Tretinoin
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Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

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Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

Tretinoin is usually applied once a day around bedtime.

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3.5
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

hopeful that tons will come

Cons:

Peeling in the beginning, increased breakout in new places, breakout areas more red than before, acne scabs

Between week one and two I noticed a lot of peeling, especially above my lip under my nose. I got the cream too close to my lips as well and both sides cracked which was extremely uncomfortable (they healed though--and I didn't make that mistake again.) My skin definitely got worse around week three, then it cleared up to almost perfect, I was feeling a lot better about it, until the middle of week four---big break out! So depressing. I've read that between weeks three and six it's normal to break out a lot more, i'm on day 26 and just praying I'll be clear by the end of week six. I've noticed, however, that other than places where I am broken out, my skin looks really good! I know that's kind of weird to say, but I've noticed a lot smoother tighter skin, and my freckles are decreasing, just white pure pretty looking skin. I hope the rest of my face gets on board soon.
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

Works

Cons:

Takes forever to work and its not cheap

Stick wit it
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

None yet...I may be too early to start reviewing this product (3 wks in); thus far I have more break-outs than when I started. First week was terrible; dry skin, red, rashy --but I realized I was washing w/ Salycic acid, which you are not supposed to

Cons:

BREAKOUTS! Unless you have great insurance, costly.

At the ripe old age of 33, I suddenly broke out with adult acne. Having never more than two pimples at a time, and very infrequently, this sudden affliction has been very distressing to me. I notice that I try to avoid day-time interactions and hide behind my hair/hat/glasses. This from a previously super-confident beauty...I started Retin-A Micro and Duac 3 weeks ago, and after week two thought that there was improvement. On my 3rd week however, I have more breakouts than ever before, ranging from angry, red blisters to colonies of colorless, raised bumps. VERY unattractive and disheartening :(. I am going to stick to it because almost all the reviews state that this product takes time...every day drags on so slowly while waiting for changes.
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August 11, 2008

Pros:

The packaging is cute

Cons:

I clear up, then break out. It's a repetitive cycle.

I've been on and off retina since I was 12. Now I am 19. Maybe it's just me...but it's a cycle for me. I break out, use retina, clear, breakout. I've been religiously using retina. So I don't know. I just want to be break out free. =(
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August 10, 2008

Pros:

Stops skin from being oily.
Causes skin to shed.
Keeps pores open.

Cons:

Now that your skin is not oily, it is simlpy too dry.
You end up with red skin if you use more than a very small amount(spread out) and if you use it daily (I do it every second day).
Pores are open, but the sebum build up is still there.

I do suggest it, but this is not the best treatment. I would suggest trying to find a laser/other treatment place prior to trying this, however that is likely expensive. This will not cure acne on its own, so you do need to ask your doctor/derm about other things. A big issue I have is with blackheads and they still form. The build up literally gets pushed out of the poor now and the blackhead just reforms. The only positive note is I rarely get infected compared to before (oral anti-bodies do a better job, though, for awhile).
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August 9, 2008

Pros:

It made the healthy sections of my skin smooth and eliminated fine lines

Cons:

Persistent acne developed in new areas that had never been infected, creating a very unpleasant complexion.

My dermatologist prescribed Retin-A Micro 4 months ago for minor acne on my forehead. I used the Retin-A as prescribed. My skin peeled and turned red during the first 2 weeks. I was delighted with the new, soft skin. I started to develop large cysts on both temples and the area between my eyes around the 3rd week. I was told this was normal, not to pick, and to continue the treatment. I continued the treatment for 2 weeks. By the end of the 5th week of treatment my entire face was broken out. Not with small pimples, but large cysts. My doctor prescribed Oracea and advised me to continue use. I'm 4 weeks into Oracea and I'm still broken out. The cysts take roughly 2 weeks to heal. I threw in the towel after 3 months of use. My complexion is terrible bc of Retin-A, but improving now that I'm no longer using it.
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

works after like 15 weeks. does improve the size of your scars to make them very small and does smooth out bumpy imperfection on your skin such as my nose which has scars from picking and bumps from acne prone skin. i am clearer now than when i first

Cons:

you will get owned first 6weeks.
you better be on the right antibiotics or you will get super owned.
you get dry, mega red, pustules, and will gain some more pimples in other areas even if they dont have them yet :D.

Does work but takes a lot of time! first 2 weeks things were going smooth and i was like ok ok ty i didnt get pwnd like everyone says you will, after that i got a bunch a cystic-like acne, pustules up in my cheeks, acne in my jaw line which i never had, acne on my forehead which was acne prone but cleared up at that time and basicaly i didnt dodge the beginning pwnage lol. than i started taking the right antibiotic (first was doxycycline and than i took minocycline where minocycline save mah life) and than my postules immediately went down and my face was clearing up fast. (within 3 weeks of mino i was looking okay) the redness went down, the pustules went down, the ammt of more pimples a day went down, and now i just got blemishes f where acne used to be because thats how my skin reacts anyways.... it works! Without the right antibiotics for you and taking retin-A you will get owned LOL.i was super red, super messed up looking, and before retin a i had many whiteheads on my chee
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

First my settled after the breakout phase but then started to go worse.

Cons:

I've used this product for two months now. Jaw full of red scars, my lower face is a mess, full of tiny pimples. Pimples have even reached my neck now!

When my summer holiday started I went to see the doctor so I could get my light-medium acne controlled. Well, this summer has been my worst. My face EXPLODED with nasty, painful pimples. My face looked totally red. I did not go out for weeks because I was so ashamed of my looks, and I still am. This has been very very dificult for me. I feel so envy when I read "I've used this product for a week and my face is perfect now". I've struggled with my acne troughout my teenage (i'm 23 now) and I'm so tired of this! I keep reading the good reviews and just pray my face gets better as going to school now is so hard and being at school is just. Good if this works for someone, but this has been a nightmare to say the least. I would be happily to cancel this negative feedback someday if I continue using this product. Big mistake to this day atleast.
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

it kind of cleared up my acne

Cons:

it is not something to use if you have an emergency overnight acne problem..nope...it takes weeks to work...and it does not prevent acne...just gets rid of it eventually. and it dried up my face. so if u want to give it a dry...get a moisturizer.

its OK.
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

doesn't burn, quick, easy, once a day......

Cons:

none

I JUST put on the first layer. It doesn't burn ONE bit and i feel confident. I'm using .01% and it's good so far. Im using this with tetracycline. No problems or side effects with that either.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website