:: What is Retin-A Micro?
Retin-A Micro is a FDA-approved formulation of the prescription medicine tretinoin, a metabolite of Vitamin A. It is an oil-free gel applied to the skin for the treatment of acne.
Unlike Retin-A, Retin-A Micro uses a unique Microsponge system (developed by Enhanced Derm Technologies Inc.) that has been designed to minimize the irritation commonly experienced with higher strengths of tretinoin. For more about this, see: What is the difference between Retin-A Micro and Retin-A?  .
Retin-A Micro is manufactured by Ortho Dermatological, a division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, based in Skillman, New Jersey, USA.
To buy Retin-A Micro, go to our Retin-A Micro price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Retin-A Micro prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Retin-A Micro online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should use Retin-A Micro?
Patients with acne vulgaris should use Retin-A Micro (tretinoin gel). Retin-A Micro is applied to your skin to treat acne.
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:: Who should not use Retin-A Micro?
Retin-A Micro should not be used if you have sensitivity to any of its ingredients including tretinoin (a metabolite of Vitamin A) or components of its gel. Stop using Retin-A Micro if hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients is noted.
You should not use Retin-A Micro if you are sunburned or highly sensitive to the sun, if you have eczema, or if your skin is irritated. Retin-A Micro can cause increased skin irritation and increased susceptibility to sunburn.
Tell your clinician if you are also using other medicines that increase sensitivity to sunlight such as : thiazides (used to treat high blood pressure), tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones or sulfonamides (used to treat infection), and phenothiazines (used to treat serious emotional problems). Retin-A Micro should not be used with these medications. Tell your clinician about any precritption, non-prescription, over the counter, and facials products you currently use.
The safe use of Retin-A Micro during pregnancy has not been shown. There are reports of birth defects with laboratory animals and humans that were given tretinoin by mouth. You should not use Retin-A Micro if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should take Retin-A Micro or not. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the drugs you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What is acne and what causes it?
The medical term for acne is acne vulgaris. It is a disorder of the oil glands and pores in the skin. Acne is most common on the face, chest and upper back where you have the most oil glands.
Acne is caused by:
1. Abnormal shedding of skin cells in the hair follicle that clogs the skin pores.
2. Oil-producing glands in the skin producing excess oil that clogs follicles.
3. Excess bacterial growth in the oil-producing glands.
4. Hormones that stimulate oil-producing glands.
Hair follicles are the shafts in the skin were hair grows. Oil-producing glands are attached to hair follicles and produce oil that spreads to the skin's surface to lubricate the skin. Follicles shed skin cells inside the shafts, which get clogged by these dead cells, and the excess oil that your body produces. This leads to acne.
A plugged follicle is called a comedo. Whiteheads and blackheads are called comedones.
Once the plug of oil and dead cells is formed in the follicle (comedo), excess bacteria grows, causing the follicle wall to burst. Your body’s immune system responds to this causing swelling, pain, and pus, until it is cleared. This is called a pimple.
Papules, pustules and cysts are all types of pimples.
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:: What are the different types of blemishes (acne lesions)?
Blemishes also known as acne lesions can be comedones, papules, pustules or nodules and cysts.
There are two types of comedones. A whitehead is a closed comedo; it is a flesh-colored (not white) bump caused by a plugged follicle that has stayed beneath the skin.
A comedo that comes to the surface of the skin and opens up is called a blackhead. Blackheads are dark because a combination of dead skin cells and oil turns darker when it is exposed to air.
When comedones become infected they get red, swollen and tender, and develop into papules. Papules look like small red or pinkish bumps.
Pustule is a more severe form of acne lesion. A papule turns into a pustule when it develops a cap of pus composed of white blood cells, dead skin cells and bacteria. Pustules usually look like pink bumps with a white center.
Nodules are large, inflamed, solid lesions underneath the skin. Cysts are large, inflamed sacs of pus deep underneath the skin. Nodules and cysts are among the most severe forms of acne lesions and often occur together. They can be very painful and frequently lead to scarring of the skin.
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:: Is the stuff inside blackheads dirt that can be scrubbed away?
