Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

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.

3.4
1972
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

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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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June 20, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin, reduces the frequency of flare ups

Cons:

Initially causes redness/dryness, takes a while to work, "gets worse before it gets better", expensive (without insurance)

I have been using this product for nearly a year with the combined use of Septra DS (6 months). At first it made my skin much worse, but after being consistent I have seen a marked improvement the past few months. Other than red spots from old acne my skin is clear.
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June 20, 2008

Pros:

my acne was mild and 95% is already gone. smoother skin smaller pores

Cons:

my skin is peeling like crazy! and it does hurt to appply mosterizer

well i have only been using this for about 2 weeks and from the other reviews i can tell im going to have to be patient. im in high school and im gonna be a junior. b4 my sophomore year i had no acne. this year my skin started to break out even though people thought i was crazy cuz they saw nothing. however, my confidence went way down. i decided to go to the derm and she recommended that i use atralin every other night. the nights im not using atralin, im using duac. the first week evertying was fine then this week my skin started to peel like crazy! however, i can tell a difference already and my skin does seem smoother(after i scrub my peeling skin off) i am going to continue with it cuz the ppl who stuck with it said they say increadible results. i want to walk out of the house w/o makeup and feel pretty. hopefully my skin will adjust soon to atralin and will stop peeling.
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May 30, 2008

Pros:

nothing.

Cons:

breakout and BREAKOUT ALL THE TIME.
you get so dry and so embarassed

i had awful acne all over my face and that daem cream made my face 150%worse in 3 days!!!! i am in such a bad condition that i m afraid to go to school.i hope jojoba oil and zinc supplements will work as my new cure. don't buy tretinoin really.don't waste your valuable time by waiting that hell to work
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May 24, 2008

Pros:

Has potential. When I didn't follow dosage & instead applied a TINY amt 2 my breakouts, they seemed 2 get better-still caused drying out.

Cons:

Caused my skin to become excessively dry, flaky, itchy, & painful. Caused a LOT more breakouts & red-splotchy discoloration. My face felt like it was ON FIRE!!

I used this product as directed for the most part for almost 2 months (minus several days during the times the inflammation & pain was unbearable) and I saw NO improvement-my skin became worse & all I had to show for using this product was more leftover splotches from the flare-ups this medication caused. Makeup was pretty useless because my face was extremely dry & flaky & seemed to be shedding that my makeup wouldn't stay on (literally). The redness was pretty extreme too. It would hurt to even go outside or to get any type of sunlight on my face because my face was so irritated. Beware if you don't have insurance & you want the name brand-it's HELLA expensive!
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

Skin has an overall healthier, fresher appearance. It's less oily in the morning. Pores are much more refined. Insurance covers costs.

Cons:

I still get breakouts. Especially after I wear makeup. The next morning my face is aweful!!!
Acne tends to turn into deep purple spots that go away after a long time.

Better Overall condition, No more deep cysts, but lots of nasty whiteheads on my cheeks. I've been using it for about 3 months (Everything i've read says real improvement happens after a year), I'm going to keep using it, but am going to try pairing it w/ an oral antibiotic.
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May 12, 2008

Pros:

evens tone and scarring, minimizes pore size and wrinkles

Cons:

extreme redness, itching, flaking and dryness

though one might see all the cons i listed above at first, you have to stick with it. I have been battling acne for 15 years, pitted skin, redness and uneven skin tone. This product is remarkable, it has made my pitted marks softer and less noticeable and smoothed out my tone. the only thing is that it is not getting rid of the redness inside my pitted marks. I might just go for a chemical peel to get rid of that, but i will stick with the generic form of retin-A. Also, for prolonged use for sensitive skin, use it every other night and always with a moisturizer! Good luck to everyone!
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May 8, 2008

Pros:

Cheap with insurance

Cons:

takes a loonnnggg time to work, IF it ever ends up working...

I used benzaclin and differin gel prior to using retin a and clindamycin... the differin/bezaclin combo works great for my skin, but my derm insisted that i try this new combo..... Its been 4 months and i have scarring all over my cheecks and jawline. she said to give it time, and i have.. no improvement. Makes the areas of my skin that are already clear look fabulous, but it hasnt done much of anything for my problem areas. It stings, your skin may peel, does NOTHING for scarring. Its basically useless in my fight against acne.
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

i have noticed a little difference but the scars are bad and ihave never had them before.I has been about 2 weeks and i am impatient!

Cons:

the scars are awful i hope they go away and this dry pachy area on my chin has got to go

try it alot of people have had good luck not me yet tho
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April 30, 2008

Pros:

Acne has been reduced, but not fully. I used to have bad acne, and now it's mild, but every once in a while there'll be a big pimple.

Cons:

flaky, dry skin, burning, redness

Although some acne has disappeared, not enough has gone and the side effects make it not worth it. My skin is dry in some spots, oily in others, and red and shiny everywhere. Moisturizer burns, and the flaking is embarrasing.
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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