Retin A, Tretinoin, Tazorac, Differin, Renova, Generic Gel Cream- Which is Best?

Are they all the same? Which is better? Which is more advanced/latest? Doesnt cause irritation? Most preferred by people? Let me know your experiences.I was told generics are not as good-Tretinoin. Cream is better than gel? I've heard mixed reviews and I dont want to go through each one to find out. As just going through 1 (Tretinoin) has been a suicidal nightmare. Please let me know!

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Seattle5545 in Seattle, Washington

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (1)

Retinoids

All of these medications are retinoids (derivatives or mimics of Vitamin A) and all are used for acne and sometimes for sun spots or fine wrinkles. No one of these creams is best for all patients. Some are milder and would be more useful for sensitive skin, some are more aggressive and would be used for more severe acne or oily skin. Talking to a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to decide which one is right for your skin (and they may be able to provide a sample so you... more

All retinoids can cause irritation

It is important to go slow, use moisturizer and talk to your dermatologist. I have a trick I call the "mask" therapy. I use Tazorac cream, apply a pea size amount evenly to the entire face, then rinse the face after 5 minutes with a light lotion. This and other tricks can make retinoids work well with little to no irritation. My favorites are Retin A Micro gel (is time released) and Tazorac.

Retin A

All of these products have a similar therapeutic benefit. Some dermatologists prefer one over the other but they all help acne and sun damage. Unless you have very oily skin, use the cream, not the gel form. Start using a mild dosage such as tretinoin cream .025% every other night and slowly increase it to nightly usage as tolerated. If you are using it for photoaging, studies have shown .025% to be effective and you do not need to go to a higher strength. Use... more

Topical retinoid better used under supervision of board-certified dermatologist

Prescription strength topical retinoids such as Differin, Retin-A, Renova, Atralin, Refissa, Tazorac etc are indispensable part of my dermatology practice not just for treatment of acne, but also for wrinkle reduction/prevention as well as for chemoprevention and reversal of prior sun damage. I have published a peer reviewed article that demonstrated efficacy of topical retinoid in reducing fine lines and sun damage as quickly as 4 weeks. However, topical retinoid is better used under... more

Topical retinoids for acne

All of these topical medications are effective for acne. The time and place for use is based on the dermatologists assessment of your skin and the type of acne you have. Any of these at any given time can cause irritation but all reverses upon discontinuation or upon taking "rest periods" from applying them topically.