Retin A (tretinoin) and Retin A Micro (tretinoin microsphere) are both topical medicines with an active ingredient identical to the other. Both are FDA-approved for treating acne. Some people also take them independently to minimize wrinkles and sun damage. But what’s the distinction between these two?
This article will examine the differences between Retin A and Retin A Micro.
Retin-A And Micro Both Have The Same Ingredients But In Different Types
Retin-A and Micro both have an active component, tretinoin. Tretinoin can be described as a Retinoid, a term used to describe chemical compounds made in labs or natural sources and linked to vitamin A. However, Retin A and Retin A Micro provide tretinoin differently when applied to your skin. They come in different formulations, which is how a product is designed to work similarly with the recipe.
The FDA accepted the Retinol-A product on the 21st of November, 1971. It is the form of a gel or cream that is put on your skin. In 1997, the FDA endorsed a brand new version of tretinoin, called Retin-A Micro. It is made up of tiny sponge-like globes ( microspheres) that contain tretinoin. The microspheres slowly release tretinoin as time passes after applying Retin-A Micro on the skin.
Retin A Micro Might Be Better For Skin With Sensitive Issues
Retin-A may cause negative side effects like dry and itchy skin. However, Retin-A Micro is designed to slow the release of tretinoin. This gradual release helps make tretinoin more gentle and less irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin. This is the reason Retin-A Micro was created in the first place.
Be aware that skin irritation may be experienced with Retin A Micro. You’ll probably begin with a moderate dose to help your skin adapt to the medication. You could also apply every two or three days rather than daily to reduce irritation. Based on how your skin reacts to it, you could change to a more significant or frequent dose as time passes.
Other methods for reducing irritation from Retin A or Retin-A Micro include wearing sunscreen daily and moisturizing your skin regularly. You can also consider applying only a small amount of makeup until your skin is adjusted.
Retin-A May Be More Efficient Than Retin-A Micro
If you are using Retin-A and Retin-A Micro to treat acne, it could take several weeks to notice better skin because Retin-A Micro releases tretinoin gradually; it can take a bit longer to be effective than Retin-A. In both cases, you will likely see improvement in your acne at the end of 12 weeks (about three months) of usage.
Applying Retin A and Retin A Micro more frequently than recommended or in large amounts will not help them work faster. However, it could increase the risk of adverse negative effects. It’s desirable to remain patient and follow your doctor’s instructions for using the medication.
The Steps for Applying Retin A Or Retin-A Micro Are Different
Both Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are typically applied to the face once per night in the evening. It is recommended that you wash your hands and face before applying either of the medications.
Putting on Retin-A Micro after washing and drying your face is possible. However, with Retin A, it is recommended to wait between 20 and 30 hours after washing the face prior to applying the treatment. This will ensure that your face is clean and dry, which can reduce discomfort from Retin-A.
Retin-A Micro Could Be A Better Option For Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is a different topical acne treatment. It can be used alone or in combination with other acne medications, such as tretinoin.
Some evidence suggests that benzoyl peroxide may make Retin-A less efficient if used simultaneously. However, due to its formula, Retin-A Micro is effective even when applied in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide.
Remember that even if they don’t interact, using different medications simultaneously could reduce the risk of irritation to the skin. Your dermatologist will provide you with the desirable method for applying acne medications more than once.
The Bottom Line
Retin-A Micro and Retin-A are both prescribed for acne. They have the ingredient active tretinoin, which is also available off-label to treat the appearance of wrinkles as well as sun damage. The primary difference between Retin-A Micro and Retin-A lies in their formulations. Retin-A is available in gel and cream forms, while Retin-A Micro comes in a liquid that uses tiny spheres to slowly release tretinoin into the skin, which could cause less irritation.
If you are using benzoyl peroxide simultaneously, Retin-A Micro is a good choice because it is compatible with benzoyl peroxide. Retin A is typically more affordable than Retin-A Micro; however, both come with cost-effective generic versions.