I've never been on Retin- A but i've heard good things about it, but peeling i think is a common side effect.
my skin is so much better on BC, but pills didn't work for me, i was on the patch for 2 years and i absolutely loved it. Apparently, they just took it off the market but I'm going to try the ring, its supposed to be even better with less risks.
Almost all BC's help with acne though, so if you're open to it, that is a definate benefit, along with bigger boobs (but some ppl gain weight, i did...
) and less cramps.