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 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.

 [more]
3.5
1649
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
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...............
This Was Helpful

Report
December 5, 2007

Pros:

cleared blackheads

Cons:

i would never recommend this for someone with existing acne. it really only makes matters worse.

i may have been applying it wrong, but i am not happy with the outcome. my acne is the worst it has ever been in my life after using tretinoin gel. my acne usually was just at the surface of my skin, but now it is deep in my pores.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 4, 2007

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

made acne worse and yes i do know for sure it was worse, skin was HORRIBLY oily after using it.. completely an oil slick by the end of the day. skin was DRY after washing face and peeled, but by midday was completely oily. din't work.

i used this to clear scars after finishing up accutane a month after. worsened it and now im on the basics again tryna clear up acne with clindamycin hope it works.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 2, 2007

Pros:

helped during the summer, cleared up fine so i quit for a month and went back on it when i started acting up and now its worse again

Cons:

it sucks! such a pain not worth the redness, flakyness, and worsening after the first couple days of use

try something else, its not bad but really not worth it
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 25, 2007

Pros:

affordible, easy to apply

Cons:

a little drying at first, by prescription only

I use Retin-A MICRO (.1%) (this is for acne) its time released so you don't have to WAIT after washing your face, just simply pat dry and apply. I love it because I only have to apply it once a day (at night) DO NOT WEAR OUT IN THE SUN AND NEVER APPLY TO ANY AREAS BELOW YOUR JAW AND NEVER USE ANY OTHER ACNE TREATMENT IN COMBINATION WITH RETIN-A MICRO...these tips are key. follow their directions ([link removed]), use a moisturizer during the day no matter what the weather is. I've been using this product for 3 weeks and have little irritation, somedays my skin looks better than others (due to my bad habit of touching, poking and picking, which I am trying to control). I believe this medication will actual work for me, unlike the million others I've tried). For one, its so simple to use and thats important and two I've seen a some improvement which will keep me motivated. I wish you all luck in your quest to cure your skin.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 21, 2007

Pros:

If your skin can handle it, it works.

Cons:

Retin-A dried my skin out horribly. No matter how slowly I tried adding it to my regimen, I couldn't handle it. My dermatologist soon prescribed me a lower dose of version, and eventually took me off it.

Do NOT use if you have sensitive skin of any sort.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 20, 2007

Pros:

Great for mild acne and oily skin!
Reduces Whiteheads and Blackheads quickly.

Cons:

Takes a month or two to work (Im right at 6 Weeks)
Have to wait 20-30 mins. after cleasing..

Contrary to what everyone is saying, your acne should clera up a little bit, then get a horrible breakout (Like me) within the 3-6 week mark. From 6-12 weeks, your skin should clear up alot, and after 12 weeks - WHALA! Perfect skin! This is definately for oily skin because its drying and clears out your pores.
This Was Helpful

Report
November 19, 2007

Pros:

Affordable, easy to apply, not time consuming

Cons:

drying at first, can make skin worse before it get s better

I have spent major $$$ on laser treatments, blue light therapy, peels, antibiotics...you name it I have used it. I have been using this cream for the last two weeks and have seen dramatic improvement in the acne around my chin/jaw line which is where I always get it. The cream was drying at first and my skin was peeling, but I stuck with it and into my second week, the area looks excellent. The drying is now minimal, redness is gone and my skin looks smooth and has a bit of a glow. I have begun using the cream on non affected areas and have seen results almost right away. Out of all of the many treatments I have used this one is fantastic and I wish I had used it in the first place. Affordable, easy to use and low maintenance, it provides topical acne therapy and a wrinkle fighter all in one. Make sure you start with the low percentage and slowly build your way up.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 15, 2007

Pros:

This will make unattractive skin beautiful. It's an absolute miracle

Cons:

If used incorrectly, you resemble an alligator and suffer.

Wait 1/2 hour after washing your face to apply a tiny pea sized amount of retin-a mixed with a moisturizer - mixing it will make the small amount cover your whole face. If there's any moisture left in/on your skin from washing, it causes more irritation, skin must be totally dry. Start slowly, every three days, then every two, then every day. If you do it right you'll have almost no side effects. The cream is better than the gel for mixing with a lotion.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 11, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

Severely dried face day after day with absolutely no end

This product was the last thing that the family doctor was able to perscribe to me before i had to go to the dermatologist and it was absolutely terrible. I had been using until recently every day for SIX months and i saw no results at all except for dry flaky skin that had to be visciousy scrubbed of with a moist hand towel. My acne only worsened over the six month period that i was using it. I would never recomend this to anyone. I am now on accutane and wishing i had done it sooner considering the fact that all my acne should be gone within 4-5 months.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 117 118 119 120 121 … 134
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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