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
March 13, 2009

Pros:

It makes my skin so much brighter!

Cons:

Well, i'm going through the initial breakout right now and it has done a really good job of killing my confidence :(

I've been on Retin-A micro for almost six weeks. At first my acne seemed to be getting better, but that was a trick. In the past week or two my face has been breaking out like crazy and makeup won't cover it! And i'm in high school which makes it extra embarrassing. I really hope this product ends up working because my acne is really dampening my self-esteem.
March 11, 2009

Pros:

It is well priced and started to clear up my cheeks.

Cons:

It made my skin extremely dry and flaky, and though it says it gets worse for a couple of weeks, it's been 6 weeks and I've seen no improvement. My chin is worse than it's ever been.

I used this product every day as prescribed, and I'm not seeing any results. Maybe it will work for someone else, but I'm just not getting anything out of it. My face is just red and dry, and I've gotten cystic acne on my chin quite frequently since starting it.
February 27, 2009

Pros:

Acts like differin, lightens acne marks and produces new layer of skin in replacement of old acne marks.

Cons:

Redness on applied portions of the skin, dries up affected area.

Basically, i have a strong vibe that this medication should work. The treatment i am going through now involves oratane, an anitbiotic which is pretty strong clindamycin(don't know if its the right spelling, this's what they labelled on my medicine) and tretinoin cream. Before i used tretinoin, i was on differin, differin suited my skin pretty well but soon after i had breakouts. It was so bad that i had at least 2 red pups popping up every week. So, when i used tretinoin, the above side effects hit me but i persevered. I'm almost on tretinoin for close to 7 weeks now. Though i've seen considerable improvements, the affected areas which i applied to will still turn super red whenever i perspire in the day. Note, i don't use tretinoin in the day, in fact i used clindamycin, which acts like a kind of moisturizer as well. So i was wondering, is this red occurrence on the areas i applied tretinoin normal when i perspire in the day? i'm not really sure yet.
February 5, 2009

Pros:

Works on blemishes. Redueces white head and decreases breakouts.

Cons:

Itchy, red, flaky skin in the first 2 weeks.

I used Reitin- A 0.025 and Doxycycline twice a day for the first two weeks after a horrible breakout. It did work for me. The first two weeks my skin became very dry. So I started using it every other day. Now I am using it everyday and wear moisturiser on top of it. I am pleased with the results. In the past I have used several OTC such as Murad and Pro-active but Retin-A is the only one cream that has helped prevent my breakouts. I have been on it for about more than 8 weeks. I dont even break out during my time of the month anymore.
February 3, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Redness, dryness, irritation.

Retin-A Micro 0.1% completely destroyed my face. I started the treatment with mild acne and 2 1/2 months later I had severe acne. First two weeks were fine, aside from a little redness, irritation and dryness. By the end of week three my face exploded with whiteheads. At first I thought it was normal.. that I was experiencing the dreaded IB. I was determined to suck it up and ride through it. But my face got progressively worse until I finally had to stop, just after the 2 month mark. Right now, its been a little over a month since I stopped using the Retin-a. My face has recovered a little, but it is still much worse than before I used Retin-a.
January 30, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin. Clearing up. Hoping to see more significant improvements with prolonged use

Cons:

Flakey skin but not too bad.
Healing spots appear to be redder for longer

After years of suffering with spots and volunteering to go on the coil to prevent pregnancy, i finally got prescribed Retin-A. I've been hoping for this for years. I've only been on this cream for just over 2 weeks and on first using it my skin was pretty bad but now it's starting to show some improvement. I always had blackheads on my chin and these have already cleared. I'm still getting the odd new pimple but nothing like what i was experiencing a few weeks ago. I've read alot of reviews of people complaining about how bad their skin went in the first week or so, and mine did look worse for a few days. The cream is quite drying as well and you do peel a bit, but this isn't anything that moisturiser wont help with. I think the Retin-A is starting to pay off now so i'm going to stick with it. I think it's best to give a new product 2-3 months before giving up and even after 2 weeks things seem to be looking up. 2 months and i might just be clear!
January 28, 2009

Pros:

Have not had a new pimple since began use. Working on the scars too!

Cons:

drying at first only

I have always used Proactiv, which has worked OKAY for me for years. My doctor prescribed retin a micro about 3 weeks ago. Since then, I am happy to say, my skin has slowly been improving. My skin became very dry at first, but this went away in less than a week. I have not had a new breakout or pimple since I started using retin a micro, which I apply at night before bed. I also use cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer. I was also prescribed a benzoyl peroxide cream, which i use in the morning. (Bezoyl peroxide and retin a cancel each other, so they cannot be used at the same time.) The benzoyl peroxide cream I am using feels very weird and chalky on my skin and makes my face burn, so I am not sure if I will continue using this product. The retin a is also beginning to help reduce the appearance of my scars, which is great. I have a lot of sun damage and scars from picking at my face, and since using retin a my face has become a lot smoother and more evenly toned.
January 20, 2009

Pros:

More clear, bright skin

Cons:

n/a

Started using one week ago and acne is drastically disapearing. I love this stuff
December 31, 2008

Pros:

great for wrinkles!

Cons:

i peeled, peeled, peeled! face was red and raw. and my insurance wouldn't pay for it because i am over 35!

retin-a did nothing but make my face peel. it was red, raw and sensitive. i preferred acne to the mess retin-a made! i switched to differin and had much better results. and my insurance will pay for differin so that's a bonus.
December 29, 2008

Pros:

Works great!

Cons:

None

Use it! I got it at Costco pharmacy for $3.00!!!!

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.