Tretinoin
Results
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.

3.4
1972
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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June 21, 2007

Pros:

It does help to reduce acne (i use the micro with clindamycin). all you have to do is clean your face and put it on and go to bed.

Cons:

It make my skin more oily especially when i wake up and it smells wierd.

It doesn't cost a lot of money and does end up working well with my other acne treating med. this definitely will help your acne to go away!!!!!!!!!!!
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May 1, 2007

Pros:

Its a wonderful cream, using for Anti Aging,best cream ever used, good results though using for only 6 weeks.

Cons:

Costly but worth it.

I'm using Stieva A cream 0.1%,for the past two months as a Anti aging cream & found this product very good.My uneven skin tone, roughness,enlarged pores are diminishing.Now I've that natural glow on my face.I'm not using any make-up now. Till now not a single anti aging cream worked on my skin. I use it everyday at night before retiring,30 min.after washing my face with a good cleanser. Applying SPF 15 cream in the morning after washing my face.I never had acne problem,so I can not recommend for that reason bur definetly for Anti Aging.I'm 37 yrs.
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April 11, 2007

Pros:

I notice that 2 red spots have 10-15% faded. Still wait and see further results.

Cons:

I have not experienced any peeling or exfoliation yet. Don't know why. I feel like my lips are dry.

I have just been on applying Retin-A for only 2 weeks on dermatologist's recommendation. A month from now, I'll give you guys another review on how much it works on scars. Luckily I am in Thailand where standard acne drugs and treatment prices are very reasonable.
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March 21, 2007

Pros:

Improves acne AND is one of the only topical treatments that makes skin look younger

Cons:

Initial redness/peeling/increasing breakouts can occur. I personally did not experience these symptoms. Maybe this is because I did not have very problematic skin to begin with...

I can only speak for myself, so here goes: I've had mild acne that's continued into adulthood (I'm 25). This is disappointing and unacceptable both because acne is unsightly and, the older I get, the more scars accumulate. As someone with fair, relatively sensitive skin, I'm surprised at how well I tolerated the treatment, even the beginning stages. Before starting Tretinoin I would get an average of 1 major zit every week (something bad enough that required make-up), plus a smattering of little white/blackheads here and there. Since I started, I have not gotten so much as a PIMPLE. Unbelievable. I just kick myself now I didn't start using this at 16, when my acne problem began to gather steam. For me there was an initial period of some dryness, but it was barely noticeable and easily reversed with moisurizer. I never went through a worsened acne stage, but I attribute that to concurrently using clindamycin (antibiotic) + BP topical med. I use a sali pad 2X a day which also
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February 9, 2007

Pros:

Hardly any breakouts, skin is more smooth, even toned. Scars are seemingly fading away.

Cons:

Flaky skin (but it's winter, so...), a little buring sensation while applying, redness after applying. Don't put it on too close to eyes...they get very itchy.

So far, so good. I've been on this product for 1 month today and although I did break out about a week ago on my right cheek/neck, I've been very happy with it. I can tell an improvement in the smoothness and texture of my skin and a few scars seem much lighter. I am definitley in this for the long-term, especially b/c it will help with wrinkles too!
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February 5, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Side effects

It made my face super red and inflammed. My face was super dry but greasy. it was gross. PLus the ance on my face hurt ten times worse than normal acne. I tried to give it a more than a month but I started to look at pictures i had taken while i was on it and it was 20 times worse then what my acne was to begin with. The embarrassment is not worth it don't bother trying it. Took me 3 months to recover!!
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December 21, 2006

Pros:

It was affordable.

Cons:

The initial breakout was terrible. It did not work.

I am 15 years old and I have very moderate acne, a one to three big spots a month or so. My main problem was the scarring my acne caused, mostly dark spots that last a few months to a year. I also had very oily skin. The initial breakout I experienced was awful. I got acne all over my cheeks (where I NEVER used to get it) that left marks. After more than a year, they have not disappeared completely. This stuff took about 2 months to work, and after those 2 months, my acne subsided and my pimples were smaller and dryer (?) than before (meaning whiteheads weren't as severe). This left my skin extremely dry and flaky. It doesn't feel heavy or filmy after application, though.
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December 10, 2006

Pros:

Not too expensive, low maintenence application.

Cons:

Didn't clear my acne, at times it made it worse.

I was disappointed with my results on Retin-A. I used the cream every night for 9 weeks and experienced the well-known three-week breakout phase in which the Retin-A brought every clogged pore to the surface as a pimple. I thought that after unclogging all the pores my skin would start to clear - instead the pimples it brought to the surface just seemed to sit there for weeks, rarely clearing. The areas of my face not affected by acne felt and looked "thin" - very transparent and translucent. After 9 weeks of frustrating mornings and forced patience, I gave it up and went back to Dan's regimen - it still works the best of anything I've tried! I've been on it 3 weeks and my skin is REMARKABLY clearer from the mess Retin-A left - thank you Dan!
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October 16, 2006

Pros:

Works well for the first month

Cons:

Redness, blotchy-coloured skin, rash, blackheads, sensitivity to the sun

I am happy to hear that it works well for some, because I was starting to think that my dermo is a sadist... Since using a combo of minocycline (50 mg) and nightly retisol-a (.025%) treatment for the last 4 months, my face actually hurts all over. My face is covered with a horrible rash that is a million times worse than the periodic acne that I had before starting. Worse still, I can't stand the sun, or even the brightness of my bathroom lights. This is horrible, horrible stuff!
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June 28, 2013
Broke me out.. but for aging benefits would be a very useful product

Pros:

Aging benefits

Cons:

Broke me out
Irritating

Retin-a both cream and Gel broke me out quite significantly, and continued to break me out for 5 months until I discontinued usage. This product is not for everyone.. but the aging benefits would be very useful for someone clear of 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