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
1649
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4
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3
21.3%
2
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1
8.6%

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May 12, 2008

Pros:

It seems to be sucking the impurities from down the shells of my skin and throwing it out to the surface

Cons:

Right now my face looks like a pizza:oily and red. I got big bumps some with pus, dried skin, blisters that don't heal, dry nose and lips. Skin doesn't exfoliate (crust on and around the pimple area)

I am sticking to it! It's my 7th week and my acne is 10x worst than before I started but I am sticking to it but at least another 2more months. I am also taking Adoxa, yaz, and drinking apple cider vinegar. I use retin-a micro gel .04 at night and clyndamycin during the day. Some days I skip it because of extremely dryness. Sometimes I use a salycilic wash(pardon my spelling) and some days a mild wash. I pick on the dry skin at times. Guilty as charged. I will come back to post in another 6 weeks.
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May 12, 2008

Pros:

Heals scars and gets rid of a zit within a few days

Cons:

A little pealing at first but that just means your skin is adjusting to it. during the first few weeks your skin could take on a blush after you apply it or after you wash face. However, this is normal. Let your skin adjust to it.

This medicine works deep within the skin and takes time which means that as hard as it is to be patient, you must give it time. The peeling and redness won't last forever and can be minimized so maybe begin by using it every other night at first like I did. Once your skin adjusts, maybe begin using it every night. I have only used this product for about a month and I do not get much pealing or redness anymore and my scars are healing nicely. Remember: if you have scars, don't expect instant results. Scars take so much time to heal but the retin A will speed up the healing because it increases cellular turnover-that's why it may peel at first.
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

after about 2 months of using retin-a my skin is beeeaaauuutiful!!! very clear, very smooth

Cons:

takes about 2 months to work, in those 2 months expect dry, flaky, sensitive skin. it's totally worth it. but....it doesnt really do much to prevent abscesses/cysts, which i still get from time to time

great great great! but i still wish there was a magical treatment to prevent / remove cysts without severe marking/scarring
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May 10, 2008

Pros:

Taking a long time to work but it really does help. It takes time and it is slow improvement but I would say that 5 weeks later I am 75% clearer than I was.

Cons:

Dry skin and SENSITIVE skin. If I am in the sun for 20 minutes my face hurts. Slow progress which gets frustrating.

Stick with it. Well worth the patience.
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May 10, 2008

Pros:

Builds collagen over time to prevent and repair aging, keeps my pores clear, and after a year of use the texture of my skin is very smooth.

Cons:

Expensive without insurance, takes a long time to work so requires patience.

Folks, you have to give it more than a month to work. I didn't start seeing results (well, other than peeling and redness) until 8 weeks and it took 6 months to see a difference in skin texture (softening of scars, etc). You must use a good sunscreen with this as it makes your skin more susceptible to damage when you first start using it. Also, the cream formulation is in a pore clogging base, so you want to consider the gel for acne uses. Bottom line: I intend to keep using this forever.
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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 7, 2008

Pros:

Finally something that works! My skin is so much fresher now I am out of the purging stage. Blackheads mostly gone and my cystic acne no-longer about. It works!! I have used for 4 months.

Cons:

Initial 2 months - peeling and breakouts. Feels like it is not working but it is. Even on the dark days it is worth the wait.

I am so much happier and confident. Best of all is the sense that I can expect my skin to behave rather than dreading the next morning waking up and feeling new lumps. I am sure you all know that feeling. Also good reason to use strong sun factor and keep those wrinkles at bay. I can now be vain!! Do not give up.
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

I'm on week 11 and parts of my face has cleared up faster than other

Cons:

Takes very long, requires tremendous patience and committment

I'm in my early 20s, began having whitehead problems 6 months ago, went to derm in late Feb and been using Retin-A (along with benzaclin in am) since. It does take a long time to work. The purging process is on and off and scattered, never all at once, which is both good and bad (takes long time, yet allow it to be somewhat managable). My cheeks has on most part improved significantly, but my chin area and jaw line is just starting to purge...so whiteheads are still coming out. I'm on week 11 now...and I guess just keep at it. A tip...after washing your face at night..moisturize your face and wait 20-30 minutes before applying the retin-A. This will help with the peeling and dryness tremendous by the time you wake up, which is inevitable.
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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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May 1, 2008

Pros:

cheap, helps oiliness

Cons:

thinned my skin permanently

only used the 0.025%...TERRIBLE stuff..it GAVE me pores all over my face and a bunch of pitted scars where i wasnt even breaking out...i never got any initial breakout from it but it's made my face look ray liotta's now. my advice is don't keep using it if you see it scarring your face.
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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