia90]

@@CamilaSaurus no… I had to give up that too.

[@CamilaSaurus]

@@nohelia90 Oh no, really? I am using it for the second day. I’m trying the sandwich method this time and waiting 30 minutes after washing my face to apply the Altreno. Hoping it works, but I have dry skin normally.

[@LK-ip1vz]

Thank you for such a great informative video!! I wish I could come and see you in the office.. By any chance, can you recommend a good dermatologist in PA? Thank you again!

[@rexcelannellesis2194]

Can u make a video of how to layer skincare and how to use properly adapalene, just want to know what works best having also different products to put on

[@Rose82155]

OK so tazarotene isn’t as effective as tretinoin for anti-aging? Seems difficult to get a straight answer on that.

[@SpringismySeason]

Where did Atralin go? I used it for a few years and then I couldn't get it any longer. I tolerated that better than other tretinoin brands/generics. I've used tretinoin on and off for 20 years and I could never get the peeling and irritation to stop. I use either .05 or .025 once or twice a week, but not consistently because of the irritation.

[@skateata1]

I used to use tanning beds and it left me with a lot of brown dots. Retinol helped fade the spots really well