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

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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November 9, 2011

Pros:

clears spots fast
if ever i'll get spots (tiny) it will be gone within 2 days
tightens/smoothes skin
reduces pores
reduces oil
fresh/glowing skin
decreases prominence of depressed scars as well as thickened scars

Cons:

stings/burns
itchy

this stuff is really good. i didn't experienced IB with this YET. i've used 0.01% before and it cleared spots in 1 week. i've used it again but now it's 0.025%. still no IB (getting nervous 'bout this everytime). for those who are confused, you have to wait at least 20 minutes before applying this because the formula is hydrophilic. it just simply means that if you put the cream immediately after washing your face, your skin will absorb the cream so fast because the pores are still moist and open. so if you don't want to wait 20 minutes just mix the cream with a drop of something oily (jojoba etc.) if you're not sensitive to it. it not only slows down the absorption rate, it also lessens the drying/irritating effect of tretinoin. anything water-based moisturizer will just exacerbate it (try it for yourself). if your face is not dirty at all, you may skip washing it and apply the cream directly onto your skin. cold cream is an option. i just really hope i'll never experience IB. i've never had smooth face since birth. it's always dull and sallow. but now it's glowing and healthy looking. if you don't want to have a red face, please get out of the sun at all times. if you can't then don't be surprised because you'll become very sensitive to it with tretinoin, add antibiotics like tetra/doxy and you'll double your sensitivity to sun. i'm glad my sensitive skin loves this stuff. i hope many out there will benefit this like me and others. God bless us all.
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October 28, 2011

Pros:

-helps reduce acne scars and less severe acne also

Cons:

-dries skin (but nothing lotion won't fix)
-takes awhile to work

This product takes time to work, I don't know exactly how long but at least a month or two for sure. It has reduced the appearance of my acne scars greatly (I just got off of Acutane). If you have problems with dryness, by a more expensive brand name lotion ( I use Cytaphil or Neutrogina)
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October 21, 2011

Pros:

Clears skin somewhat
Unclogs pores

Cons:

Sun sensitivity
Waiting a half hour
Irritates skin

I have had acne for 5 years (I'm 16 now) and I have tried everything out there; proactive, facials, neutrogena, differin, duac, 3 different antibiotics, and even laser/light treatments. Nothing has worked so far. Including this. My skin is as follows: small bumps on my forehead, blackheads on my nose, big red blotches and post inflammitory hyperpigmentation (red marks from old pimples) on my cheeks and chin. I get about 3 whiteheads a week in different spots. Retin-A has helped me to clear up those little bumps on my forehead and slightly, slightly lessen the spots on my cheeks. Though this is difficult to tell because I have very sensitive and rosacea-y skin. The bottom line is if you have acne only from clogged pores this will be great for you, but if your problem goes deeper this may not be for you.
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October 18, 2011

Pros:

-inexpensive with insurance
-heals acne over time
-gives skin a smoother appearance overall
-may be a double hitter with its supposed anti-aging benefits
-gives face a "dewy," glowing appearance
-lastly, and most importantly, it has completely gotten rid of the hormonal cystic acne that left my cheeks and jawline full of hyper pigmentation scars.

Cons:

-can irritate the skin even if you follow directions precisely
-takes a few months before you will see any improvement
-has made my normal to dry skin quite oily
-difficult to wear makeup due to oiliness and flaky skin
-for whatever reason it has made the pores on my face much larger
-is dangerous to use if you become pregnant
-cannot be used at the same time as a Vitamin C product
-must absolutely use Spf during the day

This is a must for anyone with acne. This is a harsh product, but do your research, follow instructions precisely, and be very VERY patient. I did not see a bit of results until the three month mark and then the cystic acne was gone and (knock on wood) has not returned. It's been about eight months now. The scars are fading. I do still get the odd pimple, but they're very surface and they go away in a day or two and don't leave marks behind. I was prescribed the .1% cream off-brand tretinoin. I was also prescribed an oral antibiotic and told to continue use of Benzyl Peroxide. I actually followed neither of those suggestions. I wanted to use antibiotics as a last resort. Instead of the BP, I use diluted Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner to kill the bacteria on the skin. I had some of the initial breakout reaction and lots of redness and peeling. At one point when I made the mistake of using a salicylic acid wash, I ended up with horrible sandpaper skin and more breakouts. So less is more with this product. Keep your routine simple. I am 27 and I have some fine lines under my eyes and at my smile lines. I haven't noticed any anti-aging qualities, but it's pretty well-proven. I'm not sure what has caused this. My routine is as follows: AM Cleanse with L'Oreal Go360 cleanser for sensitive skin (white bottle, blue lid) ACV on damp cotton pad all over cheeks, jawline and neck Eucerin Spf 30 day lotion for sensitive skin (highly recommended) PM Cleanse with (again)Go360 cleanser for sensitive skin ACV on damp cotton pad all over cheeks, jawline and neck Wait at least 30 min... Dot chocolate chip amount of Retin A all over face, especially on jawline/cheeks, and even under eyes Wait an hour or so.... apply Cerave Moisturizing Cream (in the tub) When I need it... Exfoliate flaky patches with damp washcloth Spot moisturize with Jojoba Oil
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October 13, 2011

Pros:

Spots r going

Cons:

Red face,dry,peeling,sore,

It is a long process
October 7, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne
quick to apply
dries quickly

Cons:

stinks of alcohol
causes peeling
causes sensitivity
have to wait half an hour

I've used this for about half a year now and it's done wonders. Gone from using it once a day to once every other day to 2-3 times a week and it still works! it caused peeling and my skin prone to redness but once I stopped using it every day that stopped. I might wean myself back on to see if it deals with my scarring now.
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September 7, 2011

Pros:

Smoother skin.
Healthy skin tone.
Fresh faced.
Confidence boost.
Could say alot more!

