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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3.5
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January 4, 2008

Pros:

eliminated breakouts, reduced new hyperpigmentation and continues to fade old scars.
Has dramatically reduced the amount I spend on acne product (used to use proactiv.)

Cons:

Takes faith. Made acne worse and took a full 12-13 weeks for it too work for me. Experienced dryness at first but applied proactiv revitalizing toner with cotton to hydrate and remove flaking skin. Wouldnt suggest it if u have mild acne.

I've had acne since my senior year in college. At first it was mild but as I got older it started to worsen (currently 25). As a darker skinned individual the effects of each pimple would result in hyperpigmentation that would take months to fade. After not too long I was covered with such scars. 6 months ago my acne got much worse and I knew it was time to try something new to get rid of this very agitating problem. I started using tretinoin micro .025% about 4.5 months ago. I knew going into the treatment knowing that the problem would most likely worsen prior to it getting better. I certainly got worse especially on one side of my face. This continued for about 3 months. I think the only reason I stayed with it is because after about two months i noticed it was helping my hyperpigmentation. But then all of a sudden I HAD NO MORE BREAKOUTS, not a single pimple. Its been about 5 weeks since i've had a pimple and it feels so good seeing my face improve daily.
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January 3, 2008

Pros:

nice consitency. cheap w/ insurance

Cons:

smells bad. takes forever to work. sensitive to other products.

it smells like olives. like seriously... ive been on it for like 6 weeks now, and im patiently waiting for some payback. everyone says you need to wait a while to see results. so far, everything has only gotten worse.LIKE ALOT WORSE! and i had very mild acne when i started now its almost at the point that i would call it severe. im also on minocyline with it. it makes my skin very sensitive to other products, like im using dans moisturizer and it burns the hell out of my skin when i use it. idk.. ill keep waiting but im making an appointment w/ my derm soon.
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January 2, 2008

Pros:

Gives skin a better tone, eliminates mild acne fast, easy to use

Cons:

Extreme redness, lots of peeling, oily skin

I've used all sorts of acne prodcust over the last few years, I'm 19 and have had acne since I was 15. Retin-a cream has definately helped more than anything else, especially at eliminating my scars from acne long ago. I like the tone it gives my skin (some days) and that small pimples will disappear within a day when they come up when using this product. The downside is that I always feel like I have a sunburn. It might just be the wintery weather but Retin-a leaves a line almost (from where applied) and produces red, blotchy skin. I get lots of peeling on my chin as well. To fight the redness and peeling I have been using Eucerin Redness Relief lotion from the drugstore. It burns to apply but does seem to help. I've been using this product for 6 months and will continue to use it.
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December 31, 2007

Pros:

Mixed feelings...
Easy to apply-only a pea size for the whole face
No bad smell

Cons:

Dry lips
Flaky, dry, itchy skin
Some redness
Stinging
It made my skin even more oily

My doctor prescribed Retin A Micro for night and Neo Benz Micro during the day. I don't know if it was using both of them at once but it made my skin even more oily. In the mornings my skin was extremely shiny, like I rubbed olive oil on it... In the beginning it made my lips extremelly dry, my skin was peeling like a bad sunburn (the doctor told me to use a sunscreen as well) it was burning and stinging after I applied it. Three weeks later the burning, stinging and itching calmed but I didn't see major improvement on my acne. Also, I had more blackheads and whiteheads on my face but I was told that's normal since its bringing everything to the surface to be washed away. I'm using Apple Cider Vinegar and it seems to be working better than this. I still have two packs of Retin A left...when my skin gets better I will try using it for my acne scars. Didn't work well for me, but I only used it for a little over a month.
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December 31, 2007

Pros:

Not any at all

Cons:

Horribly drying, doesnt work, expensive, makes your face burn

The first few months I was on this stuff, it made my acne far worse (which was expected) but also dryed my skin out so much it was flakey, red and no matter how much lotion i put on, it wouldnt help. People would ask me what was wrong with my face. I would much rather take mild acne over this crap. It left horrible scars on my face as well. TERRIBLE STUFF! I waited and waited for my skin to get better but it never did.
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December 29, 2007

Pros:

Somewhat minimizes my huge back pimples.

Cons:

Works really slow, does not prevent further bacne, and itches like hell!

I've been using this on my bacne on and off for about a month. I stop after using it for two days after a period of 3-5 days of using it because my back starts to itch like crazy. It's not working the way my doctor and I'd hoped for so I'm planning to start a new regimen with "maxi-peel", a depigmenting exfoliant from the Philippines (not sold here because of the strong concentrate of hydroquinone + tretinoin). I'll right a review for maxi-peel after one week.
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December 24, 2007

Pros:

Didn't dry your face out, no glossy finish after

Cons:

Made my face feel like i broke out in hives - caused me to itch so much. Also, it didn't help and it made my face look like i had a rash

It is hit or miss, i'm sure its worked great for some people and awful for others - whatever but what everyone would agree on is this - it smells soooo bad!
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December 23, 2007

Pros:

Evens skin tone, reduces red marks, works proactively by keeping pores from clogging rather than killing the bacteria already in a clogged pore, like topical antibiotics/BP.

Cons:

Some dryness and redness, requires patience and commitment some simply can't take.

I used the gel form of this when I was 13 and hated it. It broke me out, and like seems to be a trend with teens, threw it out when I didn't see immediate improvement. I've tried it again now, at the age of 20. It's been three weeks. I can say my red marks are improving, and my skin has an evenness and beauty I don't even remember since I hit puberty so young. There has been a slight increase in breakouts, but who cares when my overall skin looks so lovely and healthy? Besides, I know even better results are coming! I'm a fair-skinned redhead using the .01% cream (the strongest kind available) and even then only experienced some minor dryness/peeling and pain during the first few days. A moisturizer in the AM took care of it, plus some light exfoliation every couple of days. Follow your doctor's instructions EXACTLY, be patient, and it WILL work. Don't make the same mistake I did back then. I could have saved so much time, money, and pain just using the medicine l
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December 20, 2007

Pros:

I don't know them yet

Cons:

Makes my skin breakout so much worst than it used to!And its all red, sensitive, itchy!

Hi guys! I just started to use the cream for about three weeks or so and my skin is worst than ever! But after reeding all your messages I feel better and I know I have to be patient but I just want to know if any of you experienced a side effect that I am having. Sometimes my skin gets itchy and it becomes like a really red spot. Is it normal?
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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!
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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