According to Dr. Mohiba Tareen, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tareen Dermatology, Differin’s main ingredient, adapalene (a retinoid), fights typical signs of aging like fine lines, dark spots, and dull skin.
“Differin is a fantastic anti-aging product that stimulates collagen production by cells in the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin),” she explains, “which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and overall thickness of the skin.”
As for how it works to get rid of pesky blemishes, Tareen says: “It works by exfoliating the surface of skin cells to prevent brown spots and patchy pigmentation that make you look older.”
Compared to retinol, retinoids are their more powerful, fast-acting sister products, explains Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology .
Topical retinoids like Differin are made from vitamin A, which helps normalize skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores and acne, says Levin, the same ingredient that helps improve skin discoloration, texture, and tone.
“Differin Gel also has anti-inflammatory properties,” Levin adds, meaning the formula helps soothe and smooth skin texture over time.
Another reason this product is great for anti-aging, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adarsh Vijay Magil, is its gentle yet effective formula.
“Adapalene is a newer variant of a retinoid that is in the mildest category,” he explained. “Retinoids have historically been great for acne and anti-aging, but overuse can dry out the skin and cause rashes. Adapalene is not as harsh as most retinoids, so patients can use it more frequently.”
Because it’s so gentle, “you can use it day or night,” Levin added.
Like all good things, the anti-aging benefits of this gel won’t happen overnight: Dermatologists agree that Differin’s effects really start to show after 90 days of use.
Tareen recommends using the gel once or twice a week at night to start, gradually increasing the frequency over a few weeks, because retinoids can be very drying to the skin.
If your skin is already dry, she recommends using the “sandwich technique”: use a light moisturizer first, wait a few minutes for it to absorb into your skin, and then apply Differin (Taleen says any CeraVe or Cetaphil product will work for this). Next, apply your product, followed by another layer of moisturizer. You might not be able to eat it, but this sandwich is sure to be a great anti-aging treatment for your skin.
CeraVe Body & Face Moisturizing Cream
This moisturizing cream comes in a gigantic container (19 ounces!) and is surprisingly affordable, and it’s packed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to provide extra hydration to dry areas of the face and body that lasts a long time.
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
Designed for combination or sensitive skin, Cetaphil Hydrating Lotion is an oil-free formula that is non-greasy, lightweight, and highly moisturizing. It is also fragrance-free, making it perfect for those who find strong fragrances irritating to their skin.
Meet Our Experts
- Dr. Mohiba Tareen She is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tareen Dermatology.
- Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin He is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology.
- Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mujhil He is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in New York City.
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