Retin A Micro is a topical treatment in gel form formulated to treat acne. The effect, according to the product's manufacturer, can be seen within two weeks, with full results evident in seven weeks. The product is said to be effective not only in treating existing pimples but also in preventing new ones from forming.
OrthoNeutrogena, the maker of Retin-A Micro, stated that it is the only acne treatment with patented microspheres containing tretinoin. Retin-A Micro has the same active ingredients as Retin-A and differs only from the latter with its patented microsphere ingredient. The manufacturer has explained that the microspheres hold the gel in reserve to allow the skin to absorb small amounts of tretinoin over time.
"I didn't get any blackheads, and my cystic acne was considerably reduced...Extremely dry skin, flaking and patchy around mouth and chin. Although the peeling wasn't as bad as with regular Retin-A."
Excerpt from a customer review on druglib.com
"I have been using retin-a micro .04% for about 11 weeks now and it killed all those potential pimples hiding under the skin (you can feel bumpiness by pressing on the skin) although it made me miserable during week 4 through week 8 and I almost gave up. But now at 11 weeks, my face is soooo smooth and it doesn't peel like it used to."
Excerpt from a customer review on rateitall.com
"...I am still pleased with this product. No peeling, no purging and no more random acne! My skin is less sensitive and a lot less oil is being drawn out of my pores, no more dewy effect."
Excerpt from a customer review on makeupalley.com
"I used retin-a micro for 4 weeks and it made my skin flakey, itchy and broke my face out more than ever!...It made my skin look so bad I would just sit home and cry! A few pimples here and there is more tolerable than using retin-a!"
Excerpt from a customer review on rateitall.com
"By using this treatment a minimum of every other day, I noted that the lines around the eyes (crows feet) were diminished greatly. Also, the skin tone feels tighter and my pores appear smaller."
Excerpt from a customer review on druglib.com
Based on the feedback we've gathered, Retin-A Micro is a bit milder than Retin-A. However, we still got a lot of reports about adverse effects. This product seems to be more effective in eradicating wrinkles and other skin spots than in curing pimples. Most of the consumers who claimed that the gel worked for them warned other users to be patient since it seems that the product takes getting used to before it can produce the desired effects. It might be advisable to use it infrequently, like every other day, and to use a moisturizer to counteract the drying effect.
Reports of adverse effects always scare us off so we cannot recommend this product for curing pimples. However, we do recommend it for removing wrinkles and other skin marks and only for mature skin. If you want to try it as a pimple cure, consult a dermatologist first. To be fair with the manufacturers, they have posted detailed warnings and even listed potential side-effects on their Web site and instructions on how to deal with these effects. For that, we commend them.
(three stars)
Retin-A Micro is from OrthoNeutrogena, a company located in Skillman, New Jersey which specializes in making dermatological products and medications.
Tretinoin, Patented methyl methacrylate/glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer porous microspheres, Purified water, Carbomer 974P, Carbomer 934P, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Propylene glycol, Sorbic acid, PPG-20 methyl glucose ether distearate, Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone copolyol, Benzyl alcohol, Trolamine and Butylated hydroxytoluene
Apply lightly to areas with acne and other skin marks depending on your purpose
Price varies depending on strength of formulation. Price can start between $44 and $49 for the smallest tube.
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