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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4
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3
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2
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1
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July 20, 2008

Pros:

Acne heals faster.

Cons:

SCARS, initial breakout, red and peeling skin.

If it wasn't bad enough I have acne now I have scars. Retin A thins your skin so much that it scars really easily. This has made me extremly depressed.
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July 13, 2008

Pros:

-Removes dead skin
-Makes skin smoother
-Improvement after months of use

Cons:

-Acne got much worse before it got better
-Acne scars have beem left from the breakouts

I used this product for about 3 - 4 months before I saw an improvement. After about two weeks of use, my face was covered in pimples. After a few months, I stopped getting frequent pimples, but I was left with hyperpigmentation. Continued use of it helped the discoloration but there are obviously still a few noticeable pitted scars. Now my face is smoother and pretty much breakout free, but I am left with scars. I am on the fence about recommending this product. Although it works very well after a while, the scars are irreversible unless I seek treatment from a plastic surgeon.
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July 11, 2008

Pros:

Softer, younger looking skin. Fading acne scars.

Cons:

Severe outbreaks, super sensitive skin, peeling, flaking, irritation.

I've only been using this product for a week but after the first "big reveal" aka peeling took place, my skin underneath was softer and the scars were a lot less noticable. I've been breaking out a lot more but that's to be expected. I am just hoping my face starts clearing up soon.
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July 11, 2008

Pros:

Dramatic improvement with continued and consistent use; soft skin; reduces shallow scars and wrinkles

Cons:

Flaking, redness, irritation if used improperly

This product TAKES TIME to work. Your acne will clear, but you will not notice any major improvement for at least 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions! Apply the solution sparingly. Apply for a short time every other night to start, then increase duration and frequency of application--this will help you avoid redness and irritation. I have increased the strength of the preparation I am using and I find it very easy to tolerate now that my skin has grown accustomed to the regular strength. I have tried both the gel and cream preparations. I prefer the cream because it is less messy and it stays on my skin longer. The gel can be more cooling and drying for people with very oily skin. Bottom line: be patient! Your acne is being resolved from beneath your skin.
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July 10, 2008

Pros:

Less fine lines and wrinkles, collagen production, normalization of the skin, less acne, improved texture

Cons:

Redness, peeling, flaking, irritation, increased acne for a period of time, it takes time to really start working it's magic

The stuff works. But with any product, it needs time to normalize the skin. This could take up to 40 days. But once you are there, you will notice all of the Pros listed above. It is a tried and true product. That is why it is still on the market and so widely used. with continued use your skin will normalize. That means it will create it's own moisture and decrease excess oily. Bottom Line: give it a chance and you will see improvements.
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July 9, 2008

Pros:

his product has helped erase my hyperpigmentation and old acne scars.

Cons:

You must have patience through the 4-6 weeks of hell. Excessive peeling lots of new pimples.

If you are patient good things come from this product. I am on the .1% for the past 3 months and can tell you it's was well worth the wait. This stuff is peeling layers of skin off to get to the heathiest skin way underneath. I have read alot of complaints that it causes horrible breakouts but these pimples would have come out eventually. You must wait at least a month to see any improvement.
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July 8, 2008

Pros:

none...

Cons:

made my acne 10 times worse. bumps, redness, flakes, dryness, huge pimples, little pimples, roughness

don't use unless you have severe acne.
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July 7, 2008

Pros:

I did not really experience any good things from Retin-A

Cons:

Face gets really red In the first 2 weeks face gets overly dry and peels. I have used it for about 3 and a 1/2 months and my face hasnt changed, if anything the complexion looks worse because of the redness

It might work for some people but it does not work for me
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July 6, 2008

Pros:

clearer skin, forehead completely clear, blackheads gone, smoother skin

Cons:

It takes a while to work, and like others have said, I too experienced a bad breakout in the beginning.

I've been using the cream plus an antibiotic for a little over 2 months. I still have a little bit of acne on my cheeks, but it is nothing like it was in the beginning. My overall skin tone looks better, and I rarely get new pimples. It has been the only thing I have tried that has caused improvement in my skin.
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July 5, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin, shrinks pores, fades post-acne marks

Cons:

Takes a lot of time to work, skin breaks out A LOT in the beginning, may make skin oily if using the cream, increases sun sensitivity

You need to be patient if you want this to work. It took about 5 months before my skin was clear, but after a year, i almost never get a pimple and my red marks are starting to fade. However, in the beginning my skin broke out like crazy, which is how it's supposed to work. Retin A pushes all of the comedones under your skin's surface up through your pores to clean them out. Please don't write a review on this product if you've only been using it for a few weeks or a month or so. You're just misleading others about a product that can actually help heal acne if used correctly and with patience. Everyone should talk with a doctor to see if Retin A will be best for them.
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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