RETIN-A MICRO is an oil-free prescription medicine indicated for topical application in the treatment of acne. It uses a unique Microsponge® system. This technologically advanced system is designed to minimize the irritation commonly experienced with the highest strength of tretinoin.

While both RETIN-A and RETIN- A MICRO contain the same active ingredient, only RETIN-A MICRO offers the benefits of tretinoin with the patented microsphere delivery system to provide low levels of irritation. RETIN-A MICRO is a water-based gel that can be applied immediately after you wash your face, unlike RETIN-A, which requires a 20 to 30 minute waiting period. RETIN-A MICRO also reduces the appearance of facial shine.

If you don't see your question, please call us at 1-877-RA-MICRO or 1-877-726-4276 (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) to talk to a healthcare professional about RETIN-A MICRO or email us.

RETIN-A MICRO contains tretinoin, the same active ingredient in RETIN-A® and RENOVA®. RETIN-A and RETIN-A MICRO are indicated for acne.

RETIN-A MICRO has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is backed by the RETIN-A 30-year heritage of safe and effective use in treating acne.

The yellow appearance of RETIN-A MICRO gel is the result of the active ingredient, tretinoin, which is a yellow crystalline powder. The color is more noticeable in RETIN-A MICRO 0.1% due in part to the higher concentration of tretinoin.

Although its exact mode of action is unknown, researchers believe that RETIN-A MICRO penetrates into the skin and attacks acne in two different ways. First, it loosens existing acne plugs beneath the skin so they are pushed out and shed onto your skin's surface. Second, and more importantly, RETIN-A MICRO helps prevent future outbreaks by keeping skin cells from sticking together, thereby preventing the formation of new plugs.

A brief feeling of warmth or stinging may be normal when you apply RETIN-A MICRO. The most common side effect with RETIN-A MICRO is skin irritation. This can include skin redness, burning, stinging, itching, dryness and peeling. Some of these side effects may go away or bother you less after you have used RETIN-A MICRO for a few weeks. Tell your doctor if these side effects become a problem. Your doctor may change your dose of RETIN-A MICRO.

Be sure to use the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not overapply. Results will not be faster or better if you overapply the medication. Using too much may cause unnecessary irritation.

Retin-A and Retin-A Micro both contain the same active ingredient, tretinoin. However, unlike Retin-A, Retin-A Micro was developed with a patented microsphere delivery system to lower the levels of irritation that is commonly seen with Retin-A. Retin-A Micro also has the added advantage of being a water-based gel that can be applied immediately after you wash your face, unlike Retin-A, which requires a 20 to 30 minute waiting period.

RETIN-A MICRO is currently available in two concentrations, 0.04% and 0.1%. Your doctor or dermatologist can decide which one is right for you.

It's important to remember that RETIN-A MICRO is a treatment that takes patience and dedication. Improvements in your acne-prone skin will take place gradually, but over time you should notice significant changes. Therapeutic results may be noticed after two weeks, but up to seven weeks of therapy may be required before consistent beneficial effects are observed. RETIN-A MICRO significantly improved patients' acne by 12 weeks in clinical studies.

No. Contrary to popular belief, if you're using RETIN-A MICRO you do not have to avoid the sun at all costs. Follow basic sun-protection guidelines, spend as little time in the sun as possible and talk to your dermatologist about your summer skin care regimen.

During the first few weeks of therapy, RETIN-A MICRO pushes the dead cells and plugs that are responsible for acne to the skin's surface. As it does, you may (or may not) experience some mild burning, stinging, feeling of warmth or peeling. Some patients also notice their skin begins to take on a reddish blush. These reactions do not happen to everyone. You may not get any reactions at all, which just means your skin is tolerating treatment.

If you are using RETIN-A MICRO, avoid preparations that may dry or irritate the skin. If a reaction suggesting sensitivity or irritation occurs, consult a doctor. Unprotected exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized, and patients with sunburn should not use the product until fully recovered. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breast-feeding.

The Micro in Retin-A Micro is to indicate the medication's unique formulation to deliver its active ingredient tretinoin slowly over time into your skin. Microscopic particles made of synthetic polymer called microspheres hold the medication in a Microsponge system (by Enhanced Derm Technologies Inc.), which is formulated into a gel. This Microsponge system allows the skin to absorb small amounts of tretinoin over time.

Retin-A Micro comes in 0.04% and 0.1% concentrations. Both are available in 20 gram and 45 gram tubes. The 0.1% formulation (purple tube) is more commonly prescribed than the 0.04% formulation (gray tube).

The microspheres in Retin-A Micro hold its active ingredient tretinoin. Your skin slowly absorbs the tretinoin, but does not absorb the microspheres. The micro-spheres stay on top of your skin and are easily washed off when you shower or wash your face.

Changes may be noticed after two weeks but up to seven weeks of therapy may be required before significant beneficial effects are seen. In the first few weeks Retin-A Micro begins working to loosen blackheads. It pushes them to the surface to get washed away. You may experience some skin irritation such as stinging, burning, peeling and redness. These side effects are usually temporary and will decrease or stop as your skin gets used to the medication.

Retin-A Micro and Renova contain the same active ingredient tretinoin. Retin-A Micro is approved for use in patients with acne vulgaris, while Renova is approved for use as a treatment to assist in reducing certain kinds of skin damage, such as fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration and rough skin. Renova is available in 0.02% and 0.05% concentrations of tretinoin as an emollient (water in oil emulsion) cream. Retin-A Micro is available in 0.1% and 0.