A blackhead is a clogged pore that is open at the skin's surface. The black stuff inside a blackhead is not dirt, but a combination of dead skin cells and oil that turns darker when it is exposed to air.
* A blackhead cannot be scrubbed away. Actually, too vigorous or too-frequent cleansing can irritate acne-prone skin and make the situation worse. Harsh scrubs can also make acne worse by inflaming existing pimples.
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:: Does eating chocolate and greasy food cause breakouts?
There is no specific evidence that sweet or fried food affects your skin in a negative way. But keep in mind that your skin requires a nutritious and well-balanced diet to look and feel its best.
Some people may have sensitivity to a particular food. If you think that you tend to break out more after eating a specific food, stop eating it for a period of time and see if your skin clears up.
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:: Does tanning clear up acne?
Tanning may temporarily help dry up skin oiliness and give skin a more even appearance, but the oiliness will return. Tanning (from sun or sunlamps) is not worth the short-term benefit because it leads to early skin aging (wrinkles) and increases your risk for skin cancer.
Many acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight therefore it is essential that you apply sunscreen everyday.
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:: Won’t my acne just clear up on its own?
It might, but it also might take a very long time. Acne lesions can result in permanent scarring of your skin. Acne is a treatable condition, there is therefore no need to live with acne, waiting for your skin to clear up by itself. Retin-A Micro can help successfully control your acne.
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:: Will I outgrow acne?
Teenagers are most likely to get acne due to androgen (hormone) production during puberty. Some teenagers’ skin clears up when the hormone production stabilizes, but many men and women continue to suffer from acne into adulthood. Some people don’t get acne until their 20s, 30s or 40s. If you have acne, Retin-A Micro can help treat it. So why wait for it to clear up on its own?
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:: How does Retin-A Micro work?
The exact mode of action of tretinoin, Retin-A Micro's active ingredient is unknown. Researchers believe that Retin-A Micro reduces acne in two different ways:
First, Retin-A Micro loosens existing acne plugs beneath the skin so they are pushed out and shed onto your skin's surface. This reduces the existing plugs from getting infected and gets rid of them quicker.
Second, Retin-A Micro helps prevents the formation of new plugs by keeping skin cells from sticking together. This reduces the number of new blemishes.
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:: How well does Retin-A Micro work?
Clinical studies conducted over 12 weeks with Retin-A Micro 0.1% and Retin-A Micro 0.04% showed that 14 to 35% of patients using the Retin-A Micro achieved excellent result versus 5 to 11% of patients using the non-medicated gel.
Improvements in your acne-prone skin take place gradually over time. Changes may be noticed after two weeks, but up to seven weeks of therapy may be required before significant beneficial effects are seen.
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:: How safe is Retin-A Micro?
Retin-A has been used to treat wrinkles since 1971. Retin-A Micro's better and safer method of delivery is preferred over Retin-A and prescribed more. This is explained in questions What is the Micro in Retin-A Micro? and What is the difference between Retin-A Micro and Retin-A?
Retin-A Micro's safety and efficacy profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials. Retin-A Micro has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat acne. However, Retin-A Micro may not be for everyone. Make sure to read about Who should not use Retin-A Micro? .
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:: How is Retin-A Micro supplied?
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).
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:: Why does Retin-A Micro look like a cream if it's a gel?
The microspheres in Retin-A Micro that hold its active ingredient tretinoin, a yellow crystalline powder, have an opaque powder appearance. This causes the gel to look more like a cream than a gel. The microspheres are suspended in an acetone-free, alcohol-free, water based gel.
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:: What is the Micro in Retin-A Micro?
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.
Unlike with Retin-A, most Retin-A Micro patients experience little or no irritation commonly experienced with the highest strength of tretinoin. For more on this, see What is the difference between Retin-A Micro and Retin-A?
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:: What happens to the microspheres in Retin-A Micro?
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.
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:: How do I use Retin-A Micro?
The most common recommendation is that you apply Retin-A Micro once daily in the evening after washing your face. Wash your face with a mild facial cleanser or a gentle alcohol-free cleansing cream. Then gently pat dry with a soft towel—do not rub your skin to avoid irritaion. Do not use an alcohol-based astringent or toner after washing.
