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
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3
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March 18, 2008

Pros:

cleared skin for awhile

Cons:

acne came back after 3 months, major side effects that didn't go away

didn't really work to clear acne. caused major dryness even in areas I wasn't putting it, like around eyes, mouth, even scalp near face. little improvement in acne not worth side effects.
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March 18, 2008

Pros:

Skintone/pigmentation scars seems to be looking more even. I haven't been on the medicine long enough to see a considerable difference in preventing acne, but the medicine seems to get rid of discolored skin from old scars very quickly.

Cons:

Unbelievable dryness on the face. It hurt to apply moisturizer and the medicine itself. Developed a rash on my neck from applying medicine to the jawline.

I am currently using Tretinoin cream 0.05% once a day at night. In the morning, I use Benzacline. I have mild acne and annoying cystic acne that affects my nose, temples, and jawline. When I first started, my skin was unbelievably dry and flaky. It was very painful. Since I've started using Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer, the discomfort has been reduced considerably. I apply a liberal amount in the morning after waiting for the benzacline to dry. Please make sure to let your face dry completely, about 10-20 mins before applying Tretinoin. I made the mistake of applying the cream when my face was not dry. My face was ok, but my neck got very irritated and itchy when I was lying in bed. It was so itchy I broke into a rash and I couldn't sleep. This went on for 2 days. I remedied this problem by waiting for my face to dry completely and by applying the medicine carefully to my jawline. Most notable improvement is that the skintone around my jawline is looking unbelievabl
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March 17, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my skin completely..hardly get a zit once in a month or so..no blackheads..skin keeps getn better by the day thru the peeling process

Cons:

peeling and redness..initial acne breakout

this is my 2nd post on this forum. i had posted a messg earlier some 3 months back..while i was happy with the results even back then i was skeptical that the medicine wud stop workin soon. i have been using generic retin-a cream for 6 months now and my skin hasnt looked this good in ages..i can get out of the house without wearin makeup and still feel confident (which is a big deal coz my face looked horrible esp during the first 7 weeks of using this medication). Its important to never put this medicine on a wet or damp face. I made this mistake during the 4th month and suddnly the +ve effects started to subside even though i did not experience irritation. Now i just wait for my face to dry for 2 mins before applying the cream. And yes, if you stay close to the sea as i do, its best to use the retin-a cream during winters and retin-a gel during summers..i also use lacto calamine to soothe the skin and as a sunscreen..workin wonders for skin and scars.i still peel somtimes but its ok
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March 16, 2008

Pros:

None so far

Cons:

dry, peeling skin, scarring... :(

I have only been using this product for a week and I'm already really worried. I started using this because my acne has been getting worse and scarring has been really bad. I told my doctor that I'm worried about scarring and she prescribed this product. After reading reviews it seems like ice pick scarring can be a side effect??? I was looking in the mirror today and I noticed that under where my skin was peeling there seemed to be indentation like you would see in ice pick scars. Please tell me if I should stop using this ...I would rather deal with the acne than deal with the scars!
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March 14, 2008

Pros:

It really exfoliates the skin well. It kills pimples quickly.

Cons:

It takes a long time to work. I've been on it for close to 2 months and my forehead still has blackheads and pimples. You have to be patient since you will break out at first. It's bringing up all of your toxins onto the surface.

If you aren't patient, don't take Retin-A. You'll just be complaining and you'll most likely stop using it, therefore, you'll never see the great results. Acne is caused by the foods we eat and our diet. Don't believe otherwise. If you eat crap, expect your skin to look like crap. Try fasting to rid your body of all of your toxic waste. It also helps with clearing up skin. Just don't go back to eating crap or else acne will come back.
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March 13, 2008

Pros:

my skin is completely clear now! I use to have cystic acne and now I get very few breakouts (tiny ones that go away in 3 days if i ever get any)

Cons:

at first my skin was peeling but that went away in 2 weeks. It took about 7 weeks until I was completely acne free. Acne got worse before it got better.

It worked for me! Since I was always having a problem with cystic acne (esp. my chin) I feel ok about not wearing makeup and show my face more in public instead of hiding like i use to. I had been prescribed Differin + an antibiotic before this and that did absolutely nothing for me. My Derm prescribed me this and i'm also on the antibiotic Doryx. I have been using this since Mid December '07
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March 13, 2008

Pros:

It works and fades marks

Cons:

dry itchy, burning skin..IT WILL get worse b4 it gets better

K..My last post was on March 2nd and i am now on my 4th week and my acne is almost gone..i have about 25% left. I am so exited bc they say it takes 12 weeks and my self confidence is already going up. people have 2 stick in there. my skin broke out sooo bad when i first started all of the acne has to come up. acne starts on the inside ans works its way out so plz dont get frustrated. my initial breakout what horrible and now...its soooo smooth...i luv it!!! and u have 2 be consistent. i use this everynight. and i wash my face with cetaphil anti-bacterial bar. at first i was washing with a salyicic(<-spelling)acid and it really made things worse so se something gentle and i think by the soap being anti-bacterial, that helps kill bacteria.
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March 11, 2008

Pros:

clears pimple really well

Cons:

takes weeks. skin gets worse first. doesn't seem to clear blackheads. leaves red after-marks (that fade). have to use at night. dries A LOT at first, so you HAVE to use moisturizer.

Works pretty well, and if your insurance covers it, it's free. definitely worth the trouble in the beginning, but not for everyone. If you have dry skin, definitely don't use. Normal, get a REALLY good moisturizer. Oily, totally worth it, but you should get a light moisturizer. Combo, don't use on the dry areas of your skin (e.g, corners of nose, around mouth.) I LIKE IT! haha
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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.
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March 9, 2008

Pros:

it reduced my acne forever

Cons:

left so many scars (pitted).. that wasnt there before applying retin a and benzoyl peroxide..

If i were you guys you should first try all the natural stuff before trying this harsh chemicals.. Now i speak to you to share my experience for other people to realized what you have before its like too late....
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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