Around two days ago I started using a pea sized amount of Tretinoin 0.1% after cleansing. Since then my "normal" acne (whiteheads, red but unpainful pustules, blackheads) has become painful, blaring red cystic acne. My face looks worse than it ever has. When I went in to my doctors office to discuss treatment he never noted that this would be one of the side affects of the medication, so I'm a little concerned.
Should I discontinue use? Or is this normal and should I carry on?
A lot of time topicals will cause a purging state until your skin becomes accustom to the product. You can expect to see real results after 3 or 4 months of usage. You doctor should have atleast told you to stick it out for 3 months for results. Often times it gets worse before it gets better.