Apply one pea-sized dose of Retin-A Micro by dabbing it on your forehead, chin and both cheeks; then spread it over your face, smoothing it into your skin until it disappears. Avoid the corners of your mouth and eyes. Don't spot treat pimples, and don't over-apply. Using too much may cause unnecessary irritation.
Wash your face every morning with a mild facial cleanser or a gentle alcohol-free cleansing cream and apply a sunscreen or non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) moisturizer with sunscreen. It is important to use sunscreen everyday regardless of the weather because Retin-A Micro can make your skin more susceptible to the sun.
It's important to keep using Retin-A Micro even after your acne has cleared up, to maintain acne-free skin.
Your clinician may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your clinician’s recommendations.
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:: What results should I expect with Retin-A Micro?
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.
In weeks 3 to 6 Retin-A Micro is loosening the existing plugs underneath your skin and is pushing them onto your skin's surface to be washed away. These plugs may develop into new pimples, but Retin-A Micro is now beginning to prevent the formation of new plugs by keeping skin cells in your follicles from sticking together. This will reduces the number of new blemishes. After 6 weeks you should start noticing a steady improvement in your skin.
Between weeks 7 and 12 your skin will start looking even better. Your skin will be smoother and clearer with fewer blemishes and breakouts. It is important to not stop treatment at this point. Acne cannot be cured, only controlled, so continue your regular applications with Retin-A Micro until your clinician says otherwise.
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:: Why not use over-the-counter acne medications?
Despite the fact that many products claim to cure acne, there is no cure for acne. You probably have been disappointed by less than acceptable results from these so-called cures.
You cannot cure acne, you can only control it. Retin-A Micro has been proven to help successfully control your acne and significantly improve your skin's appearance.
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:: What is the difference between Retin-A Micro and Retin-A?
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.
Also unlike Retin-A, Retin-A Micro reduces the appearance of facial shine. Retin-A Micro is therefore preferred over Retin-A and more commonly prescribed.
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:: What is the difference between Retin-A Micro and Renova?
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 0.04% concentrations of tretinoin in a patented Microsponge gel that delivers the tretinoin slowly to the skin to minimize skin irritation.
To learn more, see our Renova FAQ .
For prices, see our Renova price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Renova prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: How should I store Retin-A Micro?
Keep Retin-A Micro and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Retin-A Micro at room temperature. Do not keep it past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Retin-A Micro?
The most common side effect of Retin-A Micro is skin irritation. Skin irritation includes redness, burning, stinging, itching, dryness and peeling.
You may experience some stinging or a feeling of warmth when you apply Retin-A Micro, especially the first few times. Some of these side effects may go away after a few weeks as your skin gets used to the medication.
If skin irritation becomes too bothersome or your face becomes very dry, red, swollen or blistered, inform your clinician, who may reduce the dose or frequency of application, or ask you to stop using Retin-A Micro for a while.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your clinician about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Retin-A Micro?
Tell your clinician, during either a physical or online consultation, if you are also using other medicines that increase sensitivity to sunlight such as: thiazides (used to treat high blood pressure), tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones or sulfonamides (used to treat infection), and phenothiazines (used to treat serious emotional problems). Retin-A Micro should not be used with these medications.
Tell your clinician about any prescription, non-prescription, over the counter, and facial products you currently use.
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:: Can I go out in the sun while I’m using Retin-A Micro?
Retin-A Micro can make your skin more susceptible to the sun. But, you can go out in the sun if you follow basic sun-protection guidelines.
Use sunscreen everyday regardless of weather, wear a hat or other protective clothing over treated areas, spend as little time in the sun as possible and do not use sunlamps. If you have sunburn on the treated areas stop using Retin-A Micro until it heals.
Windy, cold weather may also dry your skin and increase irritation. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.
If you are sensitive to sunlight or have a job that requires you to be out in the sun for long periods, you must use extreme caution.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Retin-A Micro?
