The following are Frequently Asked Questions about RETIN-A MICRO. If you do not see the answer to a question you might have about this product or its use, please call our toll-free number 1-877-RA-MICRO (726-4276), or submit your question via email.

General information
Using RETIN-A MICRO

General information:

Using RETIN-A MICRO:

If you don't see your question, please call us at 1-877-RA-MICRO or 1-877-726-4276 (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) to talk to a healthcare professional about RETIN-A MICRO or email us.

What is RETIN-A MICRO?
RETIN-A MICRO is an oil-free prescription medicine indicated for topical application in the treatment of acne. It uses a unique Microsponge^® system. This technologically advanced system is designed to minimize the irritation commonly experienced with the highest strength of tretinoin.
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What is the ingredient in RETIN-A MICRO?
RETIN-A MICRO contains tretinoin, the same active ingredient in RETIN-A^® and RENOVA^®. RETIN-A and RETIN-A MICRO are indicated for acne.
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What are microspheres and how does the Microsponge^® system work?
Microspheres are round microscopic particles made of synthetic polymer. These particles hold tretinoin in the Microsponge^® system, and the microsponges with the drug are formulated 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 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 you shower or wash your face.
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How long do the microspheres stay on the skin?
The microspheres do not penetrate the skin barrier. The microspheres remain on top of the skin and are easily washed off when you shower or wash your face.
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What can RETIN-A MICRO do for my skin that over-the-counter acne medications can't?
While many products promise to "cure" your acne, they usually don't achieve the results you're hoping for. That's because nothing can "cure" acne. However, RETIN-A MICRO can help successfully control it.
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Does RETIN-A MICRO contain mineral oil?
No.
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What's the difference between RETIN-A MICRO and RETIN-A?
While both RETIN-A and RETIN- A MICRO contain the same active ingredient, only RETIN-A MICRO offers the benefits of tretinoin with the patented microsphere delivery system to provide low levels of irritation. RETIN-A MICRO is 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. RETIN-A MICRO also reduces the appearance of facial shine.
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Are there different concentrations of RETIN-A MICRO available?
RETIN-A MICRO is currently available in two concentrations, 0.04% and 0.1%. Your doctor or dermatologist can decide which one is right for you.
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How do I get RETIN-A MICRO?
A physician or other prescribing healthcare professional must prescribe RETIN-A MICRO. It is available at your local pharmacy.
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How safe is RETIN-A MICRO?
RETIN-A MICRO has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is backed by the RETIN-A 30-year heritage of safe and effective use in treating acne.
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Why is RETIN-A MICRO a yellow color?
The yellow appearance of RETIN-A MICRO gel is the result of the active ingredient, tretinoin, which is a yellow crystalline powder. The color is more noticeable in RETIN-A MICRO 0.1% due in part to the higher concentration of tretinoin.
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If it's a gel, why does RETIN-A MICRO look like a cream?
RETIN-A MICRO is an acetone-free, alcohol-free, aqueous gel with microspheres suspended in the vehicle. The microspheres have an opaque powder appearance and cause the gel to look more like a cream.
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Click here for more information about how to use RETIN-A MICRO, or email us. If you have other questions, please call us at 1-877-RA-MICRO or 1-877-726-4276 (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) to talk to a healthcare professional about RETIN-A MICRO.

