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.
Laurel –
My skin is so much smoother with this product. I use it every other night. Best product.
Stella –
Best product for reducing fine lines. I have been using this product for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for 6 months, I see a lot of difference. I am 40 years old. I am happy with my purchase
Carolyn –
I was very satisfied with the product it took about 4 weeks to work but it cleared a lot of the dark marks and imperfections on my face.
Sasha –
Love it. Highly recommend this miracle. I’ve used it for 6 nights and already the stubborn acne on my forehead is almost gone. It does sting a bit when I put it on my 30-minute dried skin, but I’ve been using a thick moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning to protect against the crazy drying I’ve read about. I don’t wash my face with cloth anymore, just warm water and ph balanced gentle face wash.
Gwendo –
I started using this gel to get rid of adult acne, soften wrinkles and improve skin appearance. It was rough at first with intense flakiness (like face dandruff!). So, I would exfoliate with scrubs and buff puffs which I thought was helping – but I figured it was making it worse. So, I used glycolic acid cream once or twice a week on the days I took a break from Microsphere gel at nighttime. When my skin felt sensitive, I switched to using the gel every other night on a dry face and mixed it with a little moisturizer when applying – and no exfoliating.
Stacy –
I love this product. I have been using this product for years now, so I was very happy to find it here at such a good price. I did my research on Retin-A Micro Gel before starting it. I was apprehensive about trying Retin-A, however, my acne was so aggressive after quitting birth control I was willing to try anything.
Retin-A is a commitment. Your acne will more than likely get worse before it gets better, and it WILL take 9 months- 12 months to really “work”. However, the results are incredible and more than worth it if you can be patient. I have been on Retin-A for about 2 years now and have flawless skin. I never knew my skin could look like this. I still get the occasional break-out, but my overall complexion is like silk.
Warning: Retin-A dries your skin out. I have found Cetaphil SPF 50 is the best moisturizer. Also, over time my skin has adjusted to the Retin-A and the dryness is not as dramatic.
Richard –
My skin is very sensitive. Once I started using the retin a micro gel, I was nothing but happy with my results! I had a little bit of dryness at first, but nothing that wasn’t fixed with a little exfoliation & moisturizing
Lalita –
It has transformed my skin!
Angel –
This product helps to speed up the fading and healing of my acne scars. So happy I’ve found this product here. New scars peel away completely within a week. Old scars are more stubborn though but definitely faded significantly. I’m on my 3rd tube already! And I always stock up.
Anaya –
Great purchase! I am happy with the product
Jen –
Retin-A Micro has been a skin-saver for me. You have to use a very small amount, no more than pea size amount, and use it consistently. Sunscreen is paramount, I use an SPF 50, titanium- dioxide based (the least irritating sunscreen that exists) every day, regardless of the weather.
Denise –
This product is just amazing! I love what it has done to my skin. I have been using this product thrice a week for the last 3-4 months. It made my skin dry at first but then I made some changes for example started to use on alternative days and sometimes only 3 times a week. Do listen to your skin. Do not overdo it. Less is more and if you do so I can guarantee you will see excellent results.
Cheryl –
I have finally found my miracle cream! I highly recommend anyone with severe acne try this. I am a 24-year-old female and have always had acne-prone skin. I have experimented with many different products, and nothing seemed to work. My acne became more severe when I turned 21 and that’s when I began to get desperate. This is the best cream for Acne! I highly recommend
Charlotte –
Works wonders
Amelia –
love love love this product. it works by speeding up your skin’s ability to shed dead cells. and lowers the amount of oil your skin produces. i used this cream with birth control to help w acne. My skin has been clear for 8 months!
Sophia –
It does what it promises. It is a bit irritating like most retinol products but absolutely refines and improves your skin.
Mia –
This is real it’s not the fake stuff. Same as I was given as a kid for acne. Really reduces wrinkles
Thias –
The tiny wrinkles around my mouth have decreased tremendously!
Yesenia –
I have been using this gel from last 3 months now and my skin has never been better than what it is because of this gel
Daisy –
I’ve been using tretinoin creams/gel on and off for years in different strengths and brands mainly for acne, for the last few years, I have been using tretinoin cream in 0.1% strength so hence my review landing here. This is the only stuff that can clear my skin and help with pigmentation, the downside is the flaky skin, but I’ve learned not to use this coming up to an event where I need to look good. I don’t use this every single night either now, since starting Azelaic acid. Also, now as I’m getting older, I also wanted to use it to try and keep wrinkles away. I use this about every 3 to 4 nights now applying to all my face, or if my skin comes up with a few spots either during that time of the month or from being overworked/stressed I’ll use it consecutively for 2 or 3 nights, I still get the peeling, but I don’t get so much redness or sensitivity as what I used to get when I used this every night. I use sunblock 30+ every day whether raining or sunny as well since it’s a must when using any tretinoin gel, and I’m hoping the combination of tretinoin, and sunscreen lets me age gracefully, so fingers crossed.
Bryan –
This product cleared my acne. Just love it
Tshante –
I am currently using the 0.1 gel and it working well currently I am on week 4 and looking to up the dose from 3 times a week to 4 times a week. Just use a good moisturizer in the morning to avoid peeling.
