Acne.org Products
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.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
June 27, 2007
Cons:
burning, dryness of the skin, embarrassment!
I have used this product for about a week. It seems as though my skin has gotten worse. The product left dry, flaky, red patches where it was used. Can you say embarrassing? I am going to stop using this product.
May 30, 2007
Pros:
Cleared up blackheads...forever.
Also good as an anti-wrinkle cream applied lightly around the eyes on alternate nights.
Cons:
The burning, the peeling, the redness, the horror!
I started using Retin-A when I was 25, because for some unknown reason I'd started getting acne on my face and on my shoulders/arms! Well, the burning and peeling of Retin-A was lousy enough on my face....but on my shoulders, it was utterly unbearable. It got so bad that I couldn't even wear a bra! And I'd used it exactly as directed! And then to top it off, I got *ECZEMA* where I'd been using the stuff! It was not worth it to me for an acne treatment -- too much pain with too few results. It was like having a terrible sunburn and didn't do a thing to help my acne. I did dig the tube out a year later to rub into a surgical scar after it had healed. I don't have a scar now, so it helped there. And it was good on wrinkles. But for acne? No, thanks.
May 11, 2007
Cons:
darkens skin
this product did nothing for me in 4 months my skin did not improve it just got a lil worse
May 6, 2007
Pros:
Evens skin tone
Cons:
Takes a long time, having to wait a period of time after washing
I've been using this product for about 5-6 weeks. I'm also on tetracycline. Even though I was using tetracycline I would still get some pimples and my skin looked dull. I started using the retin-a and it made my skin look more alive and not so dead. I do not have sensitive skin so I did not have any sensitivity, plus I'm outside everyday and I didn't get any burns from the sun. This stuff causes me to break out every few weeks but it's not terrible, I expect to see full results in a good 2-3 weeks!
May 1, 2007
Pros:
W O R K S .
Reasonable price given how long a tube lasts.
Cons:
Gel can be very drying. A 'plateau' will eventually be reached. Like all topical medications, doesn't stop cysts.
I've used a very thin layer of 0.1% cream all over my face for almost _two decades_, and have never found anything else (save Accutane) that comes close. People commenting on redness, peeling, etc, are advised to use lower strengths, less of it, less frequently, cream in lieu of gel, etc -- that's a lousy side effect, but one that I've not seen for years and years. It is possible to figure out the right dosage and get excellent results. It is magic for blackheads. It's also reduced the overall damage acne's done to my skin; a pimple is a brief, small bother rather than a potential scar.
April 14, 2007
Pros:
dont know yet...
Cons:
it makes you break up a lot so be WARNED!!!!!
well I've been using this product for about 2 months and I still break out a lot, I used it w/ clindamicin in the morning and minocycline twice a day but so far I see way more pimples, my face look terrible and I dont really want to quit yet. Should I give it more time????
April 9, 2007
Pros:
It does work.It will stop break outs.Dries out white heads to prevent you from popping them.
Cons:
intense dryness of skin. It does create a shiny effect.
Ive been using tretinoin for about 2-3 years now, and i have kept it around. Whenever i have a crazy breakout, i use tretinoin to clear it all up. Im using 0.1% which is a lot stronger than what most ppl are using. But it works.I've learned how to apply it correctly, and what it basically does is lift an entire layer of skin off of your face and will keep doing it. Its drying affect is good b/c it stops anything from forming on your face, even white heads, which are hard to stop. My advice on using this product is apply a thin mask of it on your face, not just on the pimples. Use it for at least 5 days straight and then let your face rest for a couple of days, soon it will take its ultimate effect. Yes intense drying will occur, but existing blemishes will stop their inflammation and depreciate. After the pimples have gone you'll prob have red spots so then use a skin renewing product to to heal the new skin (shiny skin). Wash with oil-free Neutrogena before using Trust Me
April 1, 2007
Pros:
works extremely well for scar-less acne that are mild and or severe; results visible in 4 to 5 months
Cons:
temperorily works for treating atrophic/icepick scarring by increasing collagen and tightning the skin; doesnot provide a permanent solution to scarring
after taking accutane my skin became extra sensitive; even a small pimple would leave a mark. Overtime, these marks, later classifed as ice pick scars increased and soon covered the upper part of both of my cheeks. derm put me on 0.025% retin and within 3 weeks, my skin became extremely firm and ofcourse very rosy. This was apparently due to increase of collagen, which gives makes your skin firm and tight. So I continued using it for a good 4 months, but gradually its effects subsides as your skin becomes 'used' to it and I have noticed that the 'firmness' and 'tightness' in the skin is replaced by flakiness and blotichness. this makes the texture of the skin look horrible because all of a sudden your scarring looks so widespread. So I am not sure what the next step is from here, but one option is to increase its strength. One thing is though that while on retin-a treatment there are absolutely no acne breakouts. I took it to treat my scars and have so far not been successful.
March 19, 2007
Pros:
clears skin, gets rid of stubborn acne, smooths skin
Cons:
initial irritation, skin breakout (nothing too tragic), dryness, redness, sun-sensitivity, peeling
You have to be patient. I have used this for a month and a half, coincendently the average skin cycle, and I have seen results. It got rid of stubborn acne and smoothed out my skin. When I do get pimples (because of my period) it is not big and unsightly as usual. This time my skin is peeling but again I expected this since this does exfoliate the skin. I have oily skin but I feel that even the gel type is too strong and drying, so I use the cream.
March 18, 2007
Pros:
it makes your pimples less imflamed and they heal faster
Cons:
its dries out your skin and makes your out breaks worse and more often.
Ive been on it for a month...cant see a huge difference :( but I have noticed that if you steam your face, it helps a lot!
I wash my face and boil water with lemon drops in it, then I steam my face, when its done I put Retinal Micro and to me, it seems to be working better. I have tried cetaphil in the past, and it worked really well...I will let you all know the update.
Pros:
easy to use.