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
November 11, 2007

Pros:

Works, eventually.

Cons:

Works slowly - much worse before better - dry, peeling skin

Worth it, if a little annoying sometimes
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 9, 2007

Pros:

This did a lot to clear up my skin in the first 6 months or using it, it was easy to apply and only took a minute, I didn't need to use any other products at the time

Cons:

After the first 6 months, the effectiveness started to wear off

It worked really well at first, but declined in effectiveness after a while.. seems like a good temporary solution, but should not be looked at for a long-term solution.. though after I went off the retin-a, my face never got as bad as it was before I used it
This Was Helpful

Report
November 7, 2007

Pros:

I have been using this product for about 2 weeks, and I can tell a difference in my skin already!! I can't believe it. My husband is even impressed because other things that I have used, didn't work!

Cons:

Expensive without insurance, dries my skin out, but it is worth it with all the oil I have on my skin.

Try it. I love the gel, I hated the cream that I was precribed in my young days, but the gel is it. I really works. I have really bad acne, hormonal problems, and other female problems, and this stuff has boosted my confidence in myself. I love it. I will continue to pay for it with or without insurance.
This Was Helpful

Report
November 6, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use w/ tremendous results! Results for me were unbelievable... Very soft skin and ZERO breakouts after over 6 years of acne that wouldn't quit!

Cons:

Stings upon initial use. Acne gets worse before it gets better, but trust that your skin WILL improve. The final results are more than worth it.

I am a 26 y/o woman who never had a single pimple in high school. For the past 6 years, however, I have suffered w/ moderate cystic acne. I tried everything... Proactiv, Murad, Minocycline, and several other topical acne medications. NOTHING WORKED! The acne was effecting my self esteem- I found a new dermatologist who prescribed me w/ Bactrim and Retin-A Micro... the results are amazing. After 2 months I have clear skin for the first time in over 5 years. I swear by this product- I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. Initially the cream caused a burning sensation and slight peeling of the skin. I recommend Origins 'Checks & Balances' face wash and a good moisturizer. I only use the Retin-A at night and normally put a bit of moisturizer on my face before the gel, which minimizes irritation. Bottom line- this product is a MIRACLE!!!!
This Was Helpful

Report
November 6, 2007

Pros:

Clears up blackheads (retinoids are basically the only thing that clears up blackheads, according to my derm.)

Cons:

Redness. Peeling - can't wear make up. Acne never really cleared up. Major sensitivity to sun - must wear tons of high SPF.

You *CANNOT* get your eyebrows waxed when you use a retinoid. Your skin will come off with the wax strip and scar!

I've used this over the years. All it's ever done is make me red and my skin never emerges from the, what I call, snake-skin phase - b/c you shed your skin like a snake! I will use this as a spot treatment on a specific spot if I have scarring from a particularly bad zit. I will also use it on my nose to curb blackheads (it really does help w/ blackheads). Even so, I only use it two nights a week. I will never go back to the days of using Retin-A all over my entire face every day. I also dab it around my eyes in a preemptive strike against wrinkles. Call me paranoid but who wants zits AND wrinkles?
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 1, 2007

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

ABSOLUTELY terrible
burns, makes skin very sensitive
can use only at night, and may have made my skin sensitive to light!

do not use this, it will make your skin worse
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 30, 2007

Pros:

none yet

Cons:

common for acne to worsen

iv been using it for about three months now and i havent really seen any results.on and off: once and a while my face will look good but then thats when i know that the next few weeks my face will look bad!ive stopped using it for a bout a week and my face looks alright i am now using panoxyl10% and same story
This Was Helpful

Report
October 29, 2007

Pros:

None that I know of.

Cons:

Dry, itchy skin, acne did not clear. I used this for about five months, and the acne did not clear. My skin continued to break out, and became very dry and itchy.

I do not recommend, because this also caused my skin to get tiny, dry, fine lines. The best thing is that I paid for this under my health care insurance, so I paid only $15.00 for the prescription.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 28, 2007

Pros:

Basically this is Retin-A. So, clears the acne and works on fine lines and wrinkles as well.

Cons:

Use at night only - this product makes you SUN SENSITIVE!!! You do not want to go out in any sunlight, or you could get blotchy skin.

I can't use it every night or else I'll get too dry. Down side is that sometimes I just totally forget to use it. I need to get a calendar in my bathroom, or devise some way to remember to use it 2 or 3x week. I think I would see even better results if I were more consistent. Main thing that i cannot say enough is to ONLY USE IT AT NIGHT, and not 2x daily. I do photo-facials (laser) on my face; and the nurses at the clinic are SO SERIOUS about that. It will cause blotching and spots because it makes you so sun sensitive. PLEASE ASK YOUR DR ABOUT THAT BEFORE YOU START! with a Rx, and coverage it costs me $10 for each tube.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 21, 2007

Pros:

Clears pimples

Cons:

takes a long time and skin continously peels

I've been using this product for 2 moths now and so far its cleared mostly all the huge pimples on my forehead. So now my forehead is clear just has a lot of dark spots. For some reason my nose is starting to be worse then it has ever been. I dont use the product on my nose so im not sure what's that about. My cheeks have cleared up 50% or more just a few noticable pimples on my checks. There are stilll many of dark spots not making my change all that noticable. I can't believe i've been using this for 2 monthes and my skin is stil peeling. I dont get it It drys and peels all the time and for a few days it will be smooth n bam dry and peeling again. Then when I try to put lotion on it the skin moves around and it looks like my face is discolored or dirty and i dont like that. However it is healing my acne so I'll stick to it and go through the hard strives hopefully to get the best in the long run.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 118 119 120 121 122 … 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