Amanda –
I have finally found my miracle gel! I highly recommend anyone with severe acne try this. I am a 24-year-old female and have always had acne-prone skin. I have experimented with many different products, and nothing seemed to work. My acne became more severe when I turned 21 and that’s when I began to get desperate. My roommate told me about this company and this gel and insisted I try it. After about 4 weeks of horrible breakouts, I began to see clearer skin. I am now in week 8 of using this and I haven’t had a single breakout in 2 weeks.
Highly recommend!
Gale –
This product helps to speed up the fading and healing of my acne scars. So happy I’ve found this product!
Lorna –
Excellent cream. Highly recommended.
Saly –
I used this gel for 5 weeks. At first, I started using this gel 3 times a week and then increased to using it 5 times a week at nighttime. I took two days off whenever I felt like during the week. I see a huge difference in my skin. My skin is so much smoother, and I am literally glowing. I am very happy with the product.
Samaira –
This gel is amazing. It’s only been 3 weeks and my skin looks so smooth and soft. I noticed a change after the first 3 days that the gel was applied. I have mild acne along with large pores that look as though I have freckles on my face. I also have acne on my chest and back. Since i started using this gel, my pores have decreased in size dramatically.
Angel –
Love the ease of getting what I needed. I love this particular product. I just ordered this for the 5th time. My skin has never been better.
Terry –
Magic in a tube
Trisha –
The process of purchasing this product was easy and I got answers to all of my questions quickly through the live chat option. My package arrived much sooner than expected. I am very happy! Recommended!
Samya –
No product has ever made my skin so smooth. I love this product.
Erika –
I absolutely L O V E this stuff! It has changed my skin texture, my skin elasticity. It makes my skin just glow, look healthy, suppl and young. I love it. It can be drying, but with a quality moisturizer it’s awesome. Hands-down, it’s better than any other anti-aging cream, or treatment.
Kristie –
Retin-A Micro is an amazing product. I have been using it every day on my face for years and there is a MAJOR difference between my face and the rest of my body. My face is soft, smooth, less wrinkled, and less freckled by far.
It took me a while to figure out how to use it. At first, I was using too much of it, and then I realized that I could mix it with my lotion. At first, I would mix it with my face lotion and put it on at night every other or every 3 nights. After a while, my skin got used to it, and now I use it every night, but I put Moisturizing cream over top of it. This combination works well since Retin A increases cell turnover.
One thing that you MUST remember is sunscreen because it makes you more photosensitive. Get a cute little hat to wear out of the house when you can. That makes a big difference as well.
Georgia –
Best treatment for Acne scars. I love this. I used this product and Hyderquin plus on alternative days. My dark spots and acne is so much better. I recommend this to anyone who has moderate to severe acne.
Joe –
I have been using this gel for about 4 weeks. It has made my skin very clear. It has granules which work amazingly over time.
Tia –
Legit product!
Sameena –
My order arrived very quickly. Good quality product!
Bobby –
Best product for Acne and scars. It smoothened my skin over a few months of use. Recommended!
Glenda –
I am much more confident about my appearance since I have been using your products.
Erin –
I have always had a nice complexion, I had my breakouts, but overall, I hardly ever wore makeup, and I loved it! I got pregnant at 42 and now I got hormonal acne during the pregnancy and melasma set in while I was breastfeeding. I started incorporating Microsphere 0.1% gel about 3 months into my routine and I’ve seen amazing results! the spot peel really helped the process along with peeling and noticeable changes after the first few weeks.
Audrey –
I was so skeptical in the beginning. I researched and researched before placing an order and even after I ordered I convinced myself not to get my hopes up, and that there was nothing that would REALLY help my skincare issues. I’m so beyond happy with my results! Slow & steady is everything, being consistent with SPF is so important as well. After neglecting my face for so long I knew undoing the damage & managing my hyperpigmentation would take time. With a consistent & healthy skincare routine plus the nightly application of microsphere gel, I had significant results! Every day that passes I’m more confident & comfortable in my skin! I can finally go without makeup w/o feeling embarrassed & self-conscious. I also have ditched the habit of caking on makeup to try and temporarily “correct” my skin tone.
Beth –
I am 55 years old and I have been using this product for about 6 months and my smile lines have faded significantly. I am in love with this gel.
Lindsey –
This product is an amazing acne treatment. Must use!
Suzane R –
I have used this for about 6 months, and I simply love this product. It was a game-changer for my skincare routine! Recommended
Rabia –
I am using the Skin A .05% tretinoin cream nightly, and I am introducing the Microsphere 0.1% tretinoin gel gradually into my skincare routine. I have used this gel twice now, in place of the Skin A .05% tretinoin cream, on Sunday nights. I just use a pea-sized amount, as the directions state. The first time I use it after just one night, I had very slight peeling. This second time, I notice a bit more tightness and dryness the next morning, but not that different from the Skin A .05%. I couldn’t be happier with this result. I use Vit C and sunscreen during the daytime and that’s about it. My skin is showing amazing results.
Marie Burkett (verified owner) –
I knew the product but buying from Bubba Skincare has been a great experience for me.I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your fast shipping and quality of product. So much, I came back and bought more. Keep adding items. Thank you!! You’re my new to go skincare place.
Rachel –
OMG! This stuff is the best..
MICHELLE ROGERS (verified owner) –
Such an awesome find.
Leah –
Amazing ! One week in and I already see a difference and I’ve stopped wearing foundation. Just be vigilant about your spf
Sandy S –
A miracle worker. When nothing else worked, Retin A did it! My skin is clear and youthful looking. I realize that it is a commitment, but I am now a committed user!