Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Works about the same as the other two topical retinoids, tazarotene and adapalene, and lands in the middle of those two when it comes to side effects. Should provide partial clearing, but comes with sensitivity when you first start using it. It probably won’t be a total game changer but it should help reduce acne.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
April 26, 2009

Pros:

NONE!!!!!

Cons:

Made my face break out so bad, i never had acne before in my life and for the past 8 months i had the worst acne/cysts i have ever had! not to metion it left the worst red scars every, has made my life a living hell

DO NOT USE THIS !!!!!
March 1, 2009

Pros:

smooths skin, slightly fades red marks

Cons:

makes skin extremely dry and flaky and causes peeling, even if you use a moisturizer, causes acne in places you didn't have it before, all new acne leaves scars

If I were you, I would try other products first. I am sticking with it now that I am already on it because it DOES make my skin feel smoother and slightly reduces the appearance of red marks and I find that when I try to get off of it, my acne gets worse. However, since I've been using it my skin has been flaky and peeling even though I moisturize and use only every other night, which is embarrassing and looks ridiculous especially when I'm wearing makeup. I have been on it 8 months and have been using it properly and am not happy with the results I have gotten. I would recommend trying other products first.
February 23, 2009

Pros:

Definitely keeps skin clear for the most part, and improves skin texture.

Cons:

The peeling is annoying, but can be dealt with by using a good moisturiser (like Cetaphil) and GENTLY massaging off any really dry skin with warm water. Makes skin a little shiny, but this isn't because it's oily, just from the exfoliant effect.

I used Roaccutane years ago, then went to my dermatologist for a checkup and she prescibed this just to keep things in check, as my skin was a little congested. Stieva-A and all of its related creams do work, if you are willing to use it properly. You must apply it in a really thin layer, and stick with it and you will eventually get past the initial stinging phase. Likes others have posted, this product takes time to work, but is definitely worth trying.
February 22, 2009

Pros:

smoother, brighter skin. little to no breakouts anymore where i used to break out on my cheeks and chin

Cons:

the initial breakout after three weeks of using it... still going through it now after 7 weeks...

ive used .025% tretinoin cream for 7 weeks now; prior to the treatment i had mild, if any acne. id been on bactrim for three years and my derm suggested that i discontinue it and switch to retin-A instead. initially, there was no change in my skin and i was optimistic that i wouldn't have to go through the hellish purging stage... however, i did break out horribly all over my forehead and along the sides of my face. I suppose it was what was to be expected, but ive never broken out so badly before!!! i am going to stick with it for as long as i can, and hopefully it will continue to slowly heal. already though, after three weeks of an awful breakout, the retin-A has cleared up my cheeks and chin completely. i have little or no acne there anymore and my pores have shrunk considerably. i am just waiting or my forehead to clear up... there aren't humongous cysts or anything like that, just small, obnoxious little zits all over my forehead!!! i am hopeful that this stage will end s
February 22, 2009

Pros:

Working really well for my acne, minimising size, redness and severity of spots.

Cons:

Dries the skin an awful lot but this can be solved with a good moisturiser. Painful upon first application. Forms a kind of film on the skin that peels off. You have to use it continuously, or it comes back.

I would definately reccomend this product. I have been using it for 6 weeks and it's done a great deal of clearing my acne up, still a bit to go though. The best product I've used yet. Please note, my prescriptions are free due to my age.
February 21, 2009

Pros:

It really works, if you know how to use it, and are patient. My skin keeps getting clearer and less oily the longer I use it.

Cons:

Makes your skin much more sensitive, and causes peeling and dryness.

Don't start off using this every single night. Your skin needs time to adjust to this medication, and if you try to force things, your skin will become red, irritated, and painful. Start off using it once every three days, or every other day at most. Be patient. Make sure to wear a SPF 15 sunscreen on your face during the day, exfoliate GENTLY for the peeling, and use a natural non-irritating moisturizer like Jojoba Oil when needed for the dryness. You HAVE to use this product for at least a month, possibly up to three months, before you really see an improvement. It's worth the wait. There is no quick fix for acne. Don't even bother trying to treat it if you can't wait 1-3 months for results. Be patient.
February 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleared complexion, prevented new breakouts & smoothed skin

Cons:

Dry, peeling spot for the first week or so

I love the product. I've been using ProActiv for over 5 years and it never really did anything for my skin. I tried Murad for a while and that made my breakouts more frequent and worse. I think I've tried every over the counter remedy for acne and nothing has seemed to work. I'm very satisified with this product and I can't wait to see my face in about 3 months.
January 28, 2009

Pros:

Pimples are smaller and heal faster, but breakouts are still prevalent.

Cons:

Horribly drying. Impossible to keep moisture in your face. The flakiness and peeling make wearing make-up near impossible. Many moisturizers and cleansers make my face burn when using with the product.

I've been using it for 3 months now with mixed results. My skin right now is blotchy, flaky, and very irritated, so I may discontinue it soon.
January 12, 2009

Pros:

It cleared some pimples in the first few days.

Cons:

It made my skin incredibly dry/flaky and moisturizer would not help.

I would rather have pimples than the dry skin that this left me with.
December 28, 2008

Pros:

rids scarring
takes little amount to work
put on once a day

Cons:

creates redness to rid
peeling occurs
tends to burn a little bit

its a good product but takes 6 months for maximum results with everyday use and around 1-2 months for results if looking for something quick dont buy tretinoin but if your patient this prodcut will work for you.

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.

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.