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 1, 2008

Pros:

cheap with insurance

Cons:

Flaky, dry skin and apparently takes long to work

OKay. So far I've been using Retina along with Benzamycin gel for about 4 weeks and I have yet to see results. The 1st week my skin was alright, then during the 2nd week, I had a minor breakout on one side of my face. Kept using it and I've gotten a few new pimples on my chin and forehead, but still not on the other side of my face. I've decided to use it for at least another month and I'll let ya'll know if I see a difference. (started at the beginning of this month, will reply at end of may) Wish me good luck ;P
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April 30, 2008

Pros:

works fast
minimizes the size of bumps
makes my white heads smaller

Cons:

i have to use a whole lot of moisturizer to keep my face moist and not dry

i have had this for about two weeks and i hadnt experienced the breakout yet but my skin has gotten better and there is barely any acne on my face. mostly scars now. i got it prescribed to me during a check up from my doctor. its way better than proactiv FOR SURE and i also use cetaphil in the morning my dad paid 10 dollars for two tubes with insurance
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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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April 24, 2008

Pros:

I don't seem to get the huge annoying pimples anymore. Just little ones that if LEFT ALONE will go away in a day or so.

Cons:

When I first started I got ton and I mean tons of whiteheads that seem to have come out of nowhere. The skin around my mouth is ALWAYS dry, red and flaky.

After approx. 2 months of use I am realizing that this is just not the product for me. Unfortunatly none of the treatments my Dr. has worked for me. I am allergic to just about every antibiotic out there and already have depression and can't take the accutane. I wonder what next? If anybody has any suggestions...
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

Skin feels smooth and soft after initial peeling. Noticable reduction in spots and pimples.

Cons:

Dry, itchy, flakey, burning sking. For the first week, the meds burned when applying moisterizer.

My mom recommended I use retin-A after it cleared her acne over 30 years ago. She has beautiful skin since. I have been battling acne for the past 12 years and this is the second product that have shown some results. The first product where I found results was created by a dermo that passed away. He was fantastic and a leader in the dermo field with over 60 years in practice. Once the initial peeling subsides and skin gets adjusted to the meds the results are fantastic. I just gently exfoliated the dry skin. The skin that is left is feeling baby smooth and clear. I use duac in the am and retin-a in the pm. I still get a few pimples however, they dissapear by the next morning without scaring or pain. I hope these results continue!
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

Fades scars, new acne heals quickly, makes skin more radiant since you are shedding skin at a more rapid pace than usual - no need to exfoliate

Cons:

Takes a long time to work. The process of purging your skin can be really discouraging.

I am using Retin A in combination with Minocycline and Duac for about 3 months now. The first 2 months were pretty horrible. Tons of new breakouts, scars, and dry skin which was impossible to cover up with makeup so I had to go out just like that. Was ready to give up on it and yell at my doctor but about 2 weeks ago, I stopped having breakouts all together. Maybe it was being on vacation, being in the sun and sweating a lot that helped but since then, I have been clear. Scars are fading and the cystic acne I had has slowly moved to the surface so no more bumps when I touch my face. It took about 10-11 weeks for this to really show results, but now that it finally has, I'm really happy. Just stick with it!
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

it works, and i can tell you that it will work for you 100%, but it takes TIME!

Cons:

takes a very long time. peels and burns

its the best thing ive ever tried. i've had bad skin since the 6th grade. i'm now a junior and this is the only thing that has ever cleared my face. better yet, its getting rid of my acne scars to! listen, this thing takes time. it gets worse before it gets better, but with the way it works its pratically guarenteed to work. it took me about 3 months for the acne, but i have SEVERE pimples. just try it. i promise you will like it. and it makes your skin so refreshed. i'm so glad my docter perscribed me this stuff. (btw i use the generic brand, trentinoin gel .025% works just the same as retin a.)
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April 20, 2008

Pros:

Evens out skin tone, makes skin look youthful and radiant, seems to turn over pimples more quickly when they come up

Cons:

Makes skin sensitive, if skin is oily it becomes both dry/flaky and oily/shiny at the same time which is unpleasant, takes a long time and it's hard to tell if it's working due to waves of breakouts

I've been using it for seven weeks and initially saw an improvement, followed by the expected breakout. My skin has become even toned and radiant though it doesn't help the oily skin I have naturally and I do flake at the same time, which makes wearing makeup a disaster. Skin cleared up again however after the forth week it just keeps breaking out with each day huge blind pimples surfacing. I assume this is meant to happen though it is very disheartening in the morning to discover yet more pimples. I'm going to stick with it as instructed since I am allergic to oral medications and reviews here indicate for some people it can take months. Also have come of the bcp so irregular/regualting hormones may be hindering the process. Works much better than duac which just makes me breakout horribly.
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April 19, 2008

Pros:

Well, my skin has never looked so young. I was starting to worry about wrinkles and the mild acne I've had my entire life seemed to be gettin worse. Tretinoin has completely erased the fine lines I had in a matter of six weeks, I kid you not.

Cons:

Unfortunately, it seems to have made my acne worse, not better. I have never before in my life had acne this bad and this is six weeks after I started using it. To be fair, I recently went off the pill which might be an aggravating factor.

I'll keep using it even if it doesn't clear up my (mild) acne - the anti-aging benefits are unbelievable! I'll find something else to clear up my acne if this doesn't start working for that after a few weeks.
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April 16, 2008

Pros:

Clears acne like crazzzzzzzzzzy!

Cons:

Peels skin like mad

I am in high school, but i dont use it, a friend does. I'm looking towards using it. My friends skin peels loads, and big flakes come off, but a few months of usage can last years without acne. She has been using it for 2 weeks, and there is already a massive inprovement aroud her cheeks and hairline. I suffer from fairly bad acne, and so does she, but it is well worth a go! People do ask her if she has been on holiday though! It peels the skin to get right to deep spots. We both suffer from massivly deep spots right under the skin that stay for months at a tome without getting a head. I would reccomend it seriously, because your sin cant get used to this stuff like other creams. You need to try it if you want baby skin!
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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