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
1649
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December 20, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up skin, I hardly ever breakout, and when I do it's a small whitehead and never any of those huge, underground monster zits. Also shrinks pores.

Cons:

Kinda makes you oily if you use too much, the first few weeks/months are awful, and it has never really seemed to lighten hyperpigmentation. In fact, it seems to make red marks redder.

You need to be patient. You will not see great results after only one or two months. I didn't see significant results until the fourth month of using this. The first month is horrible, even the second and third are pretty bad. You need to keep up with it and not give up and it will eventually get better. I am happy I finally gave this a chance, even though I was worried about the initial breakout. However, it didn't help me a bit with red marks, so it's not too great for that, imo.
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December 17, 2007

Pros:

clears up the skin inside-out. the initial breakout scars are getting lighter every day. Even the pitted scars have evened out.for ppl who say it does not work, u r not using it right..analyse ur skin in 6-week cycles.ur skin needs 3 six-week cycles

Cons:

initial breakout is scary..went into a serious depression...u really have to be brave to try this treatment..1st 6 weeks will be worst. i noticed improvement only by 7th week..

thanks Dan for starting this forum coz i wud have definitely discontinued using this product had i not read encouraging reviews from the rest of the people. it works...slowly but surely..it ok to give a break for 1 or 2 days if side effects are bad. worst still, pimples resulting from retin-A were huge, red, and with pus. It was painful and scary to look in the mirror. Its very important to be gentle with ur skin wen u use this product. do not rub, scrub, or exfoliate wen u r still breaking out. i use cetaphil gentle cleanser and wait for 30 mins before applying retin-A .025% cream. I have upped it to .05% cream after 8 weeks...i also use cetaphil moisturiser everyday because my skin starting feeling very dry. I also use fresh aloe from the plant before applying the mosituriser because the acne scars heal faster. I also meditated because it helps heal internally..try practising 'pranayam'(google "divyayoga")..its ben 9 weeks n i have not a single zit..only some marks and blackheads
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December 16, 2007

Pros:

New layer of skin formed everyday from flakiness

Cons:

Too many to list a few are, doesnt help acne, makes skin extremely sensitive to light, drys skin, flaky, red, and more pimples

Didnt work for me, i hope it will work for you!
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December 15, 2007

Pros:

WORKS! very very well, you just have to be patient. (after 7th week)

Cons:

it makes your skin peel, itchy, flaky, and really gross for the first few weeks, followed by a huge breakout.

its really good, makes skin smooth, no wrinkles.
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December 14, 2007

Pros:

It reduced redness slightly

Cons:

It didn't really do anything, so I just continued to break out while I wasn't getting anything to help it.

I think this product only works for certain skin types. You just have to try out and see, but if I were you, I would use something simotaniously so you don't break out more. Or just save yourself the trouble and buy a better product.
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December 13, 2007

Pros:

Fades old acne marks. Fewer blackheads. Skin resurfaced.

Cons:

Week 2-6 of treatment is the worst time. Tons of pimples. Peeling and Flaking. Skin is ultra-sensitive.

I'm in week 7 of my treatment and the bulk of my acne is just now starting to disappear. Week 2-6 was pure hell. My skin feels so much better now, and it's looking healthy and glowing. I'm using Retin-A .025 cream.
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December 12, 2007

Pros:

Very effective for clearing up acne. Continue using it a couple of times a week after face is cleared up helps maintain the acne-free skin.

Cons:

Breakout gets worse initially and can make skin a little sensitive.

Great product! I've had acne since high school and used numerous products. Anything over the counter never worked for me. I've used Azealic acid before, it worked but it really stung and made my skin itchy and red. Tried Clindamycin and it worked but but doesn't help clear blackheads and whiteheads. Then my doc prescribed Retin-A micro to use at night and Benzaclin to use during the day. The regimen was wonderful. Although I've stopped using Benzaclin after my prescription ran out, I've continued using Retin-A for 2 years and my skin was beautiful and almost spot free. I stopped using it for 2 years after that and hadn't had much problems except for occassional pimple before my period. Now that my acne started acting up again I am picking up another tube of Retin-A Micro. Really make sure to continue the maintainence without break even after you skin clears. It's much easier to maintain your clear skithan having to start the treatment again when your acne comes back.
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December 12, 2007

Pros:

Totally resurfaces your skin. Starts to get rid of pigmentation and acne scars. Pimples heal faster. Skin looks fresh.

Cons:

Your skin gets worse before it gets better. Definitely. Dont expect overnight success. The first two weeks you will look awful. Pimples everywhere, as it pushes up the gunk, and your face is bright red and peeling.

I use Retin-A Micro .04%. After 2 or so weeks, it starts to get better. Not full effects, but you can tell. Just crawl into a hole for a few weeks, its worth it. I havent reached full effects yet, but I can tell things are starting to shape up. Its a little weird how smooth your skin is, makes it harder to wear makeup. So just dont, until your skin heals up. Bottom line, stick with it. Good things come to those who wait.
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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.
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December 8, 2007

Pros:

Helped with some scars but it took a while for it to heal. It was cheap because I have great health coverage.One tube lasts fairly long.

Cons:

Made my skin so much worse. I didnt see any improvements after the 3 months of consistant usage. I am giving up!

I used proactiv and my skin was great for 3 years! I discontued using it and had a bit of breakouts and scars. Once my doctor prescribed Stieva-A I was so excited and was hoping for so much. I was told my skin was going to get worse before it got better. I never broke out on my forehead for example and now its unbearable. I am still waiting for it to get better and still nothing. I feel like I want to give up. I am even more depressed than I have ever been. I continuely cry myself to sleep. I would never wear makeup unless I went out with girlfriends or to a party. Now I cant go to school without makeup! My skin was so bad one day even when I piled a lot of makeup on I ended up skipping school that day which had never happend before.I now avoid making eye contact with many people including my boyfriend. If anyone has suggestions it would be very appreciated.
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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