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 7, 2008

Pros:

clears acne within 3-5 months it takes patience.

Cons:

causes redness and peeling in the first 2-3 weeks of using it.

USE IT
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August 6, 2008

Pros:

People say it'll work.

Cons:

The burning is not my concern, but the flaking and redness of the skin are my main concerns. My skin is noticeably worse and makes me feel terrible. Makeup doesn't completely cover it up and might make it look worse if you're flaking.

I'm 23 years old and have never had a problem with my skin. I recently started getting very unnoticeable small bumps on my forehead and the doctor told me I had acne. Up until the day before taking my prescription, I was commented on how great my skin was, but I wanted to make it perfect. I've only been using this product for a week, but I thought I'd contribute to the reviews to let you all know to expect the same results as everyone else. My skin is definitely worse, very red, waxy/unhealthy looking, a lot more sensitive (and I don't go out in the sun), and is often flaking off. I read these reviews and did expect these results, so I intend to stick with this product for the recommended 6-8 weeks and will continue to update my progress. So far, it's doing what I expected and can only hope for the perfect skin I am looking for. As difficult as it might be to see your skin worsen, definitely stick with it because I have a feeling it'll definitely work.
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August 4, 2008

Pros:

face has improved significantly

Cons:

must use in conjuction with lotion and sunscreen to keep skin from flaking and turning bright red

i've used this product for about 10 days now. i am 27 and over the last year i have struggled with bothersome breakouts, uneven skin tone and dry skin on my face. i was originally put on doxycycline and clyndamicin and my face got significantly worse. now i am on benzoyl peroxide wash and retin a. you have to be patient with this medication. read other people's reviews; that is what i did and i've found that waiting after you wash your face to apply the retin a is better. also, mix a pea sized amount into your facial lotion and then apply. this helps to keep the flaking down. plus, i use a mild cleanser like cetaphil and alternate every other day until my skin gets accustomed to this medicine. i am really impressed with the results already. good luck.
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August 3, 2008

Pros:

This is working well for both my back and face, but not on its own (I use Finacea with it to help inflamed acne).

Cons:

Takes a long time to get skin used to it; first time I used Retin-A 0.04 percent was a disaster (DO NOT use more than a pea size for face, and don't spot treat)

Once I started being very careful about applying only a pea size amount and wearing sunscreen daily, this helped my acne when I used it with Finacea. I am now using the highest strength and am getting even better results, but I use even a little less than a pea size amount. I did get a small initial breakout when I switched strengths but the Finacea helps reduce the IB. Also, the higher strength seems to be helping red marks more. However, I really recommend starting with a lower strength and working up only if you aren't red and flaky (it hasn't caused redness or flakiness with me since I started the Finacea and used a smaller amount of Retin-A). Also, if you are breaking out a lot more from Retin-A, please call or see your doctor about it. He/she can tell if it's normal; if it's not, you might need something else with the Retin-A, like I did, or it might not be right for you. Better to check early on.
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August 2, 2008

Pros:

My mom likes it...but that's about it!

Cons:

Burns and causes peeling/flaking like crazy.

Where to even start. My derm, who I have gone to since I was born (I have atopic dermatitis) prescribed Retin-A .01% gel for me. Now, my skin is indrecibly sensitive - I burn within 20 minutes of being outside, get super dry in winter, etc. My mom, who used to work in dermotology at a nearby university, was surprised when she found out about my prescription, but figured that the derm must be right. Well, I read info on it and everything said that it will burn the first few times you use it - "ok", I thought. Well...not only did it burn like all hell, but my face peeled and flaked for about 2-3 weeks afterwards. I couldn't put anything on it, not even wash with Cetaphil dry skin cleanser, without it burning horribly. Maybe if your skin is more durable than mine, this will work for you. For now I am sticking with my clindamycin lotion, differin, minocycline and aveeno ultra-calming regime. :)
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August 1, 2008

Pros:

Acne and fine line reduction

Cons:

Irritation and redness

Its been a few months since I have started using Retin-a and I probably did everything wrong, so here is some advice. DO NOT use more than a PEA sized amount. During the first three days of use expect to see and feel very little, which may tempt you to use more but please DONT. By day 4 it will be very evident that the product is working. WAIT at least 30 min to an HOUR after showering or washing your face to put this product on. Warm moist skin is extremely absorbant and this only serves to make it worse. Use every two days to every other day to start with. And DONT pick at your face, especially the peeling skin. It drove me crazy and I picked until my I had bloody spots. In this case, I made it worse not the product. In a nut shell treat you skin gingerly, stick with it and you will be rewarded. Moreover, younger guys and gals starting the Retin-a regime early in life will have far better skin than their non retin-a using peers. OH and use SUNSCREEN spf 30+ PLEASE
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July 30, 2008

Pros:

Right now I cannot think of any Pros at all. The only good thing is that I got it free from my derm.

Cons:

I've used this consistantly for five months. It has done nothing--and I mean nothing to clear up my acne. The 'initial' break-out is neverending. Prior to Retin-A I had 2-3 zits. Now I have about 15-20 at a time! This has done mor harm than good.

It's really hard to judge how your skin will react, as is evidenced by the positive and negative reviews. Personally, I never got the 'clear' skin that I was hoping for and basically suffered for nothing. Right now my face is worse than it has ever been in my life and it's all because of Retin-A Micro. The worst part is not just the wasted time but the numerous scars it's left behind.
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

it worked for a week

Cons:

Didn't do anything to get rid of acne after a week

I have been on pretty much everything you can have and this was by far the least effective didn't cause brake out but didn't get rid of acne after a week maybe my skin got use to it?? it did however slightly!! flatten scars but not a dramatic difference
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

appears to make skin pinker and newer looking

Cons:

does make little yellow heads appear out of nowhere

Given this gel by the Derm who has good skin! She said that usualy doesnt make people break out in the first weeks - obviously doesnt read this board! After 2 wks exactly i started to get little yellow heads appearing and whilst they only stay a day or two they are annoying. GP put me on erythromycin to prevent any infection but I shall continue with the cream as I know from experience that Roaccutane makes you break out and then clears well.... this stuff does the same but as with most things if there is no pain then there is no gain.
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

I've been using it for 14 years--since I was 40. I'm now 54 and people usually guess my age at somewhere between 35 and 40. I've had no adverse reactions at all. My skin looks better than it did when I was 30. I'll use it for the rest of my life

Cons:

None that I've experienced.

Try it!
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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