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.
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.
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.
Retin-A Micro is available in four strengths: 0.1%, 0.08%, 0.06% and 0.04%.
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.
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 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.
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.
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?
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.
Retinoic Acid. As mentioned earlier, retinoic acid is the most potent form of retinoids. “This is the end point molecule that is biologically active on skin, and is therefore the strongest,” says Dr. Rabach.
"You can use tretinoin or [over-the-counter] retinols forever."
Like with most medications, the stronger concentrations of tretinoin cream tend to have the most significant results. In a 1991 study, researchers found that . 05% tretinoin cream produced a larger improvement in wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity and thickness when compared to weaker .
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.
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.
Tretinoin Works Best as a Long-Term Treatment
Long-term studies of tretinoin tend to show the most dramatic results, with people experiencing significant reductions in the appearance of fine wrinkling, coarse wrinkling, skin laxity and other signs of photoaging.
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.
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.
Does Retin-A (tretinoin) help reverse skin aging? Yes. Retin-A, whose active ingredient is tretinoin, has been shown to have positive effects on both the deeper collagen layers of your skin as well as the upper most layer that is comprised of skin cells.
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.
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.
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.
Retinaldehyde increases blood circulation in the skin, speeding up cell turn over which can help clear acne, normalize oil production and lighten pigmentation. The best part is your skin will get all these benefits to fight the signs of aging without leaving your skin red, peeling or irritated.