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Compare Finacea vs. Tretinoin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Azelaic acid (Finacea) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions. Azelaic acid (Finacea) is a dicarboxylic acid used topically to treat mild-to-moderate rosacea, while tretinoin (Retin-A) is an topical medication used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. Azelaic acid is applied to the skin as a gel or foam twice daily, while tretinoin (Retin-A) is available as a cream or a gel applied to the skin once daily. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of azelaic acid include mild burning and itching, while tretinoin can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Azelaic acid is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but tretinoin isn't typically recommended for use during pregnancy. Tretinoin may cause your acne to get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication.

  • Azelaic acid (Finacea)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Azelaic acid (Finacea)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Finacea vs. Tretinoin

    Summary for Dicarboxylic acid
    Prescription only

    Azelaic acid (Finacea) is a dicarboxylic acid. It's a topical medication used to treat mild-to-moderate rosacea in adults. It works by easing skin redness and inflammation. Azelaic acid (Finacea) is applied to the skin twice daily, in the morning and evening. This medication comes as a gel and foam. Some side effects of azelaic acid (Finacea) include mild burning, tingling, and itching. It's available as brand name and generic medications.

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

  • Indications of Finacea vs. Tretinoin

    Indications for
    •Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate rosacea
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Finacea vs. Tretinoin

    Pros and Const for Dicarboxylic acid
    Pros
    •Available as a gel and foam
    •Applied to the skin; convenient for people who don't like pills
    •Can wear cosmetics after it dries
    Cons
    •Might take months to see improvement
    •Can cause skin irritation, such as burning or dryness
    •Can cause skin color to lighten
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Easy to apply onto your skin
    •Only need to apply once nightly
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
    •Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Finacea vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for

    Finacea foam

    •Pain (6%)
    •Itching (3%)

    Finacea gel

    •Burning, stinging, tingling (4-16%)
    •Itching (1-6%)
    •Scaly or dry skin (1-5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling or discomfort
    •Warm feeling or stinging after applying
    •Skin redness
    •Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
    •Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

  • Warnings of Finacea vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Loss of skin color
    •Eye and mouth irritation
    •Worsening asthma (gel only)
    •Flammable (foam only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Finacea vs. Tretinoin

    Learn more about Azelaic acid
    Learn more about Retin-a

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