Tretinoin vs. Ascorbic acid for Acne and Nutritional Deficiency: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Retin-A

(tretinoin)

Vitamin C

(ascorbic acid)

Summary for Tretinoin

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 Tretinoin

Acne

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

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 Tretinoin

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 Tretinoin

Sunburns
Skin irritation in extreme weather
Skin reactions

Summary for Ascorbic acid

Over-the-counter

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a dietary supplement that's available over the counter. It's typically used for people who aren't getting enough of the vitamin from the foods in their diet. The supplement commonly comes as tablets, chewable tablets, gummies, and oral liquid. While vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is important for several bodily functions, some of its suggested benefits (e.g., preventing colds) aren't clear. Side effects typically aren't common when you take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements at recommended doses, but they're more likely to happen if you take too much.

Indications for Ascorbic acid

Dietary supplement

Pros and Cons for Ascorbic acid

Pros

Typically taken once daily
Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
Available as chewable tablets or gummies that might be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole
Some chewable tablets and gummies are fruit-flavored for better taste.

Cons

Too much vitamin C can cause stomach side effects.
Some chewable tablets might contain sugar, so might not be a good choice for people who have high blood sugar
Can't take if you have certain blood-related problems, such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease
Injectable form is only available with a prescription for severely low vitamin C levels

Common Side Effects for Ascorbic acid

See Risks and Warnings.

Warnings for Ascorbic acid

Toxicity from too much vitamin C

Prices with our coupons for Tretinoin vs. Ascorbic acid

Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%

$30.15$96.58

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Vitamin C30 tablets / 500mg

$6.24$10.21

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Tretinoin vs. Ascorbic acid

Retin-A

Vitamin C

Summary for Tretinoin

Indications for Tretinoin

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tretinoin

Warnings for Tretinoin

Summary for Ascorbic acid

Indications for Ascorbic acid

Pros and Cons for Ascorbic acid

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ascorbic acid

Warnings for Ascorbic acid

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Retin-A

Vitamin C

Summary for Tretinoin

Indications for Tretinoin

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tretinoin

Warnings for Tretinoin

Summary for Ascorbic acid

Indications for Ascorbic acid

Pros and Cons for Ascorbic acid

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ascorbic acid

Warnings for Ascorbic acid