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Side Effects
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.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
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March 16, 2008
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!
March 14, 2008
Pros:
cleared all my acne, made my skintone even and smooth... this stuff is AMAZING!
Cons:
initial use is almost unbearable... i didn't have the initial breakout that most have but my skin was SO dry... it hurt to apply moisturizer.
Be patient and peristent. SO worth it! My skin is the best it's been in years. I haven't had a single cystic pimple in 3 weeks. I've been on this stuff for 8 weeks now.
March 2, 2008
Pros:
reduces scar, minimizes redness, control acne breakout
Cons:
can cause dryness
worth buying (especially if you have ins. coverage) need to be used 3-4 weeks for a notable difference, and it may cause breakouts in the beginning (its how it works to clear it up) but skin is improved dramatically. best if used with a good acne facial cleanser, i used aveeno clear complexion foam.
February 18, 2008
Pros:
Clears up cystic acne and gets rid of light scaring. really made my back visible again!
Cons:
it dried out my skin really bad the first month, cracking, pealing, and bad readness
DO IT, if you can afford it its worth it. The only problem is the dryness, and it can be taken care of with lots and lots of moisturizers.
January 15, 2008
Pros:
Lightens red marks from previous pimples. Less oily skin. Clears up acne slowly. I used it when I was 19 and had a really bad break out. Now I'm 23 and using it again. I have been using it for three weeks now and seeing some results.
Cons:
Redness to skin. Breakouts in the beginning. I m still getting 1-2 new pimples a week. But have only used this for three weeks.
Doxy 100mg twice a day
Eucerine toner
clindamycin solution once a day
RetinA at night. week1 retina mixed with lotion every 3 days
week2 retina mixed with lotion every other day
week3 retina mixed with lotion every day
January 13, 2008
Pros:
It kind of worked
Cons:
It didn't actually get rid of my acne
I had used a gel called Ziana that totally messed up my face and made it more oily and it made it brake out. The retin-a reversed the effects of the ziana, and it keeps my acne slightly under control, but my skin is not smooth and clear. But i also have very stubborn skin so it might work for most other people.
January 2, 2008
Pros:
Cheap, doesn't irritate the skin
Cons:
hasn't completely cleared my skin, takes a long time to work
My dermatologist said it could take 12 weeks before I see any improvement. My skin got much worse at first, then finally started showing improvement after 13 weeks. To minimize irritation, at night I use Cetaphil before applying the Retin-a. In the morning, I use a mild cleanser that has triclosan (antibacterial) in it, as I've found that that also helps clear up my skin. I found out about Retin-A Micro recently - I think I'll try that now and see if it works any better.
December 20, 2007
Pros:
Works and getas all the gunk out the first couple of weeeks. gets rid of scars.
Cons:
takes a lot of patience. Works only after about the 6th week.
I am currently using retin a with doxy. Is topped the doxy because I refuse to be on antibiotics forever. Anyhow, the retin A caused a MAJOR breakout. Whiteheads everywhere but after the 4th week they diminished. I still have a couple but after the 6th week you will notice major improvemnet. I am just left with some scars but with time they too will be gone!! Please be patient because it will work!
December 8, 2007
Pros:
very effective, side effects disappear after 3 or 4 weeks
Cons:
redness and dryness at first
I noticed improvement after two weeks on this product in conjunction with Duac. At first, the product made my skin red and it peeled slightly. I used Cetaphil moisturizer to lessen the peeling. The redness was not that bad, it looked like I had a mild sunburn. After about three weeks, these side effects subsided. I experience a mild break out around week four, with just a few bumps on my chin and a small fine breakout around my nose. Around week six, I noticed a drastic improvement in my skin. Please be patient with this product. It may take up to eight weeks to fully work and breaking out around week three or four is just a sign that the medication is working by expelling the acne lurking underneath the skin. I think using this product while also using Duac in the morning helped to increase the effectiveness. I was using Duac alone for a while, and the results were okay. However,using Duac and Retin A micro is definitely more effective for me than using either alone.
December 8, 2007
Pros:
This product has such a smart way of working that no other product has
Cons:
There is definatly irratation at the beginning of treatment. Im am into my third week and my face has gotten used to it. Keep using it and make sure to read the instructions, note: it will get worse before it gets better.
It bugs me terrible when people say that they stopped because it made their acne worse because the instructions say that will happen. But then they(the instructions, READ THEM!) continue in encouraging you to keep using the product. Retin-A works on acne inside the skin and causes the skin to resurface itself quicker then before to create a thinner barrier. You do the math! If you dont exfoliate it will be peely! I have sensitive skin and im even using the .1%. I read the instructions carefully and i'm expecting results within 7 weeks not TWO! Most people misuse the product...............
Pros:
None so far