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.
Tretinoin (aka retinoic acid) is a prescription retinoid you can get from a doctor. It's 20 times more potent than OTC retinol and achieves faster results 1.
Retin-A Micro is available in four strengths: 0.1%, 0.08%, 0.06% and 0.04%.
Retin-A Micro (tretinoin gel) microsphere, 0.1% and 0.04%, should be applied once a day, in the evening, to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. Application of excessive amounts of gel may result in “caking” of the gel, and will not provide incremental efficacy.
Now, let's look at the difference between both of them. Retin-A is the brand name for the medication Tretinoin. Retin-A is a synthetic form of vitamin A and it's available only through prescription. Tretinoin is retinoic acid and is considered an active ingredient.
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 is a brand name for the medication tretinoin. When a doctor prescribes Retin-A, the pharmacist may fill it with generic tretinoin since it's less expensive. Both brand-name and generic tretinoin have the same effects, including keeping pores clear, softening fine lines, and fading discolorations.
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.
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.
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.
From the Retin-A Micro patient leaflet (Tretinoin Gel Microsphere is the generic version of Retin-A micro): Do not use this product if: you are sunburned. you have eczema or other skin conditions.
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 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?
Given that they both are designed to create peeling in the skin, retinol is usually the better option for those with very dry and/or sensitive skin. Those with serious cases of acne that require more substantial interventions may want to opt for tretinoin.
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.
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. It works by affecting the growth of skin cells.
Used regularly, retinol will also firm and smooth the skin under and around your eye.
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.
The researchers found that when the subjects used tretinoin cream for acne scars consistently, 79 percent of the participants showed flattened acne scarring. The treatment was most effective on younger acne scars, as well as with narrow, indented icepick scars.
Retinaldehyde, also known as “retinal” — not to be confused with retinol — is the strongest of the over-the-counter retinoids. One step closer to retinoic acid on the conversion scale, it only takes one step for it to convert and become active, making it more potent than the aforementioned retinyl esters and retinol.
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.
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.
Tretinoin gel, cream, or lotion requires a prescription because it's more powerful than retinol. Doctors prescribe tretinoin to treat skin conditions like: Acne. Psoriasis.
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 . 1% cream.
In addition, several over-the-counter products containing retinoids, such as retinol, are available. Because they're not as strong (and thus less irritating), they are not as effective in reducing wrinkles as tretinoin; but they do improve the appearance of photo-aged skin.