Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

...

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.

 [more]
3.5
1649
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
June 12, 2008

Pros:

Ughhh none so far.

Cons:

Really really REALLY bad breakouts. BAD. Worse than I have ever had in my LIFE. Not predictable, looks awful with makeup, dry dry dry, red, flaming.

I've been using it for 2 months. I've read that the 2 month part is the worst. Mannnn I really hope you guys are right with the fact that it'll get worse before it gets better because this is just nast. Both sides of my cheeks have visible dark spots that I'm praying won't scar. My forehead was really clear for the first month and this past week it is god-awful. I went on this because my acne was getting a bit bad...not THIS bad. I'm also on Duac gel in the morning for the red bumbs and for the first two months I was on an antibiotic. I go see my Dr. in about 6 days and jeez I hope some good comes from this because I feel like CRAP.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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!
This Was Helpful

Report
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
This Was Helpful

Report
March 29, 2008

Pros:

pretty much none

Cons:

it doesn't work for me and i've been on it for like 1.5 years.

i honestly put all of the stuff on with it for 2 straight weeks and it didn't improve at all. it's worthless
This Was Helpful

Report
March 10, 2008

Pros:

Pros? Can't think of any. I've been on the generic for Retin A for 6 weeks now and my face looks awful... I keep waiting for it to look better, but it just doesn't seem to be happening. Should I still give it time? I'm embarrased and depressed.

Cons:

Didn't work for me. Red, flaky skin and more acne.

I guess it works for some and not others. Now I'm stuck with...what do I do next? Help.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 22, 2008

Pros:

When you put it on it looks like make up powder and you don't see the redness anymore

Cons:

YOu have initial break out for weeks, mine lasted for 3 months, then on the 4th it got better and now on the middle of my 5th month i relapsed again and now i am getting bad breakouts.

After 5 months of using this stuff i have scars all over my face, i look like the crater face type now and my skin is really red and i am pissed off at my dermatologist not telling me to after the 3rd month. I SERIOUSLY WARN ANYONE TO REALLY THINK WHAT YOU ARE RISKING BY USING THIS. I am going back to benzoyl peroxide 2.5, Maybe going to give proactive a try.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 31, 2007

Pros:

Not any at all

Cons:

Horribly drying, doesnt work, expensive, makes your face burn

The first few months I was on this stuff, it made my acne far worse (which was expected) but also dryed my skin out so much it was flakey, red and no matter how much lotion i put on, it wouldnt help. People would ask me what was wrong with my face. I would much rather take mild acne over this crap. It left horrible scars on my face as well. TERRIBLE STUFF! I waited and waited for my skin to get better but it never did.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 16, 2007

Pros:

New layer of skin formed everyday from flakiness

Cons:

Too many to list a few are, doesnt help acne, makes skin extremely sensitive to light, drys skin, flaky, red, and more pimples

Didnt work for me, i hope it will work for you!
This Was Helpful

Report
November 1, 2007

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

ABSOLUTELY terrible
burns, makes skin very sensitive
can use only at night, and may have made my skin sensitive to light!

do not use this, it will make your skin worse
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 19, 2007

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Z

I get acne... And have scars. I started using this to clear up the acne I get and my derm said it would help with some of the scarring.. We'll now the scarring I have looks worse. This stuff made the texture of my skin horrible, and blotchy. I stopped using it. And now I'm just hoping my skin goes back to the was it was. I did look alot better before. I'm very depressed.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 8 9 10 11
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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