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
1649
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5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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July 27, 2008

Pros:

Honestly, I can't think of any. If I had enemies, it would be a great product to literally deface them.

Cons:

Retin-A has:
Made my light whitehead/blackhead problems much worse and glaringly noticeable; dried out my skin and produced cystic pimples where I previously had none; caused really awful dark, scab like spots on my forehead; made my face fall of

I have used this product for 2 months, and while that may not be the ridiculous 3 months for the *beginning* of results that is cited in the product description, I feel fully entitled to be disappointed and discontinue use. Effectively, I look like a leper without foundation, which I have to apply throughout the day to maintain professional appearance. The product burns and itches so much that I can't resist scratching at it, and of course this is detrimental to my skin's already shabby condition. I'm in my mid-20s, and this product makes me look 15; I'm not talking in a Ponce de Leon's fountain of youth way, but more like a revisitation of pubescent pimple purgatory.
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July 27, 2008

Pros:

1. The medicine did clear up my acne somewhat...
2. Free from doctor.
3. Most of the actual "pimples" are gone.

Cons:

1. Took over 4 weeks to start working.
2. Will not get better than where i am now after 7 weeks of use.
3. Burnt skin for first few weeks, severe drying.

It does work fairly decent. Will take 3-4 works to start working. This medication will most likely not restore your face to spotless. Burns and peeling skin. I don't think its the best medication.
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July 26, 2008

Pros:

cleared up all yellow heads and blackheads
free from doctor

Cons:

takes time to work
burnt like i was on fire
got worse for like 7 days

right i am on my 10 day and i have already seen slight improvment, im even gettin compliments, i had moderate acne with a few white heads, i now have no white heads because they go in the morning with this stuff. i use 0.01% retin-a gel morning and night but i wash with simple moisturizing face wash before. i also take 4 500mg erythromycin a day, 2 in the mornin and to at night. im not sure how long it will take until i have flawlass skin, my doctor says 6-8 weeks, is this normal time ?? can be really expensive if you dont get it free of the doctor!! it would be great if you could help...ALL THE HELP I GET IS BETTER THAN NONE AT ALL. good luck to all acne sufferes!!!
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July 25, 2008

Pros:

So far none :(

Cons:

Dryness of the skin and worse ance

I have only been using retin-a for a 2 weeks. So far it has only made my skin dry and my ance worse. From what I hear it takes a long time for this stuff to work, not quite sure if I will be able to rough it out. The pimples come in alot bigger now and I hate to look at myself. I'm really praying that the end results will be well worth the wait like everyone says it will. But so far this stuff SUX! I didn't have to pay for it tho, my tri-care insurance paid for it so it was free for me.
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July 24, 2008

Cons:

dry, peeling, red, itchy, sensitive skin. All pimples popped on tretinoin will leave marks.

I see a lot of negative reviews for those who've used it for a couple weeks, but I tried it for a full 5 months. Didn't work for me, was sitll getting acne at the same rate, but each pimple was leaving a dark red/purplish mark in my skin now, not to mention increased fragility of my skin in general. Accutane only cost me $2 more.
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July 24, 2008

Pros:

it works to clear acne by exfoliating

Cons:

a lil bit drying

When I was in my early teens, Retin a did nothing for my moderatae-severe acne. Now in my early 30's, Retin a has totally cleared up my mild acne, and my skin looks great. What few shallow scars I had are starting to disappear. I have been using the .025 gel (creams of all kinds break out my skin) for almost a month now. I've had no breakouts. The Retin a improved my skin from the 1st night I used it. The secret is to start out just using it every other night-then when your skin is ready use it nightly.
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July 23, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne AND leaves you with a great complexion.

Cons:

Peeling and drying at first.

I almost didn't use it when I researched it on this sight because I panicked about the "initial" break out that everyone refers to but it's not unbearable and it truly works. Definitely use a small amount and wait until your face is COMPLETELY dry after washing it before you put the cream on. It takes a while to take effect..........be patient.
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July 22, 2008

Pros:

got rid of my acne on my forehead 90 percent it works really good for me. i hardly have pimpels

Cons:

makes my skin dry and it peels sometimes

it works really good u have to use it everyday
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July 22, 2008

Pros:

Gets Rid Of Acne And Takes Away Acne Scars

Cons:

Breaks Out When You First Use It (I got like 5 new pimples but they left like in 3 days) Sensitive Skin And Easily Burned

I say use it clears up face takes away scars you may break out one but who cares it gets better i have been using it for 2 weeks and my face looks 10 times better really improved
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July 21, 2008

Pros:

it gets rid of pimples and gives you smoother skin

Cons:

it gets worse for about a week or two before it gets better. also i've been using it for about a year and a half and its begging to stop working as if i'm becoming amune to it.

it works really well for a long time but i dont think any kind of medication lasts forever.
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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