Retinoic ointment is a natural retinoid, and Differin is synthetic. The first is used in the treatment of children under 7 years of age, and the second after seven years of age. Retinoic ointment has a wider range of effects.
Retinoic ointment is suitable for patients with moderate oily skin, in the presence of papules (nodules). It is used in monotherapy of mild forms of acne. With moderate acne, antibacterial agents are added.
Differin ointment is better for dry and sensitive skin, and gel for oily skin. In severe forms, combine with Baziron AC.
Both drugs are available without a prescription, but you do not need to be treated without consulting a specialist. An improperly selected drug will cause deterioration. Only a doctor can recommend a drug, given the degree of the disease, skin type and concomitant diseases.
Acne (acne) is a serious psychological problem for adolescents. Such rashes cause concern in the adult population, although their heyday of youth is long behind. Dermatologists practice an integrated approach in the treatment of the disease. Particular attention is paid to topically applied drugs. Retinoic ointment and Differin are often recommended. Which drug is better? What are the features of each? This is worth sorting out.
Retinoic Ointment
Indicated for topical use. It has a uniform consistency from light yellow to yellow. Available in aluminum tubes of 10, 15, 20, 35 g. Each form contains 0.05 or 0.1 g of active ingredient and a number of excipients, among which 95% ethyl alcohol.
Pharmacological properties are carried out due to isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid). The substance protects the skin from microbial and parasitic lesions, helps exfoliate the excess stratum corneum. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-seborrheic properties. Stimulates the regeneration of affected skin tissue.
Retinoic ointment is used for:
- Acne.
- Perioral dermatitis.
- Rosacea (rosacea).
- Dermatitis caused by yeast-like fungi.
The course of treatment is carried out for a long time – from 4 to 12 weeks. The tool is thinly applied to problem areas 2 times a day. At the same time, care remains so that the substance does not get on the skin around the eyes, mucous membranes. With a strong inflammatory process, the ointment is not used.
Differin
The drug is available in the form of flint (0.1%) and gel (0.1%). Each of them contains 1 mg of adapalene in combination with additional substances. Aluminum tubes hold 30 g of the drug.
Differin is indicated for external use. The therapeutic effect is due to adapalene, which is naphthoic acid. In structure, it differs from retinoic acid, but the effect and effect are similar. Therefore, it belongs to the group of products with the ability to suture the skin from infections.
The main substance promotes the cleavage of acne in the sebaceous glands. Affects the change in the shape of epithelial cells. Accelerates the transition of epithelial cells to scaly hardening. Prevents binding between epidermal cells. All these processes lead to the fact that the skin is renewed, the epidermis becomes thinner, comedones or black spots decrease.
Differin has an anti-inflammatory effect, softening, drying, exfoliating, disinfecting problem areas.
Warning: the drug increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. This can lead to minor burns. Therefore, it is better to use it in the evening or at night.
Differin is used to treat:
- Ordinary eels.
- Comedonov.
Cream and gel successfully cope with a mild form of acne. In severe forms of the disease, antimicrobials are added. The positive side of the drug is the absence of an irritant effect. It is recommended for people with sensitive skin type.
It is applied pointwise to foci of inflammation, without rubbing, once a day. The course of treatment is up to 3 months. The first effect is visible after a month of therapy.
What is common between drugs
Both remedies are used in the treatment of acne. Available in forms used externally. They have a number of contraindications:
| Retinoic Ointment | Differin |
| Individual intolerance to the substances that make up the composition. | Individual intolerance to the substances that make up the composition. |
| Chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys. | Allergy caused by retinoids and their synthetic analogues. |
| Chronic pancreatitis. | Simultaneous treatment with sulfur, zinc, salicylic acid.
Tumors on the skin. |
| Decompensation of cardiac activity. | Eczema, dermatitis caused by yeast-like fungi. |
| Pregnancy, lactation, pregnancy planning (extensive lesions). | Thermal, mechanical damage to the skin. |
| Pregnancy, lactation. | |
| Children under 7 years old. |
In the treatment of one and the other, adverse reactions may occur:
| Retinoic Ointment | Differin |
| Exacerbation reactions in the form of new rashes, swelling, hyperemia, peeling of the skin, accompanied by itching (at 2 weeks of treatment). Therapy is stopped for several days until the reaction stops. | Dryness, irritation, burning of the skin, erythema (often).
Contact dermatosis, sunburn, acne (not often). Swelling, soreness of the skin. |
| The formation of a maculopapular rash, accompanied by itching and swelling (at the beginning of treatment). The drug is canceled. | Itching, irritation, swelling, erythema of the eyelids. |
| Symptoms of chronic hypervitaminosis A: dryness, peeling, cheilitis, conjunctivitis (with prolonged use). |
Drugs carry out the same external actions:
- Contraction of the sebaceous glands in size.
- Normalization of sebum.
- Reduction of inflamed foci within the hair follicles.
- Improving the protective properties of the skin.
- Healing of affected areas.
Before applying medicines do not use soap (solid) and alcohol solutions.