How does RETIN-A MICRO work?
Although its exact mode of action is unknown, researchers believe that RETIN-A MICRO penetrates into the skin and attacks acne in two different ways. First, it loosens existing acne plugs beneath the skin so they are pushed out and shed onto your skin's surface. Second, and more importantly, RETIN-A MICRO helps prevent future outbreaks by keeping skin cells from sticking together, thereby preventing the formation of new plugs.
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What kind of results should I expect with RETIN-A MICRO?
It's important to remember that RETIN-A MICRO is a treatment that takes patience and dedication. Improvements in your acne-prone skin will take place gradually, but over time you should notice significant changes. Therapeutic results may be noticed after two weeks, but up to seven weeks of therapy may be required before consistent beneficial effects are observed. RETIN-A MICRO significantly improved patients' acne by 12 weeks in clinical studies.
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What are the possible side effects of RETIN-A MICRO?
A brief feeling of warmth or stinging may be normal when you apply RETIN-A MICRO. The most common side effect with RETIN-A MICRO is skin irritation. This can include skin redness, burning, stinging, itching, dryness and peeling. Some of these side effects may go away or bother you less after you have used RETIN-A MICRO for a few weeks. Tell your doctor if these side effects become a problem. Your doctor may change your dose of RETIN-A MICRO. However, the effectiveness of RETIN-A MICRO when used less than once a day has not been proven. There may be some mild discomfort or peeling during the early weeks of treatment. Some patients also notice that their skin begins to take on a blush. These reactions happen to about half of the people using RETIN-A MICRO. If this happens to you, it's just your skin getting used to RETIN-A MICRO. This usually improves by four weeks after starting treatment. These reactions usually can be lessened by following instructions carefully. If the discomfort is a problem, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Call your doctor right away if your face becomes very dry, red, swollen or blistered. Your doctor may ask you to stop using RETIN-A MICRO for a while, change the amount of RETIN-A MICRO you are using or change the times that you use RETIN-A MICRO. These are not all the side effects possible with RETIN-A MICRO. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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How often should I apply the medication?
For best results, stick to the plan for RETIN-A MICRO that your doctor has designed for you, and follow these simple instructions. If you have questions, please consult your doctor. It is recommended that you apply RETIN-A MICRO once daily in the evening after washing. Wash your face thoroughly with mild facial cleanser or a gentle alcohol-free cleansing cream. Pat dry (avoid rubbing). Do not use an alcohol-based astringent or toner after washing. Be sure to use the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not overapply. Using too much may cause unnecessary irritation. To apply the medication, dab RETIN-A MICRO on your forehead, chin and both cheeks; then spread it over your face. Don't spot treat pimples. Smooth into your skin until the medication becomes invisible. When applying RETIN-A MICRO, be sure to avoid the corners of your mouth and eyes. Every morning, right after you wash your face, apply a sunscreen or non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) moisturizer with sunscreen (regardless of the weather). This is an important step in your therapy, as RETIN-A MICRO can make your skin more susceptible to the sun. If you spend a lot of time outside playing sports or working, it's especially important to remember these rules and protect your skin from sun, extreme wind, heat or cold.
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Is it true you should not go out in the sun if you're using RETIN-A MICRO?
No. Contrary to popular belief, if you're using RETIN-A MICRO you do not have to avoid the sun at all costs. Follow basic sun-protection guidelines, spend as little time in the sun as possible and talk to your dermatologist about your summer skin care regimen.
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What happens to my skin during treatment with RETIN-A MICRO?
During the first few weeks of therapy, RETIN-A MICRO pushes the dead cells and plugs that are responsible for acne to the skin's surface. As it does, you may (or may not) experience some mild burning, stinging, feeling of warmth or peeling. Some patients also notice their skin begins to take on a reddish blush. These reactions do not happen to everyone. You may not get any reactions at all, which just means your skin is tolerating treatment. During weeks three through six, blackheads are being dislodged and shed from the skin. During this time period, it may appear as if your acne has worsened, but, in actuality, it's a sure sign that RETIN-A MICRO is doing its job. Be encouraged! Stick with it! If you would like extra assurance, call your doctor. After six weeks, you should notice steady improvement in your skin. DO NOT STOP TREATMENT AT THE FIRST SIGN OF IMPROVEMENT. Remember, acne cannot be cured. But RETIN-A MICRO can successfully control it and help prevent new blemishes from forming. By seven weeks, your skin may look better than it has in a long time.
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Are there any precautions I should follow if I'm using RETIN-A MICRO?
If you are using RETIN-A MICRO, avoid preparations that may dry or irritate the skin. If a reaction suggesting sensitivity or irritation occurs, consult a doctor. Unprotected exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized, and patients with sunburn should not use the product until fully recovered. Tell your doctor 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 doctor right away.
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What will happen if I apply too much RETIN-A MICRO?
Be sure to use the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not overapply. Results will not be faster or better if you overapply the medication. Using too much may cause unnecessary irritation.
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What happens if the product is swallowed?
RETIN-A MICRO is intended for topical use 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. If the medication is accidentally ingested, consult your doctor immediately. For more information about what to expect during treatment, click here.
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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. Talk to your doctor about the use of these two products in conjunction with each other.
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How do I store RETIN-A MICRO?
RETIN-A MICRO should be stored at room temperature.
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For more general information about RETIN-A MICRO, click here. If you have other questions, please call us at 1-877-RA-MICRO or 1-877-726-4276 (M-F 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST) to talk to a healthcare professional about RETIN-A MICRO.