Retin-A vs. Retin-A Micro vs. Renova

There is often some confusion between the different forms of Retin-A on the market. Currently, you will see literature on Retin-A, Retin-A Micro and Renova. All three of these brand name medications contain the same active ingredient Tretinoin. The difference in the three products is the vehicle by which the Tretinoin is delivered topically to the skin.

Retin-A - There are three different forms of Retin-A., cream, gel and liquid. They are available in different strengths that are available from your physician. Retin-A(tretinoin) is indicated for topical application in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, Retinis thought to loosen and expel existing acne plugs in the skin and prevent new lesions from forming. It directly attacks the primary cause of acne, the plug.

Retin-A Micro (tretinoin gel) microsphere, 0.1% - was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on February 7, 1997, for the tratment of acne vulgaris.This is the first prescription medication utilizing the Microsponge® systems technology. Where as conventional formulations of topical medications are intended to work on the outer layers of the skin; releasing their active ingredients upon application, producing a highly concentrated layer of active ingredient that is rapidly absorbed. The Microsponge® systems can prevent excessive accumulation of medication within surface layer of the skin. Thus, significantly reducing the irritation of effective medication without reducing their efficacy.

Less than one-thousandth of an inch in diameter, each Microsponge system can serve as a reservoir or a closed container to protect certain substances from degradation or absorption, and as an absorbent receptacle to collect undesirable substances. Microsponge technology of entrapment of undersirable substances is believed to contribute to the decrease in reported side effects in the Retin-A Micro system as compared to more traditional methods of delivering Tretinoin the active ingredient in Retin-A.

The novel acne treatment entraps Tretinoin in Microsponge systems and formulates them into a gel. The microspheres hold the medication in reserve, allowing the skin to absorb small amounts of tretinoin over time. Dermatologists who conducted the pivotal clinical studies believe this may be why most Retin-A Micro patients experience little or no irritation. The microspheres themselves remain on top of the skin and are easily washed off when patients shower or wash their face. Retin-A Micro also reduces the appearance of facial shine (oiliness) on the skin's surface.

In clinical studies, the overwhelming majority of Retin-A Micro patients experienced little or no cutaneous irritation in four categories — erythema, peeling, burning/stinging, and itching - at two weeks, the typical peak irritation period for tretinoin.

Renova (tretinoin cream) 0.05% - approved by FDA in 1995, is clinically proven to reduce fine facial wrinkles, fade brown spots and smooth surface roughness. Clinical trial data suggest that the emollient (an agent that softens and soothes the surface to which it is applied) system used in Renova is significantly better than Retin-A's vehicle at minimizing irritancy, the main limiting factor when treating photodamaged skin with retinoids.

All three medications contain the active ingredient Tretinoin, the difference is the delivery system to the different layers of the skin. Retinol, should not be confused with Retin-A, Retin-A Micro or Renova. Retinol is the technical name for (preformed) vitamin A (vitamin A is created in the body from beta-carotene). Cosmetics companies from Estee Lauder to Neutrogena, Avon, and others all have their assortment of products containing retinol or retinyl palmitate, and their claims mirror those made for Retin-A and Renova. Retinol must become all-trans retinoic acid to work like tretinoin, and that process requires a series of steps and changes. The notion that the skin can perform this action with retinol is unproven and considered by many to be unlikely and has not been approved by the FDA for decreasing the signs of aging.