Retin-A vs. BenzeFoam for Acne: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Retin-A

(tretinoin)

benzoyl peroxide

Summary for Retin-A

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 for Retin-A

Acne

Pros and Cons for Retin-A

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 for Retin-A

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 for Retin-A

Sunburns
Skin irritation in extreme weather
Skin reactions

Summary for BenzeFoam

Prescription or over-the-counter

Benzoyl peroxide is an affordable medication that works well to clear up acne. It's available over-the-counter and comes in many different forms, but it's not a good option for people with sensitive skin.

Indications for BenzeFoam

Acne

Pros and Cons for BenzeFoam

Pros

Lower-cost and available over-the-counter
Comes in many different forms (e.g., gel, cream, and lotion) and strengths
Easy to apply
Can be used by people with either dry or oily skin

Cons

Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight
Can bleach your hair, clothing, and bedding
Might not work well for people with severe acne
Can cause uncomfortable side effects, like skin burning and itching
Not a good option for people with sensitive skin

Common Side Effects for BenzeFoam

Redness
Burning
Itching
Peeling
Swelling
Dryness

Warnings for BenzeFoam

Bleaching of hair and clothing
Skin irritation
Sensitive skin

Prices with our coupons for Retin-A vs. BenzeFoam

Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%

$35.43$241.56

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Benzoyl Peroxide1 bottle / 237g of 5%

$11.94$13.75

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Retin-A vs. BenzeFoam

Retin-A

benzoyl peroxide

Summary for Retin-A

Indications for Retin-A

Pros and Cons for Retin-A

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Retin-A

Warnings for Retin-A

Summary for BenzeFoam

Indications for BenzeFoam

Pros and Cons for BenzeFoam

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for BenzeFoam

Warnings for BenzeFoam

Prices with our coupons for Retin-A vs. BenzeFoam

Compare other Acne drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Retin-A

benzoyl peroxide

Summary for Retin-A

Indications for Retin-A

Pros and Cons for Retin-A

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Retin-A

Warnings for Retin-A

Summary for BenzeFoam

Indications for BenzeFoam

Pros and Cons for BenzeFoam

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for BenzeFoam

Warnings for BenzeFoam