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

Retin-A

(tretinoin)

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Retin-A Micro

(tretinoin)

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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 Retin-A Micro

Prescription only

Retin-A Micro (tretinoin) is a prescription topical retinoid used to treat acne in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It comes as a gel in a tube or pump that's applied to the affected skin once a day in the evening. The gel contains microspheres that slowly release the medication onto the skin over time. Side effects include skin redness, peeling, dryness, burning, and itching.

Indications for Retin-A Micro

Acne

Pros and Cons for Retin-A Micro

Pros

Only applied once daily
Microsphere gel slowly releases tretinoin over time
Might cause less skin irritation than regular tretinoin gel

Cons

Acne can take several weeks to improve
Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
Not approved for children younger than 12 years old

Common Side Effects for Retin-A Micro

Skin redness
Peeling
Dryness
Burning or stinging
Itching

Warnings for Retin-A Micro

Skin irritation
Worsening acne at first
Sun sensitivity

Prices with our coupons for Retin-A vs. Retin-A Micro

Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%

$30.15$168.94

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Tretinoin Micro1 tube / 45g of 0.1%

$158.12$521.99

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Retin-A vs. Retin-A Micro

Retin-A

Retin-A Micro

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 Retin-A Micro

Indications for Retin-A Micro

Pros and Cons for Retin-A Micro

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Retin-A Micro

Warnings for Retin-A Micro

Prices with our coupons for Retin-A vs. Retin-A Micro

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Retin-A

Retin-A Micro

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 Retin-A Micro

Indications for Retin-A Micro

Pros and Cons for Retin-A Micro

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Retin-A Micro

Warnings for Retin-A Micro