How Retino A Micro 0.04% Gel Works
Retino A Micro 0.04% Gel contains Tretinoin, a form of vitamin A. Vitamin A derivatives have been proven to boost collagen production (reducing wrinkles and preventing fine lines), speed cell turnover (evening out discoloration and brightening skin tone) and unclog pores (making them look smaller and reducing acne). Retinol has been recommended most by dermatologists for its wrinkle-fighting properties. This is because retinol helps you produce and maintain collagen which directly affects the strength and elasticity of the skin.
Retinol strengthens your skin in a way that slows the breakdown of collagen. Retinol also helps to stabilize your cells. Stable cells = healthy cell function such as collagen production! Without this assistance, your cells get a little wonky with age. With age, our skin cells don’t turnover– or renew– as quickly. And dead skin cells tend to pile up. It may seem counterintuitive, but retinol helps skin cells break down more rapidly which, in turn, accelerates skin renewal. New skin cells are equal to brighter-looking skin! Plus, age and sun damage can cause hyperpigmentation. But if you’re using retinol to normalize and renew the cells, it will likely diminish hyperpigmentation too, as your skin begins offering a defense against age and sun exposure.
What are the similarities between Retin-A and Retin- A Microsphere?
Both Retin-A and Retin-A microsphere gel contain the same active ingredient, which is why they work in essentially the same way. Both products speed up the cell turnover rate. Simply put, they shed dead skin cells more quickly and effectively than they would on their own. Tretinoin also helps pores blocked with dead skin cells and oils become less sticky. By doing so, pores are less likely to form whiteheads and blackheads. This, in turn, reduces the risk of acne.
What are the differences between Retin-A and Retin- A Microsphere?
Retin- A and Retin-A microsphere work in the same way, are used to treat same skin problems, and contain the same active ingredient. While the active ingredient in Retin-A and Retin-A Micro is the same, the vehicle is not. The vehicle is the base that delivers the active ingredient to the skin.
Retin-A comes in a variety of different forms, including a cream, gel, and liquid. When you apply Retin-A, the full potency of the medication is delivered immediately to the skin. Because you’re getting a “full shot” of the medication, the risk of side effects—namely dryness and irritation—is increased.
Retin-A Micro is formulated differently and is available only as a gel. After it is applied, some of the medication is held in reserve and released into the skin slowly. This allows the medication to be effective for longer periods of time.
Retin-A Micro is composed of microspheres of tretinoin that break open over time rather than all at once. As a result, there is less risk of irritation. This doesn’t mean that it can’t cause dryness or irritation, but it is generally less likely to do so than Retin-A.
There is also a slight difference in how Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are applied. The manufacturer recommends waiting 20 to 30 minutes after cleansing before applying Retin-A.4 This ensures that the skin is completely dry (since the evaporation of moisture from wet skin can enhance the drying effects of tretinoin). A waiting time is not necessary with Retina-A Micro, and the medication can be applied immediately after cleansing.
Retin-A
- Comes in cream, gel, and liquid
- Full potency is delivered immediately
- Must wait 20 to 30 minutes after cleansing before applying
- More irritating
- Creams are better for dry skin
- Less costly
Retin-A Micro
- Comes only in a gel form
- Medication released more slowly, over time
- Can be applied immediately after washing your face
- Less irritating
- Gels are better for oily skin
- More costly
Directions for Use
Following are some tips about how to use this product:
1. Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser before applying this gel. Rinse and pat dry the skin.
2. Apply a thin film of Retino A Micro 0.04% gel almost pea size amount at nighttime. Avoid getting the gel on your lips or in the creases of your nose.
3. In the beginning until your skin is used to the gel, you should only keep the gel for 1-2 hours and wash your face with warm water. For the people with fair and dry skin exposure time at the beginning of the treatment is 30 mins, the duration of exposure can be gradually increased.
4. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Sunburn can more easily happen because you are using this product. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed. Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
5. Peeling is a normal side effect while using this cream. You might experience redness and peeling while using this cream. You can reduce the usage to alternative days or 3 times a week when this happens.
The result will be seen after 3-6 weeks of using this product.
