Retin A Micro Acne Gel Review

Clearpores is an entire line of products designed to minimize acne outbreaks. The Clearpores three step acne treatment includes a Deep Wash, Herbal Formula preventative and long acting Fortifying Cream.

Murad manufacturers a wide variety of over-the-counter skincare products, of which Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel is the most appropriate for acne treatment and prevention. Murad Gel is a thick liquid designed to be applied after cleansing the skin of the face.

Epiclear is an over-the-counter spray-on product applied 1-3 times per day on skin that has been cleaned. After being sprayed on, Epiclear is rubbed in with the fingertips. Epiclear can be used anywhere on the body.

Retin A Micro Acne Gel Review

Retin A Micro is a prescription-only water-based topical gel used to treat and prevent acne. It is applied nightly, or as directed by the prescribing doctor.

It is similar to Retin-A except that Retin A Micro uses an interesting delivery system. Retin A Micro can be applied immediately after washing the face, unlike Retin-A which required a 20-30 minute waiting period. This product is marketed by Ortho Neutrogena and comes in two strengths: 0.1% and 0.04% (referring to the concentration of the active ingredient, trentinoin).

Trentinoin - Retin A Micro's Active Ingredient

Retin A Micro's active ingredient is trentinoin, an acne medication frequently prescribed by dermatologists. The delivery system is known as Microsponge® and is similar to the function of liposomes.

The Microsponge® delivery system consists of microspheres - microscopic particles made of a synthetic polymer. The trentinoin molecules are held within the microspheres. When Retin A Micro is applied to the skin, the microspheres prevent the surface of the skin from immediately absorbing the trentinoin - thus slowing and prolonging the delivery of the medication. As an added side-effect of this delivery system, Retin A Micro doesn't irritate the skin or cause it to look "shiny" like Retin A does. Microspheres do not actually penetrate the skin and enter cells, the way natural liposomes do.

How Does Retin A Micro Work?

Although the exact method of Retin A Micro's function is unknown, researchers theorize that the active ingredient breaks up existing clumps of skin cells and prevents new clumps from forming. This action causes existing acne blemishes to be reduced and helps prevent new blemishes from forming.

More information on what causes acne.

Our staff of experts have rated a number of products in this category and have listed their recommendations.

Excellent	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor	N/A

Overall Score

Complete Solution

Test Results

Customer Service

Recommendation

Brand

Price

ClearPores

$53.99

96%

Yes

Must buy

Murad

$29.95

77%

Yes

Tentative buy

Retin A Micro

$96.63

65%

Do not buy

Retin A Micro Side Effects

Retin A Micro should not be used by women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant. In a recent clinical trial, 50% of the test subjects developed skin irritation, peeling, itching, burning or stinging. Other subjects had severe irritation, blistering, and crusting. Due to these side effects and the high cost of this prescription medication, we must rate Retin A Micro a Do Not Buy.