Retin-AandRetin-A Microare both topical prescription medications that yourdermatologistmay prescribe to treat acne.
Despite the similar names, Retin-A and Retin-A Micro aren’t exactly alike.
This article describes the similarities and differences between Retin-A and Retin-A Micro, including when each is used.
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It also looks at other treatments with similar mechanisms of action that your doctor may prescribe.
Retin-A and Retin-A Micro Similarities
Both Retin-A and Retin-A Micro contain the same active ingredient calledtretinoin.
The active ingredient is the ingredient that makes the medication work.
These are medications derived from vitamin A used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Both medications speed up thecell turnover rate.
Simply put, they help dead skin cells shed more quickly and effectively than they would on their own.
Tretinoin also helps pores blocked with dead skin cells and oils become less sticky.
By doing so, pores are less likely to form whiteheads or blackheads (also known ascomedones).
This, in turn, reduces the risk of acne.
Topical retinoids like Retin-A and Retin-A Micro can be used by adolescents, teens, and adults.
This is advantageous because it reduces the irritation that the main ingredient can sometimes cause.
How The Medications Differ
Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are basically different versions of the same medication.
The vehicle is the base that delivers the active ingredient to the skin.
Retin-A comes in a variety of different forms, including cream, gel, and liquid.
When you apply Retin-A, the full potency of the medication is delivered immediately to the skin.
Retin-A Micro is formulated differently and is available only as a gel.
After it is applied, some of the medication is held in reserve and released into the skin slowly.
This allows the medication to be effective for longer periods of time.
Retin-A Micro is composed of microspheres of tretinoin that break open over time rather than all at once.
As a result, there is less risk of irritation.
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There is also a slight difference in how Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are applied.
A waiting time is not necessary with Retina-A Micro, and the medication can be applied immediately after cleansing.
Uses
Retin-A is used more often than Retin-A Micro to improve signs of aging.
Much of this is due to the fact that Retin-A comes in a cream formulation.
Creams contain far moreemollients(substances that add moisture to the skin) than gels.
This gives skin a plumper appearance and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
On the other hand, gels are less likely to give the skin a greasy appearance than emollient-rich creams.
For this reason, Retin-A Micro may be preferred over Retin-A cream for people with oily skin.
Price
Another key difference between Retin-A and Retin-A Micro is the price.
Fortunately, there are generic versions of both that are generally far less costly.
Generic tretinoin is also covered by most Medicare and insurance plans.
Which Is Right for You?
This includes other types of topical retinoids.
Among them is a less potent over-the-counter (OTC) version of Retin-A known asretinol.
A few even containtopical antibioticsthat can help control bacteria on the skin.
Other brands that contain tretinoin include:
There are also topical retinoids that are not made with tretinoin.
These include:
Summary
Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are prescription topical retinoids used to treat acne.
They both contain a medication called tretinoin that increases the speed at which dry skin cells are shed.
This decreases the risk of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
Retina-A is available as a cream, gel, or lotion.
Because it acts immediately on the skin, Retin-A is more likely to cause skin dryness or irritation.
Retin-A Micro is a more costly, 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.
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