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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November 5, 2009

Pros:

Works on stubborn acne when other products don't

Cons:

Severe initial breakout; too harsh for fair/sensitive skin

Use with caution! Retin-A Micro 0.04% cleared up my stubborn bacne when nothing else (BP, salicylic acid, antibiotic pills and topicals) would. I didn't notice an initial breakout on the back, maybe because I couldn't see it, or because it was winter and I didn't care. I'm still using it and my back is crystal clear! Woo-hoo! There is some itching but it can be helped with moisturizer. I tried it on my face and boy was that a mistake. I have very fair and sensitive skin, and it made my face very red, scaly, and bumpy. I gave up at the 7-week point. It may have worked if I'd stuck with it, but it wasn't worth it in my opinion. The initial breakout was too severe on the face. It turned my mild acne into a red-hot mess. I barely recognized myself and cried every day.
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November 4, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin. Whiteheads dry out quicker.

Cons:

Oily and flaky skin

I am 32 years old and have only recentlly been refererred to a dermatologist after over 15 years of moderate to severe acne. I requested to try this product before they put me on Accutane. Unfortunately this product does not work for me. Although I have some good days and the whiteheads I do get dry out and clear up quicker, most days I still have on average 5 - 10 whiteheads. My next course of action is Accutane....
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October 26, 2009

Pros:

Leaves my skin smooth and seems to help reduce scars over time.

Cons:

Doesn't help with the blackheads around my nose and on my nostrils. Can be drying and leave skin peeling which can make face red.

Suffered from acne off and on since high school and am 35 YO now. Use Solodyn, Benzaclin and Retin-A. Not sure which has done the trick but been clear for a few months now, except for the occ. pimple around my period. Had been using Clindamycin but tried Benzaclin to clear up the whiteheads on my forehead. Benzaclin has cleared them up but my face super dry and even the DML didn't help even though usu. have oily skin. Started to wash my face only at night (Cetaphil for oily skin) and use the Benzaclin as a spot treatment and preventive on my t-zone. Also cut back on the dairy, switched to organic milk for my cereal and stopped eating soy. My acne is hormonal and stress-related so believe it or not but think yoga helps me too. Not only does it relieve my stress but I think the breathing is cleansing. I still have bumpy scars around my mouth but hope they'll reduce over time. Also had two chem peels by Dr. but not convinced they help.
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October 10, 2009

Pros:

Helps fade dark spots

Cons:

Even on very oily skin such as mine I still experienced extreme dryness and peeling. I also developed acne in places i had never had it before (chin and around nose).

The dark spots i had on my skin prior to using this product have been clearing up. But now I have new ones due to the new breakouts (and me picking) and I am very self-conscious. Hopefully these will clear with time. Moisturizer with suncreen is a must throughout the day unless you enjoy walking around looking like a scaly mess.
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October 9, 2009

Pros:

I can tell that some scars are fading and the redness is much less severe.

Cons:

It's hard to be patient... i've been using it for almost 4 weeks.

The jury is still out. From what i've heard it takes several months for the medication to work. I feel like it is slowly improving. I am going to stick with it because i am experiencing all the symptoms everyone talks about. In the first few weeks your skin seems to get worse... hopefully i will experience the benefits after a few more weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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October 2, 2009

Pros:

Face is clearing up, not fiully, still a little scarring/darker spots from past acne, but havnt had and cysic acne since i started using it almost a month ago.

Cons:

At first it dries your face A LOT so dr recomended using it once every 3 days for a week then 1 every two days for a week then everyday for the rest to avoid the extra dryness. also it seemed like it stopped working but i just kept with it

This product is not a strong acne medication but it works without all the scary side effects. if you are using this i recommend that to get rid of acne, oilyness, blackheads, etc, wash your face day and night with a simple bar soap (I used a regular Dove Bar Soap), and dry face, at night apply the cream and try not to use any moisturizer. I use Olay classic fragrence but i only used it probably three times because it seems like it causes breakouts. I say avoid moisturizer and avoid special facewash because all the chemicals in the wash is just going to cause more breakouts. Also you should visit your dr they will prob recommend you to take a light antibiotic like i did and they wont ask a ton of questions and its safe the one i have doesnt have any side effects which is nice.
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October 1, 2009

Pros:

This cream works very well on my acne for few 2 weeks,it really clear-up my scar (minimize) and help in exfoliating.

Cons:

The cream has make my face even worst after the 2 weeks it drawbacks itching,stinging,scaling, and anything that make your face turn to cystic type.

Now my face are worsen from day to day. It does not make any diff but only cause harm than good. It's not suitable for most people as it contains very strong peeling agent that scarring your face. now that I have very low self-esteem caused of this product. I will never use it again.
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September 24, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared acne on my cheeks, parts of my forehead, chin, sides of mouth. Effectively working on other parts of face. Skin looks less damaged. Really brought out those black heads that are so deep in my skin.

Cons:

Dryness, peeling. I don't mind much; as long as it's working.

It works. It works. It works. It works. Please, try this. At least once. It seems to make things worse at first, but keep going and don't stop. I have only been using this stuff for a month, and I'm already seeing a big difference. I'm really excited to see if it can clear up the sides of my face, around my temples and jawline. It's the worst around there. If it can do that, then it's the best thing that has ever happened for my acne. I use this, and wash my face with PanOxyl, and use a light-weight moisturizer. I'm very happy with the results I have, and with further use I hope to have a clear face by December. :D
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September 23, 2009

Pros:

Makes acne go away faster

Cons:

- Even though it gets rid of pimples faster, new ones seem to pop right back up.
- Dries out/irritates skin

I've used this product for a year and a half and my acne has been the exact same ever since. My dermatologist prescribed it for me, as well as many other products. It's all a scam in my opinion, they just want you to blow your money on stuff that doesnt work and for you to keep visiting them.
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September 17, 2009

Pros:

See the blackheads and whiteheads pushing themselves toward the surface of the skin.

Cons:

I have mild eczema thus the Retin A has somewhat provoked the irritation already there, leaving it more red and a little dry. Initial breakout now occuring as I'm only on my second week of using it.

I went to the dermatologist 3 weeks ago, and as I only have mild acne, mostly comprising of blackheads and whiteheads across the chin and nose area, the derm suggested I use this. I worked up the dosage of it, so that I had no major reaction to it, other than the expected dryness etc. Because I've only properly been using it 3 weeks, the initial breakout has commenced- joy of joys. However looking at the above comments it seems to be the norm, and most of you have said it has worked wonders, particularly after the third week of using it. I start uni in London on Saturday (two days away) so unfortunately I will not have the skin I wanted for that. However I'm really really hoping this stuff works. I suppose I can't expect it to work any faster than it is, so fingers crossed ey!
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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