Avoid using preparations (soaps, cleansers, toners) that may dry or irritate your skin. Products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, or spices should be used with caution because of possible interaction with tretinoin.
Topical over-the-counter acne preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, should be used with caution as they may neutralize each other or cause additive skin irritation.
Use sunscreen everyday and minimize exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps. Stop using Retin-A Micro if you are sunburned until fully healed.
Safe use during pregnancy has not been shown. There are reports of birth defects with laboratory animals and humans that were given tretinoin by mouth. You should not use Retin-A Micro if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. It is not known if Retin-A Micro is passed to infants through breast milk.
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Retin-A Micro, contact your clinician right away.
Talk to your clinician if you have eczema as Retin-A Micro can cause severe irritation to your eczematous skin.
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:: What will happen if I apply too much Retin-A Micro?
Using too much Retin-A Micro will not work better or faster, but it may cause unnecessary skin irritation. Always use the recommended dose indicated by the manufacturer or prescribed by your clinician. Do not over apply.
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:: What happens if Retin-A Micro is swallowed?
Retin-A Micro is for use on your skin only. Oral ingestion of large amounts of the drug may lead to the same side effects as those associated with excessive oral intake of Vitamin A (nausea, headache, pealing of skin, hair-loss, and liver damage).
Keep Retin-A Micro and all medications out of children's reach.
If the medication is accidentally ingested, call your clinician or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Can I use an over-the-counter product that contains benzoyl
peroxide at the same time I'm using Retin-A Micro?
Tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide neutralize each other when applied at the same time. Benzoyl peroxide can dry your skin leading to further irritation.
Talk to your clinician about using Retin-A Micro together with benzoyl peroxide.
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:: Can I wear make-up if I’m using Retin-A Micro?
You may use cosmetics with Retin-A Micro. You must cleanse your face before using cosmetics and then remove any cosmetics from your skin before using Retin-A Micro. Use oil-free make-up to avoid further irritation of your skin.
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:: What products can I use with Retin-A Micro?
Use a gentle cleanser that is non-medicated, oil-free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) to wash your face.
Use a light moisturizer that is non-irritating, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). The moisturizer should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to protect your sensitive skin from the sun's rays.
If you don’t wear moisturizer, be sure to wear sunscreen. Using Retin-A Micro can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen that is oil-free (gel-based or water-based) with an SPF factor of 15 or higher.
Use makeup that is non-comedogenic and oil-free. Apply make-up after cleaning your face and wash it off before applying Retin-A Micro.
The oil in hair products (shampoo, conditioner, gel) can get onto your face when your hair rubs against your skin. Try to find products that are oil-free or keep your hair away from your face as much as possible.
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:: Is Retin-A Micro available over the counter?
No. Retin-A Micro is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get a Retin-A Micro prescription online?
Go to our Retin-A Micro price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Retin-A Micro prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Retin-A Micro online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Retin-A Micro cost?
Some companies charge less per tube but charge separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Retin-A Micro prices before buying.
Usually, the more tubes you buy, the cheaper the price per tube. Also try to purchase the larger size 45 gram tube to get more for your money.
See our Retin-A Micro price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Retin-A Micro prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What is generic Retin-A Micro and is it available?
The generic name for Retin-A Micro is tretinoin. This is the same active ingredient as in Retin-A and Renova .
Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are indicated for treating acne, while Renova is indicated for treating certain kinds of skin damage, such as fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration and rough skin.
Retin-A Micro is currently not available in a generic formulation.
There are several generic preparations of treinoin available but only Retin-A Micro has the patented Microsponge system to deliver tretinoin gradually thereby reducing the skin irritation commonly seen with other tretinoin formulations.
See our Retin-A Micro price comparison page , where you can select your preferred US online US pharmacy with the lowest Retin-A Micro prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Retin-A Micro or other medications from
non-US pharmacies?
Purchasing Retin-A Micro from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Retin-A Micro, but not contain the active ingredient tretinoin.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Retin-A Micro approved by the FDA and manufactured by Ortho Dermatological. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Retin-A Micro price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Retin-A Micro prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Retin-A Micro online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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