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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February 17, 2008

Pros:

It really cleared up my skin. I used to have moderate inflammatory acne and now I just have one or two pimples. I still break out sometimes, but my skin is so much better. I use the .05% cream every night.

Cons:

It can be a little drying. Be sure to use sunscreen if you go outside. You need a prescription and it's expensive if you don't have insurance.

Try it!!! But don't use anything else too harsh on your face in order to avoid irritation.
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February 16, 2008

Pros:

smoother skin

Cons:

This medication really expels all the oil and grime under your skin. So expect an initial breakout.This also takes awhilee from what i heard, I honestly only used it for a month because I was going on accutane.

If you're patient and don't want to try accutane then this is the medicine for you.You need to give this medication MONTHS to see improvement. I only took this for a month b/c I was goin on accutane so I can't really vouch for it. I had really oily skin so my pores were constantly clogged. This made my moderate acne severe within 2 weeks. The initial breakout is normal, it shows you that it's working. I didn't like how much it made me peel. I still had oily skin but it was peeling..weird.I recommend accutane, I've only been on it for a month and I have clear matte skin. Good Luck!
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February 11, 2008

Pros:

easy to use, minor side effects

Cons:

expensive

I have only been using this for about 3 weeks. In accordance to what other people have said, it immediately got a little better, and then got worse, I am assuming it's because the grime under my skin is making its way out. I'm keeping hopeful--people say it takes time to work. My skin was really sensitive at first, I almost cried. I had extreme dryness, redness, cracking, and I felt like a reptile. It did get better in a few days. I wish I would have started putting on much less the first few days--even less than pea-sized. Of all the moisturizers, Neutrogena's Intensified Day Moisture SPF 15 worked best. With cetaphil, eucerin, neutrogena combination skin, neutrogena regular SPF 15, I had to keep reapplying it, and it was still flaky. Whatever you use, make sure it says non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). Praying this works!
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February 8, 2008

Pros:

I've tried everythign for my moderate but scarring acne. Everything OC and antibiotics and prescription sulfer products. THIS is the only thing that has worked and even gets rid of the sun damage redness! Im 25 and finally have beautiful skin!!

Cons:

Does cause slight dryness, just use plenty of moisterizer in the mornings, and don't over due it, a little goes a long way. Does make u break out at first, not more pimples, just the ones you have get bigger and hurt, only lasts a week or so.

TRY THIS! I've never filled out one of these surveys, but am so excited about the product, I googled it just to tell people about it!
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February 7, 2008

Pros:

clear, smooth & glowing skin
blemishes die real quick
improves skin texture (even if u have bad one)

Cons:

hypersensitivity to rays(sun,lamp etc)
initial breakouts were bad
dry/red skin during early usage

I've been using retin-a gel 0.01% for nearly 7.5 months and for what I can say, this is a thing ppl out there should give a try. It has cleared 98% of my acne (i used to have really bad acne). The thing is, u really need to follow the given instructions. Use a little of this gel to cover entire face, use mild non-medicated facial wash and don't forget your sunscreen (this apply to u guys). I strongly recommended Cetaphil for cleansing purpose and sunscreen from Sunsense (an Australian brand). This sunscreen has a matt finish, oil & fragrance free, and most importantly doesn't break me out even if i reapply it during the mid day. One more thing, u might went through really hard time while using this gel (i.e bad breakouts). But please, just stay where you were. As for me, the satisfactory result was only come at the fifth month. ==> In the case where your skin really red/dry etc, reduce the frequency of usage.
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February 5, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of acne and leaves you with smooth skin and less scars.

Cons:

Skin was red and dry for the first few weeks before I got used to it.

Retin A micro took a good solid three months to clear up my skin. The breakouts were less and less but it took a few months to really feel comfortable without any make-up on. Bottom line is you should stick with the product and be patient.
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February 4, 2008

Pros:

works great, best acne product out there

Cons:

none, everyone talks about flaky skin but i never got that. breakout period is a little embarassing

after about 3 days you will see results, after about the first week though the breakout period begins. didnt last long for me (about a week) which isnt really a bad thing because the cream brings up all ur pimples and washes them away. it feels great being able to have confidence in myself again. i just ant to let u know i would never take the time to write something like this cuz im so lazy, but that is how strongly i feel about this product. get clear now retin a works
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February 2, 2008

Pros:

my skin felt really soft when it was not peeling or chapped

Cons:

IT was very painful and i had to quit using it because I had horrible reactions. My face got to the point where it was chapped and felt skaley and my doctor cut me off and said not to use it anymore.

It did not stop any of my acne it just made my face look worse it was constantly red and peeling ..it was very painful and i hated leaving the house because people would look at me funny. Everyone at work thought I was crazy because I continued to use it as long as I did hoping it was just the first few weeks that I would have these problems. fnially i called my doctor and she said No More .. my skin was just to sensitve and the affects where to strong.. Im now going to try proactive ... There is nothing like having adult acne. I thought I would be lucky enough to grow out of it but I guess not
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

only needed in the nighttime, great for wrinkles and improves texture, a little goes a long way

Cons:

initial peeling and redness, expensive w/out insurance

i have been using retin-micro 0.1 a a bit more than 2 months. there was some new pimples that formed in the first 4-6 weeks but was not bad at all. all the while the texture of my skin was improving, as it was getting rid of the bumps under my skin. also, there was some redness in my skin tone when i applied it. now my acne is about 95% gone. i am quite pleased, i just have old marks top get rid of. it is important to use a small amount for the entire face and use it every other day in the initial week. also until recently i used retin a w/out a moisturizer bc i thought it may irritate my skin. surprisingly this dried me out less than bp and the only peeling i had was around my mouth area. but now i am using moisturizer at night and in the morning my makeup goes on great. after my skin clears up 100% i hope to use it every other day. this was the only medication that works for my mom also and at 55 she has no wrinkles. :)
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January 29, 2008

Pros:

Exfoliates alittle, good for some spot treatments

Cons:

Dry, flaky skin , redness

Works alittle for me but not good enough, i still breakout. Do not put alot because u will have dry skin the next day u wake up and it is not pleasant. Alittle goes a long way and apply every other day because it gets too dry even for people wit oily skin
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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