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
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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August 16, 2008

Pros:

eventually cleared up acne
stronger than any over the counter med i tried

Cons:

huge breakouts at first
my face flaked off and it was disgusting

if you are desperate for something that works like i was, try it. after it gets rid of all your pimples over the period of a few weeks you will have significantly clearer skin. however, you NEED to use a moisturizer! i wear heavy makeup daily because of my acne, and my face was peeling off so bad at one point that i was FORCED to go to school without makeup on because every time i would attempt to apply it my skin would just flake off, it was horrible. i'm starting to use it again after getting fed up and taking a break, but i'm desperate and i know that despite the dryness this DOES work. for me it's either over the counter products that aren't strong enough, or strong products such as this that cause irritation and peeling but do work. i'm not sure what i prefer.
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

Kept my face dry (I have oily skin)

Cons:

Mild stinging if too much is applied; no significant changes to face

I used this product in conjunction with doxycycline. When I ran out of doxycycline and I still had the Retin-A leftover, I used the Retin-A for a couple of months by itself, but my acne came back as soon as I was off of doxycycline, so Retin-A did practically nothing to my skin.
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August 11, 2008

Pros:

The packaging is cute

Cons:

I clear up, then break out. It's a repetitive cycle.

I've been on and off retina since I was 12. Now I am 19. Maybe it's just me...but it's a cycle for me. I break out, use retina, clear, breakout. I've been religiously using retina. So I don't know. I just want to be break out free. =(
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August 9, 2008

Pros:

It made the healthy sections of my skin smooth and eliminated fine lines

Cons:

Persistent acne developed in new areas that had never been infected, creating a very unpleasant complexion.

My dermatologist prescribed Retin-A Micro 4 months ago for minor acne on my forehead. I used the Retin-A as prescribed. My skin peeled and turned red during the first 2 weeks. I was delighted with the new, soft skin. I started to develop large cysts on both temples and the area between my eyes around the 3rd week. I was told this was normal, not to pick, and to continue the treatment. I continued the treatment for 2 weeks. By the end of the 5th week of treatment my entire face was broken out. Not with small pimples, but large cysts. My doctor prescribed Oracea and advised me to continue use. I'm 4 weeks into Oracea and I'm still broken out. The cysts take roughly 2 weeks to heal. I threw in the towel after 3 months of use. My complexion is terrible bc of Retin-A, but improving now that I'm no longer using it.
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

First my settled after the breakout phase but then started to go worse.

Cons:

I've used this product for two months now. Jaw full of red scars, my lower face is a mess, full of tiny pimples. Pimples have even reached my neck now!

When my summer holiday started I went to see the doctor so I could get my light-medium acne controlled. Well, this summer has been my worst. My face EXPLODED with nasty, painful pimples. My face looked totally red. I did not go out for weeks because I was so ashamed of my looks, and I still am. This has been very very dificult for me. I feel so envy when I read "I've used this product for a week and my face is perfect now". I've struggled with my acne troughout my teenage (i'm 23 now) and I'm so tired of this! I keep reading the good reviews and just pray my face gets better as going to school now is so hard and being at school is just. Good if this works for someone, but this has been a nightmare to say the least. I would be happily to cancel this negative feedback someday if I continue using this product. Big mistake to this day atleast.
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

it kind of cleared up my acne

Cons:

it is not something to use if you have an emergency overnight acne problem..nope...it takes weeks to work...and it does not prevent acne...just gets rid of it eventually. and it dried up my face. so if u want to give it a dry...get a moisturizer.

its OK.
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July 30, 2008

Pros:

Right now I cannot think of any Pros at all. The only good thing is that I got it free from my derm.

Cons:

I've used this consistantly for five months. It has done nothing--and I mean nothing to clear up my acne. The 'initial' break-out is neverending. Prior to Retin-A I had 2-3 zits. Now I have about 15-20 at a time! This has done mor harm than good.

It's really hard to judge how your skin will react, as is evidenced by the positive and negative reviews. Personally, I never got the 'clear' skin that I was hoping for and basically suffered for nothing. Right now my face is worse than it has ever been in my life and it's all because of Retin-A Micro. The worst part is not just the wasted time but the numerous scars it's left behind.
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July 27, 2008

Pros:

Honestly, I can't think of any. If I had enemies, it would be a great product to literally deface them.

Cons:

Retin-A has:
Made my light whitehead/blackhead problems much worse and glaringly noticeable; dried out my skin and produced cystic pimples where I previously had none; caused really awful dark, scab like spots on my forehead; made my face fall of

I have used this product for 2 months, and while that may not be the ridiculous 3 months for the *beginning* of results that is cited in the product description, I feel fully entitled to be disappointed and discontinue use. Effectively, I look like a leper without foundation, which I have to apply throughout the day to maintain professional appearance. The product burns and itches so much that I can't resist scratching at it, and of course this is detrimental to my skin's already shabby condition. I'm in my mid-20s, and this product makes me look 15; I'm not talking in a Ponce de Leon's fountain of youth way, but more like a revisitation of pubescent pimple purgatory.
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July 24, 2008

Cons:

dry, peeling, red, itchy, sensitive skin. All pimples popped on tretinoin will leave marks.

I see a lot of negative reviews for those who've used it for a couple weeks, but I tried it for a full 5 months. Didn't work for me, was sitll getting acne at the same rate, but each pimple was leaving a dark red/purplish mark in my skin now, not to mention increased fragility of my skin in general. Accutane only cost me $2 more.
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July 20, 2008

Pros:

Acne heals faster.

Cons:

SCARS, initial breakout, red and peeling skin.

If it wasn't bad enough I have acne now I have scars. Retin A thins your skin so much that it scars really easily. This has made me extremly depressed.
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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