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
August 31, 2007

Pros:

Improved acne however did not clear my skin completely.

Cons:

I have been on this for about 10 months and I am still experincing severe dryness and peeling. Also, my longterm usage of this product had made my skin extremely sensitive and very red.

Because everybody has different skin, there is no way of telling how this product will work for you. I had fair, combination skin before using this product with mild acne around my nose and now my acne is mostly gone but I am left with red marks and very red, dry and sensitive skin.
August 31, 2007

Pros:

clears acne

Cons:

irritates,red skin, hurts,peels but only for like the 1st 3 weeks.

im already on my 10th week and i stopped breaking out on my 8th week even tho the 8th week i had the nastiest break out of all. now my skin is free of acne, but what it did left me are some acne scars from the breakouts it gave me and on my forehead some scars that look like little holes from blackheads or sumthing anyone else had that?? and how long does it take to fade this scars i hate them so much im misserable.. can anyone tell me how many weeks more for those scars to fade??? plzz thanks
August 25, 2007

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Extreme burning like my face is on fire for at least ten minutes after I put it on. Made my acne become much, much worse. I had tried Benzaclin for about four months before and Benzaclin did nothing for me either.

Retin A made my face feel like it was on fire and did not clear up my acne. It made my acne signifficently worse and I hate it. I think I'm going to try Azlex next. I just want to walk around with a bag over my head because of how horrible my face looks.
August 10, 2007

Pros:

this stuff is really worth it, it helps evenout skin tone and tottally clear out my skin, it does wonders...

Cons:

its a bit too expensive if you dont have insurance. (my case)

it gets ugly before it gets pretty!!
August 8, 2007

Pros:

covered by most insurances, easy to use, vanishes into skin

Cons:

makes skin oily, give redness that never goes away... can cause flakes if dose is too high

ask your doc to give you a lower percentage formula if you have flaking or redness. when I used it as a teenager it make my skin very red, but did get rid of the acne. As a mid-twenties person I am on a lower dose, and it is great for my forehead, it got rid of the fine lines that were up there-as well as the small "plug"-type zits I had up there. ive used it in other places for rough skin and discoloration, and it worked!
July 24, 2007

Pros:

None for me

Cons:

Broke me out in TONS of spots

Did not work for me at all. It broke me out in a LOT of spots (my acne was quite mild before I used it), made my skin dry and peeling all over. Because I also have very pale skin, when I eventually did get rid of the spots it caused, I was left with many red marks. Definitely would not recommend if you're only trying to get rid of mild acne and have pale skin.
July 11, 2007

Pros:

Softens skin, does not dry, somewhat heals marks

Cons:

Does not clear up acne!

It's okay for treating marks, but for acne it sucks!
July 7, 2007

Pros:

wash my face with cetaphil cleanser,doesnt make my skin that dry anymore.

Cons:

peeling,breakouts never know when they finish,red,burning not that bad tho.

ive been on Retin A micro 0.04 and the 1st week it burned,dryed out my skin, and peel. This is my 17th day using Retin A at night and Benzaclin morning, (cetaphel as a cleanser, and aveeno miosturizer even tho i didnt have to use it that much cuz my skin wasnt so horrobly dry) , and i think im going through the initial break out but im not sure because people say its a bunch of lil pimples, and im gettin huge pimples that hurt like hell and its hard to pop them they take at list 3days to die! and some lil pimples. Anyways, i get 3 at a time,blemishes, one goes away and im already getting one..is that the initial break out???? since it doesnt burn anymore im thinkin of gettin Retin A micro 01 percent, since its more stronger ,rite? is that a bad idea??? im really sad of not seeing results and i want some support =( i havent gone out for so long cuz im embarresed of this , my acne is not that bad but enough to make me feel uncomfortable. will i break out again if i chanve to 01 percent?
July 7, 2007

Pros:

Cleared some acne

Cons:

Made skin VERY sensitive, peel around the mouth

Don't use; makes skin very sensitive and dry
June 30, 2007

Pros:

my dermatologist said he swore by it. i dont know why.

Cons:

at first it dried my skin out really bad, but i kept with it, and now i wake up in the morning and it is so oily and slimy and gross. i dont understand how that is helping it?

im pretty sure it makes my acne worse.

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.