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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January 28, 2008

Pros:

cleared blackheads on my forehead, also made it smoother

Cons:

Takes a while (>8weeks)

it worked pretty good for me. cleared blackheads on my forehead. still get a few postules once in a while, but those aren't as painful as before. it definitely made my skin smoother though. i feel that retin a is only good for blackheads, and asked my dermatologist about it and he also said that retin a is mostly used to treat black and whiteheads. so i am satisfied with it since retin a did what it's supposed to do. as far as drying and peeling is concerned, it did not affect me at all, and i tend to put a lot more than the recommended amount (one pea size, but i use amount equivalent to around 2-4 peas).
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January 27, 2008

Pros:

Exfoliates like nobody's business. Baby smooth skin. Lessens fine wrinkles. Millia are quickly expelled. Blemishes die quickly. A little goes a long way.

Cons:

The first couple of weeks was frustrating because I was using a bit more than recommended. I got extremely flaky and red. To put on moisturizer burned.

Use ONLY the recommended dosage (pea size) for the entire face. Patience is key. I absolutely love this product.
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January 22, 2008

Pros:

less acne, eventually clears the skin. Skin looks healthier.

Cons:

Initial breakout was terrible, face was itchy. Left a lot of scars and peeling.

I have been using Tretinoin Cream 0.025% for almost 8 weeks and finally my acne is much better. Starting on the 7th week your acne starts to subside, but the bad news was that it left a lot of scars. I'm just waiting for the scars to fade now. Overall this product is pretty good, but you honestly have to be patient. My acne wasn't that bad but the Tretinoin made it worse during my 4-6 weeks. My face was extremely itchy and flaky, but with some oil free lotion you'll be fine. If you plan to use makeup to cover it up i suggest you put a coat of oil free lotion before you apply any cover up because your makeup will look so messed up and flaky. When you start seeing results it really depends on the skin type, so be patient and drink a lot of water! Good luck if you plan to use it.
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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.
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January 21, 2008

Pros:

1) reduced my acne
2) helped fade pigmentation caused by acne
3) covered by my insurance company

Cons:

causes dry, flaky skin = peeling

retin-a has helped reduce my mild acne (that actually used to be moderate-severe cystic acne until recently when i changed skincare products). my skin is a lot better since i started using retin-a and is clearing up pretty fast. i'm using .025% cream formula and haven't experienced an initial breakout (yet). i don't think i will experience an IB since my acne is mild. i use cetaphil moisturizing cream to treat the dryness and peeling. so far, so good.
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January 21, 2008

Pros:

clears up acne, smoothes skin, reduces wrinkles

Cons:

initial irritation/peeling

this stuff is ABSOLUTLEY AMAZING! I wake up every morning to acne-less, radiant smooth skin. it just works.
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January 20, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne quick, fades acne scars, easy to apply. Cheap for me.

Cons:

Makes my skin peel very badly! Makes skin dry and tight.

It really works. I've tried everything for my acne, and this is the only thing that has worked. It fades acne scars quick. The only drawback is the peeling skin but that can be helped by light exfoliation and a good moisturizer. (cetaphil lotion). Some people say you break out bad for the first few weeks, but that never happened to me. Cheap since its covered by my insurance
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January 20, 2008

Pros:

cleared my cystic acne. i'm just left with some whiteheads and blackheads. my forehead is almost clear and my scars are looking better

Cons:

makes your skin incredibly dry and makes it peel like crazy. the initial breakout is pretty bad. my acne was the worst it has been in a year during the first few weeks of treatment.

i have been using this along with doxycycline 100mg a day. i've been using the retin-a 0.025% for 3 months and i'm finally seeing an improvement. it takes a while to work but its definetley worth the wait. if you can get through the first few weeks after that its plain sailing
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January 19, 2008

Pros:

improve overall complexion, result not shown yet

Cons:

very itchy, dry and flakey, the break out it gives is pain

I have been using this product a week ago, when I was assigned by my dermatologist....I have some how mild acne....but I broke out everyday with tiny pimple on my face....After 10 days of usage my skin is very dry, red, flakey and hv very large acne breaking out......I am a bit regret of taking it...however since I visit dermatologist I must trust them right.....
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January 18, 2008

Pros:

Clears up skin great, reduces red marks from previous acne, makes skin less oily and works fairly fast

Cons:

Dry, flaky skin, non-irritating, will break out in about the 2nd week of use

Retin-A-Micro is great it will clear up your skin in about 4-8 weeks. I had moderately bad acne and it cleared it up in 4 weeks. in the second week i broke out a little but it went away in a week. You will break out because the tretinoin goes deep in your skin and brings up your deep acne so this is why you break out. Once the acne is up it clears up in about a week or 2. It is cheap, it cost nothing since my parents were military and we had insurance otherwise its about 25 to 30 dollars. Its an overall great product and it will make your skin flaky but its not irritant. I strongly suggest this product to anyone wanted to get rid of their acne.
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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