Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
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.
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 3, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up some acne TEMPORARILY

Cons:

BURNED THE $$$HIT OUT OF MY SKIN, so bad I could barely talk.

I wouldn't recommend my worst enemy to use this... And again the no acne results are ONLY Temporary.. I recommend ACCUTANE...
November 9, 2009

Pros:

worked for a while...

Cons:

broke out terrible first two months of use. very dry, flaky and sore. I had to use lotion it was so dry. Stopped working 10 months later.

I think my acne is caused by hormones, and although this seemed to help, it longer does. I have had this with other products. They work in the beginning. So much that people ask what I've been using, but eventually my skin goes back to before. I am trying a different approach this time, through diet. No more topicals for me.
October 25, 2009

Pros:

It works on acne

Cons:

Can cause extreme irritation and redness
Can cause skin to look worse

At first I was using Retin-A 0.01% gel. It was better than anything I had used before! Although it made my skin slightly red and dry, my acne went and I felt like I had been given a new layer of skin. I used it for about a year and was very happy with the results. I stopped using Retin-A because my skin cleared and I didn't feel the need to keep applying it but after about 3 months my acne came and was very painful. I was referred to a dermatologist who gave me Retin-A 0.025% gel and it was the worst thing I have ever put on my face. The burning sensation when applied was so painful and my face looked very, very red and sore. Nomatter how much I moisturized it I couldn't combat the dryness and on some days refused to leave my house. I quickly stopped using it but to this day, about 3 years later, I still have dryness that I didn't have before and my skin is more sensitive to other products now.I recommend using 0.01% strength and wish I stayed at that! Be careful when using Reti
October 20, 2009

Pros:

made my skin feel smooth and in the areas of no breakouts skin looks great

Cons:

flaking, redness

I have been using this product a little over a month and of course there is flaking and redness while the cells are turning over to renew better looking skin. The Dr. told me my skin would get really bad before it got really good, so I'm still in the stage of that right now. I have a lot of breakouts, but I think its just from all the junk coming up from my pores. The Dr. said about 6 weeks and skin would start to look better, although I've read articles that say up to 9 or 12 weeks and sometimes even 6 months. I guess I just have to be patient.
August 27, 2009

Pros:

Made skin smoother

Cons:

made me breakout for three months, made my face red and very oily

I would not recommend it. I had mild acne, was prescribed this and I broke out very badly. Lasted about 3 months and now I am on accutane but have scars and red marks from the breakout I suffered on retin-a
August 26, 2009

Pros:

helps with small white bumps.

Cons:

EVERYTHING. i started out with a few small pimples and after 3 weeks of using retina, i ended up with a forehead full of big red bumps and the rest of my face was PAINFULLY dry, chapped, red, and flaky. had to see a new derm right away.

it may work for some, but it was a complete disaster for me. i was left with my face in worst condition than how i had started out. use retina with extreme caution!
August 11, 2009

Pros:

Makes acne scars fade quickly and leaves skin smooth, pimples start to disappear over time

Cons:

It seems to make my face a bit oily in the morning and very flaky after i wash it so definately use a moisturizer!!

Stuff worked better than anything else ive tried over the past 4 years and im going to keep using it:)
July 23, 2009

Pros:

smaller pores, little acne goneee

Cons:

big empty red pimple on forehead that won't leave, peallling

I'm going to give it some time but my FOREHEAD is killing me
July 15, 2009

Pros:

Acne is 99.9% gone. Only get one pimple every once in a while which fades quickly. Scars are fading from hyperpigmentation as well.

Cons:

At the beginning it caused dryness and peeling but that faded by the end of week 4. My face was still an oil slick into week 6 so my derm put me on a sulfur wash which took care of the oil.

Yes this does take time to work. I am now in my 4th month and am very happy. Try it for three months and if you don't like it try something else. For me, the atralin (tretinoin .05%) mixed with the sulfur wash added about 6 weeks in has really cleared up my skin. Plus, my derm has coupons that actually make the atralin free for me so if you're thinking about trying a form of tretinoin check to see if there are any discounts available.
July 11, 2009

Pros:

-Smooths skin
-Noticeably lightens scars
-Good for blackheads and whiteheads.

Cons:

Dries out my skin, but I can deal with it. It did get a little worse before it started getting better, it wasn't that bad, but that's just me.
It takes a while for it to work, so you must stick with this if you plan on taking it.

I have been on Tretinoin (Retin-a) .1% for about 5 weeks now, and I have taken pictures every other day on sections of my face. I check them now and my face is less red than it use to be, and my acne scars have lightened a ton. I am very happy with the results and can't wait until i hit my 10th week mark to see the difference it has made for me. People, trust me, its worth it going through the redness that it gives you for only a week or two to see how much better and smoother your face will be in the end.

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.

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.