Galderma, the company behind skincare products Differin, Cetaphil, and Alastin, has launched a new prescription acne medication, and there’s growing belief among dermatologists that it could be a game-changer.
Twyneo is a topical treatment that combines two powerhouse acne-fighting ingredients, tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide, that haven’t previously been formulated together. Ever. That’s because benzoyl peroxide deactivates tretinoin, a retinoid.
However, Twyneo uses “slow release” technology to keep the formula from becoming unstable. It also has the added benefit of reducing irritation. As a result, we now have a product made from two ingredients that are each considered gold standard acne treatments.
To make Twyneo, tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide are separately encapsulated onto a silica-based base, which is suspended in an emulsion cream, preventing the active ingredients from mixing together. When it’s applied to the skin, the cream “breaks” and the silica slowly releases tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide.
Beyond clearing up acne, tretinoin can help minimize wrinkles and fine lines, while benzoyl peroxide will help even out skin pigment.
Who’s a good candidate for it?
Anyone dealing with acne stands to benefit from using Twyneo. But it could have the most profound impact on those with moderate to severe acne who’ve tried other topical treatments and haven’t seen the results they want.
Both ingredients can cause irritation on their own. While the “slow release” technology will help to an extent, there is some concern that Twyneo could lead to peeling, dryness, and redness, particularly in areas where the skin is more delicate, like the neck. And in fact, Galderma does list these as potential “adverse effects” on the Twyneo website under the safety information.
To find out if Twyneo is right for you, talk with a board-certified dermatologist.
How should it be incorporated into your skincare routine?
Similar to other retinoid and benzoyl peroxide products, Twyneo should be used once a day, preferably at night. Retinoids make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and avoiding sun exposure will be important while using Twyneo.
It’s also a good idea to avoid doubling up on ingredients. Ingredients that will help fight irritation, like hyaluronic acid serums or ceramide-rich moisturizers, are safe, though.
In general, when it comes to fighting acne, the simpler the skincare routine, the better.
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