Retin-A Micro is a costlier, time-released version that is available only as a gel. It is less likely to cause irritation and dryness and can be applied immediately after cleansing. However, it may not be as effective as Retin-A cream for anti-aging treatments and may be better suited than creams for oilier skin types.
Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are both brand names for tretinoin. The big difference between these two medications is how they deliver the tretinoin to your skin. Retin-A Micro delivers the medication more slowly, over time, so it's less irritating than Retin-A.
This medication is used to treat acne. It may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. Tretinoin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids.
Retinols and Retin-A are retinoids. They are derived from vitamin A. In addition, retinoids include Retin-A Micro (tretinoin), Renova (tretinoin), and Tazorac (tazarotene). Think of it this way—retinols and Retin-A are types of retinoids, just as apple and key lime are types of pies.
Retin-A Micro is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Acne Vulgaris, smooth rough facial skin, mottled skin discoloration and reduce fine wrinkles. Retin-A Micro may be used alone or with other medications.
Retinaldehyde has been shown to be effective in improving fine and deep wrinkles. The evidence supporting its use is based on larger scale studies of the previously mentioned retinoids. Retinaldehyde is well tolerated by patients, even at higher concentrations, unlike tretinoin, which can cause significant irritation.
Retin-A Micro is available in four strengths: 0.1%, 0.08%, 0.06% and 0.04%.
Retinal + Retinaldehyde
Retinal is stabilized and is known to help provide clearer looking and feeling skin. “Retinal is more effective than retinol and less irritating than a prescription Rx, which makes it reliable at delivering swift results,” says Cline.
Generally, it is fine to use tretinoin every night, but you may not want to because of the initial side effects, especially when you first start. You should only use tretinoin as prescribed to avoid significant skin irritation, redness, and other side effects.
Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If it accidentally gets on these areas, wash with water at once. Before applying tretinoin, wash the skin with a mild soap or cleanser and warm water by using the tips of your fingers.
Uses for Retin-A
One of the tretinoin creams is used to treat fine wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin on the face caused by the damaging rays of the sun. It works by lightening the skin, replacing older skin with newer skin, and slowing down the way the body removes skin cells that may have been harmed by the sun.
How You Use Retin-A Micro. You'll use Retin-A Micro at first every other night before bed, on average three times per week, then slowly work your way up to applying Retin-A Micro every night as your skin gets used to it. First, you'll want to wash your face well with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
Yes. It's perfectly safe to use a moisturizer with tretinoin. In fact, tretinoin without moisturizer is generally not recommended. Many dermatologists advise their patients to moisturize while using it to reduce their chance of developing dry, peeling skin.
Although they have different names, tretinoin and Retin-A both contain exactly the same active ingredient — tretinoin. They're both equally effective, and both are great options if you're aiming to treat acne breakouts or slow down the effects of aging on your skin.
1% tretinoin. Most anti-aging studies show that the best results usually come from moderate strength tretinoin creams, such as those that contain . 05% tretinoin.
In the US, the strongest tretinoin cream on the market contains . 1% tretinoin, or one unit of tretinoin per 100 units. The weakest cream contains . 005% tretinoin, or approximately 5% as much tretinoin as the strongest .
It might take two or three weeks of using Retin-A (treitinoin) to see any benefits. However, in some cases, it may take six weeks or more. Does Retin-A clear up acne scars?
"You can use tretinoin or [over-the-counter] retinols forever."
First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.
So what does Retinaldehyde do for the skin? The gold standard is that it promotes thicker skin and stimulates your natural production of collagen, elastin and blood vessels which minimizes fine lines and wrinkles over time. This also helps to improve your skin's texture and firmness.
After a month or so with no side effects, you can likely use it every day if you want. Zeichner also suggests only using retinol at night. “The evening is a time of rest and repair, and cell turnover is at its peak,” he says.
The difference between them is depth and speed! Retin-A penetrates immediately and into deeper layers of your skin to repair instantly. Retinol takes a while to penetrate and repair. They are both good quality anti-aging skin care products.
Tretinoin micro (Retin-A Micro) is an expensive drug used on the skin to treat mild to moderate acne. This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions.
It can take one to two minutes for the tretinoin cream or gel to begin to absorb into your skin, at which point it should no longer be visible. Set a timer for 20 minutes and avoid touching your skin or applying any other skincare products until the tretinoin has been fully absorbed.
Studies show that tretinoin cream reduces the melanin content of the skin when used for a long period of time, helping to even out areas affected by hyperpigmentation.