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
December 22, 2008

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

massive breakout, peeling, redness

I began .1% retin-a about 3 weeks ago, after 2 days, my face exploded, absolutly horrible for at least 2-3 weeks. Bad enough i didn't want to leave my house. Now hitting the third week, it has taken a complete turn, i feel great about my skin now. I know it's just going to get better from this point. Don't get me wrong, it does cause major redness that still has not faded and also peeling, check out the retin-a website about moisterizer and facewash to use and you'll lbe set. it will be bad but its completely worth it!
December 22, 2008

Pros:

if you have a large cyst or infected pimple it's great!, for those of you like me that your face doesn't exfoliate it's a great exfoliant, controls oil, and in the long run really beneficial to your face in terms of wrinkles and anti-aging-lasts long

Cons:

Will definately make you peel--so use a moisturizer with it and use small amounts--if you get eyebrow waxes be sure not to use it a least 3-5 days before cause you will rip your skin off!--can sting--makes skin very sensitive to sun so use sunscreen

I use it now about 3 times a week(every other day) or more if I get an under the skin cyst--it is great for people with blackheads and those who have "sticky skin"--skin that doesn't exfoliate correctly by it's self like it's suppose to---A major pro about this product is that it helps in anti-aging as well because you are constantly exfoliating the skin, helping the new skin keep fresh by exfoliating all the old skin cells, dirt, and oil from on top of it--my cosmetic dermatologist says they 4 key ingredients to healthy skin are retinoids, moisturizers, sunscreens, and vitamin c(?) I think thats right--I haven't been in a while-- For my skin it works and for people without problem skin, if you use just a tiny dab and rub it all over(avoid eyelids, as that skin is to thin and delicate to use chemicals on) and then use a moisturizer And only use it maybe once or twice a week it will really benefit you later and keep you looking younger
August 17, 2008

Pros:

Works if you use it non-stop

Cons:

Will make your face peel, flake, and break out terribly before it starts working. Also makes skin dry

This is a fairly good product to use only if you are willing to use it with out stopping, if you miss a couple of nights your acne will get worse.
August 16, 2008

Pros:

It made my skin so soft after, and it evened out my skin texture too.

Cons:

None for me.

I've been using this for six months, the first three combined with minocyclin. My acne was terrible, covered my entire face. I've stopped breaking out a few months ago but I'm still using this product to keep my skin soft and smooth (at least to the touch). Now there are just red marks left...the tretinoin isn't doing a great job of removing them. I can't exactly say this product cured my acne (also used a benzoyl peroxide wash), but it certainly didn't hurt.
August 15, 2008

Pros:

Have been using for just over a month on bacne, and now its starting to work on my skin, no new pimples and my skin is starting to smooth out! yay!

Cons:

a bit itchy at first, initial breakout (i just covered up)

Please if you've only tried it for a short while don't comment! it gives people the rong idea its a good product for bacne at least. It costs me $15 per month without insurance
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. :)
July 22, 2008

Pros:

Since using Retin A the entire texture of my skin has become smoother and clearer.

Cons:

Excessive drying and irritation during the early stages of use.

Don't overuse the product thinking that the more often you use it the better the results. Use a small amount on the affected area and bare with it. It worked for me.
July 22, 2008

Pros:

it may make you break out but the pimples are gone over night, complection looks sooo much better once you get rid of the initial break out.

Cons:

made me break out a good bit at first, just a few pimples here and there on and around my chin, and made my face look worse with redness and scarring for about 2-3 weeks when i first started. did not help with oiliness at all!

ive always had acne,not bad, but i feel my scars are worse than actual pimples on my face. i definately have to wear makeup to make my skin smooth and clear looking.i started using this back in sept 07 and only used it for about 2 weeks and stopped when it started making me break out cause i didnt feel like being patient and waiting for it to work. my mom uses it, not for acne but for wrinkles and at first i didnt even notice a difference on her but one day after she had been using it for about 7mths or so i realized wow she looks great! her complection is so clear and smooth and her skin looks great! so i decided to start using it again and and this time use for awhile so i could see results. ive been using it for only 1 mth and it did make me break out a good bit at first but now i dont have a single pimple on my face, my scars arent as visible,and my overrall complection looks alot better! so im pleased so far and will continue to use forever.
July 21, 2008

Pros:

helps heal pimples faster

Cons:

Be prepared: REDNESS & PEELING.

Does not necessarily prevent new pimples from occurring.

Only use this sparingly, do not use as your main product of choice for dealing with acne. Product good for healing blemishes.
July 15, 2008

Pros:

Less Acne, less Scars, smooth skin, almost flawless.

Cons:

irritation, itchiness, redness, sunburn, dry skin, flaking and peeling.

I have used this product for about 6 months and it works really well. My acne is now so much better than those past years.

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.