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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May 24, 2008

Pros:

I have been using this procut for about two weeks and I haves seen slow improvement. My forehead used to have bumps everywhere but now has subsidedto two pimples and a few very tiny bumps.

Cons:

My cheeks before using the product were almost completely clear but now have whiteheads in many places. I am hoping that since my forehead went through the purging stage that that is what my cheeks/chin are going through and stick it out.

For only using the product for two weeks I am starting to get through the purging period and hopefully after that my skin will be a lot better! I will come back in a few more weeks to update on how it is going. Overall I am happy with the improvement on my forehead and hopefully the improvement everywhere else will come soon.
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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 24, 2008

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

just like the past people i have more scares now from it it did not help at all i wish i had never used it

when i would have a break out its like the med. would burn the bumps off leaving scares
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May 21, 2008

Pros:

dries up acne quickly and make them peel off quicker than it would take normally.

Cons:

makes my skin dry and itchy all the times, my skin is always flakey and red, I can't really wear foundation or makeup.

It doesn't help with all of my acnes, probably reduce my acnes to about less than 50% than what it use to be before, but it's alot to pay for the other side effect, which didn't go away even after 4 months of usage. I'm going stop using this as soon as I start on another method, but I'll still use it in the meantime to reduce the acnes.
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

I can tell its working! My forhead purged and cleared last week and now my cheeks are purging and healing. I'm HAPPY with the Progress :)

Cons:

I'll miss getting my eyebrows waxed :( (thins the skin.)

I have some advice for all of you that go through "Skin Torture" to the point where the peeling, soreness, and sensitivity are unbearable, and embarrassing....Ask you derm for a lesser percent!!! My Tretinoin 0.025% CREAM is very mild, and though it causes peeling, After I lightly exfoiliate with 3 crushed aspirin and apply my purpose moisturizer, my skin looks and feels much smoother. I'm slowlw seeing the improvement and Im sooo happy about it. Remember that tretinoin is NOT antibacterial, so incorporating clindamycin, or benzol peroxide during the day is def. beneficial! I am actually happy to go through this purging faze because I know you must "go through it, to get to it!"..Clear Skin that is. I also ordered Md Forte Glycolic Cleanser III that I can't wait to use along with this product. Tretinoin isn't for everyone but I think it works for 80%. I'll update on June 27th, that's 7 weeks since I started. Im So OPTIMISTIC!
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

cheap if you have insurance, 20 dollars a tube

Cons:

made skin oily, greasy, more acne

i felt slimy wearing this stuff to bed, and dirty.
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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 18, 2008

Pros:

Really does work with ample time...fights acne, gives smooth skin, and fights aging
Recommed while on treatment: Cetaphil face wash and for ladies wearing make-up - Maybeline Matte Mousse make-up...covers well and goes on peeling/blistering skin.

Cons:

You really, really have to have patience! This is not a quick fix. Do not scrub your face with washcloths or any harsh material while on this. Just use hands and Cetaphil moisturizer.

I used this product when I was a teenager and hated it! I stayed on for maybe two-three weeks and swore it off. Now in my 30's I wanted a great skin...I have had mild to moderate acne starting in my teens and have always used BP at night. I chose to go with Obagi Nu-derm system. The first month was not so bad...second to third was horrible!! There were MANY times I thought about quitting...I felt for sure it is not working and it can never repair damage it is doing. I had a red, peeling face that was so sensitive it hurt to touch...plus I had nasty acne. I made two very bad mistakes initally..do not use BP wash or cream during treatment, and do not put any facial hair cream remover on during treatment. The BP created horrible dry patches and the facial hair remover simply removed hair and skin! Now four months into treatment I cannot believe differnce in my skin...it began healing quickly after third month and just gets better every day...no breakouts and peeling..my skin is so smooth.
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May 15, 2008

Pros:

Reduction of acne scarring on some parts of my skin

Cons:

Massive breakout, peeling and dryness

I used to have 1 or 2 pimples at a time, then started using this (.025 strength). At first, there was peeling and redness, but the acne subsided to the point that I went a whole week without even one pimple. Then, after using it for 6 weeks, BOOM! I have the worst break-out of my life. I just counted 39 pimples on my face. This is worse than anything I could have imagined. But, the pimples are all rather superficial, not deep in the skin, and some of them are flat already (2 days post break-out). It looks like they'll heal quickly. Although I am in acne hell right now, it seems like it must be working because this is clearly a "purge" stage. There are a few areas of skin where I don't have acne, and I definitely see a difference in that skin (i.e., clearer and a reduction of discoloration and past scarring). I'm gonna hang in there and hope that this will pass.
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

More break outs. Scarring. On my 9th week still no sign of improvement.

I occasionally had two or less pimples at a time. Ever since I started using tretnoin 0.025% it has slowly jumped to 15-20. Both sides of my face are covered with scars, which weren't there before I started using this product. Im probably going to stick with this product for another month and see if anything changes.
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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