Retin A Micro Review

Rated: 49 out of 100
by Product-Critic.com

Retin A Micro is a prescription-only water-based topical gel used to treat and prevent acne. It is applied nightly, or as directed by the prescribing doctor.

It is similar to Retin-A except that Retin A Micro uses an interesting delivery system. Retin A Micro can be applied immediately after washing the face, unlike Retin-A which required a 20-30 minute waiting period. This product is marketed by Ortho Neutrogena and comes in two strengths: 0.1% and 0.04% (referring to the concentration of the active ingredient, tretinoin).

Tretinoin - Retin A Micro's Active Ingredient

Retin A Micro's active ingredient is tretinoin, an acne medication frequently prescribed by dermatologists. The delivery system is known as Microsponge® and is similar to the function of liposomes.

The Microsponge® delivery system consists of microspheres - microscopic particles made of a synthetic polymer. The tretinoin molecules are held within the microspheres. When Retin A Micro is applied to the skin, the microspheres prevent the surface of the skin from immediately absorbing the tretinoin - thus slowing and prolonging the delivery of the medication. As an added side-effect of this delivery system, Retin A Micro doesn't irritate the skin or cause it to look "shiny" like Retin A does. Microspheres do not actually penetrate the skin and enter cells, the way natural liposomes do.

How Does Retin A Micro Work?

Although the exact method of Retin A Micro's function is unknown, researchers theorize that the active ingredient breaks up existing clumps of skin cells and prevents new clumps from forming. This action causes existing acne blemishes to be reduced and helps prevent new blemishes from forming.