Cons:

The only thing that bothers me is how flakey my skin looks and kinda feels when using it. Slight 'stinging' sensation on newly sqeezed or hard, angry under the skin kind of Spots.

I havn't had Acne for a terribly long time. I'm a 13 year old girl now and when I started my Acne and treatment. I basically blame a cheap Face Mud Mask although my Mum thinks different. I used to have lovely skin and one day... POOF! I used to wake up depressed about going to School and would often cry over how ugly and self concious I felt. I didn't have the world of Money so treatments were minimal. I used 4 Hour spot cream from Clearasil and didn't see a change. It all just got to much and I demanded to see a Dermatologist but my Mum said it would cost too much. She took me to the local Doctors and he said I had slight Acne and told me it takes years to fully cure. He gave me Retin-A which I rub over my face (Minus cheeks) at night after a face wash. Can't really remember how long Iv'e been using it for but didn't think it was doing anthing but peel my skin at first. Absoulutly love this product and suggest any one to go to a Doctor and get it on Prescription like me. Don't feel like just because of a few spots and redness that you are any less of a person. Your beautiful no matter what, and youv'e got to start believing it! (I would also recomend a dab of Sudo-Creme on any redness) ;) Good luck Gorgeous, Charlotte <3
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September 4, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up some bumps
Made my skin a bit smoother
Seems like its going to work
Cheap (only 19 dollars for 10 refills, in the bahamas things are more expensive so this is a good price)

Cons:

Initial Breakout
Have to be careful about the sun.

Im 15.. And Ive tried so many things that didnt work on my acne.. this is my second dermatologist. He gave me Retin-A 0.0025% to use AT NIGHT, Clindamycin Gel 39GM to use in the morning, Dianne 35 pill to take to regulate my hormones (I have hormonal acne) and some 5000 IU Vitamin D Pills. He says the vitamin a and d will work together to help the scars. My face hasnt been getting red or feeling worse or anything yet but my face has always been pretty immune to that stuff when it comes to acne products.. I guess its cause I live in the bahamas where the sun is blazing on your skin all the time so my skin is pretty used to it.. I know that my face is going to get worse, but Its gotten alot better so I know when it gets worse its ntohing I cant deal with... Ive dealt with it for years so I think I can deal for atleast 1 more month or so. Dont be scared to try it, If it drys your face use moisturizer with SPF in it, Its best just using it at night. Be smart!!! lol Ive used: Clearasil, Proactiv, MaxClarity, Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, St. Ives, some weird thing Clear somthing..... Facial Masks, Lemon Juice, Vitamin E and Honey, Doxycycline i think its spelled like that.. and one more thing he last dermatologist prescribed to me. NONE WORKED. But I feel as if this is going to work because my skin is already smoother (:
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September 4, 2011

Pros:

Soaks up oil
Depletes/erases whiteheads
Tightens skin
Smooth!

Cons:

Takes a long time!

I've been using this with for atleast 3 years, along with another topical (duac, etc). This is the only topical, along with Aczone (my current regimen) that I actually like putting on! Both are sheer and don't smell like bleach or other blahh stenches! But seriously, it's taken me a bit less than three years on this to find other products that accentuate it (currently Aczone, baking soda, Clean & Clear Oil-Free Facial Wash, and Doxycycline are doing the trick!) but of course, if you don't like being on an oral medication, I'd still recommend this because I swear it fights acne off- while you sleep, especially!
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August 28, 2011

Pros:

Clears up the tiny bumps.
Clears up all other kinds of acne
No new bumps or lesions form.
Skin is smoother than before acne started.
Skin is healthier looking than ever.
Old lesions heal faster.

Cons:

Irritates your skin at times.
Took me 10 weeks for no new lesions to appear.
There is an initial breakout.

Basically, this product gives you 10 weeks of bad skin for near perfect skin forever after. I would recommend this product to anyone else. At many points during the initial 10 weeks I found myself worrying about whether the product would actually begin to clear up the acne at all. However, just a couple of days after 10 weeks I noticed that no new lesions were appearing. Not only this, my skin had a better overall complexion than before I stared retin-a micro gel .04%. If you are a current user who finds them self in the early weeks of usage, and are worrying about your initial breakout, my advice would just be to stick it through because it will be worth it before you know it. To those of you who are questioning whether or not to use this product, I would say use it. Just be aware that there is an initial breakout which means you will probably have more acne lesions than you ever have before.
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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.

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.