June 29, 2004

By: Whitney Walace
Website: http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com

Study Shows Benefits Of RETIN-A MICRO Over RETIN-A 0.025% Cream In Reducing Facial Shine

RETIN-A MICRO microsphere, 0.1%, a prescription medication for the treatment of acne, may have an added benefit over RETIN-A 0.025% Cream in patients with oily skin.

Findings from a study, published in the August issue of the dermatology journal CUTIS, demonstrate that RETIN-A MICRO significantly reduces the appearance of facial shine compared to RETIN-A 0.025% Cream. Contributing factors to facial shine may be due to oil, sweat and dirt.

Thirty-five males and females between the ages of 12 and 24 with oily skin and facial acne participated in a randomized, double-blind half-face study conducted by a contract research laboratory on behalf of Ortho Dermatological.

Study participants' skin was evaluated by the study investigator and by the subjects at baseline and at three and six hours after application of the two test products.

Digital photographs, which provide an objective method of evaluating facial shine, were taken at each time interval.

Statistically significant reductions were reported by the investigator in the appearance of facial shine (oiliness) at three and six hours after application of RETIN-A MICRO as compared to baseline. Study participants also reported a statistically significant decrease in facial shine on the RETIN-A MICRO side at the three- and six-hour interval.

Sides of the face treated with RETIN-A 0.025% Cream did not show statistically significant reductions compared to baseline. Photographic analyses showed reductions in facial shine for both treatments, but decreases were greater on the RETIN-A MICRO treated sides. RETIN-A MICRO contains tretinoin, the same active ingredient in RETIN-A and RENOVA 0.05%. Designed to minimize the irritation commonly experienced with the highest strength of RETIN-A, RETIN-A MICROentraps 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.

Patients may see therapeutic results in two to seven weeks of treatment with RETIN-A MICRO.

An additional benefit of RETIN-A MICRO is that it can be applied immediately after patients wash their face, unlike RETIN-A, which requires a 20-30 minute waiting period.

In clinical studies, the RETIN-A MICRO irritation profile was found to be similar to a mild, local irritant. The most common adverse reactions to RETIN-A MICRO were limited to mild or moderate irritation of the skin. Severe cutaneous irritation occurred infrequently. Six percent of patients discontinued due to irritation.

During the first few weeks of therapy with RETIN-A, some irritation, including redness and peeling, will be experienced by most patients. Generally, these effects are manageable and diminish over time. However, some people with sensitive skin may experience excessive irritation.

About The Author:

Whitney Walace is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com.  Tips on skin care, hair care and beauty products to bring out natural beauty.