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 usually applied once a day around bedtime.

3.4
1972
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

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September 14, 2009

Pros:

Takes a few weeks to start working, but once it starts it works pretty well.

Cons:

Eventualy stops working and it makes skin very dry and sensitive.

If you have mild acne I say go for it, anything more than that I don't think its worth the aggrivation.
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July 27, 2009

Cons:

Makes avne worse (at first i understand)

I have been using this stuff for a week or so and its making me break out much worse. Everyone says to stick with it and it gets better but its so discouraging!! How long until things usually turn around? I have been using it day and night with a rose hip oil to moisturize. and Biore acne cleanser
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

it makes your skin smoother

Cons:

your skin will increase in redness burn in sunlight

it may work
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June 21, 2009

Pros:

Helped for about a month

Cons:

Died skin out a TON

Isnt worth it didnt work for me. Just made my face burn and itch.
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June 16, 2009

Pros:

None .

Cons:

Dryness , Irritation , More pimples than before

Horrible . I took pictures each week to track my progress , and after 3 months of using the product the acne had gotten worse . The acne was redder , and there was deffinetly more than before . It was horrible , and every morning I woke up to a face that looked sunburned . always . I even had to miss school for a few days for it . I do not recommend thisss .
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June 15, 2009

Pros:

First few applications made skin soft and smooth

Cons:

Every morning waking up to skin peeling off your face, while applying eyes stung from fumes produced, increased amount of zits, 2 months in and no major improvement to acne just smooth skin.

Takes too long to work, stings eyes even though not applying anywhere near.... just don't bother quite simply not worth the aggrevation
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June 14, 2009

Pros:

This has made my pores A LOT smaller. My face is no longer broken out all over like it had been, I'm down to only a few pimples left. After about a month and a week, it all healed and now it's working pretty well.

Cons:

The initial breakout and dryness was terrible. All over my jawline and left side of my chin was covered in acne after about the first week of using it. I also peeled for the first 2 months of using the product, I am no longer peeling.

IT TAKES TIME! It will cause an ugly initial breakout, but you have to ride it through! Make sure you don't go into the sun with it on, or you'll have bad peeling.
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June 1, 2009

Pros:

NONE, none, none!

Cons:

I had such a horrible experience with that topical, I can't believe I was ever prescribed it.

I'm so very lucky right now that all the damage Retin-a caused is all cleared up from taking Claravis! I had what looked like giant strawberry marks all over my right cheek, which would continuously explode with whiteheads throughout the day (which were most definitely caused by Retin-a during the "purging" phase). I also had cracked, old looking skin near my mouth and I'm only 23...I was distraught and livid with the idea that it would never go away. But Claravis has fixed everything and I'm back to looking very pretty again :) Please, if you get the "IB" chances are it's not initial and will possibly be permanent for quite some time...STOP using this cream if you have a terrible reaction, I beg you! Unless you want to do the Accutane route which for me has been the best decision ever regarding my acne
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May 9, 2009

Pros:

isn't too oily.
simple routine.
doesn't dry out skin.

Cons:

can only use at night time.

it worked well, so far. but i think if you use it in the morning, yu wont' get the results you want for a certain reason (depending on skin type)
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April 3, 2009

Pros:

i'm not having any cystic pimples, just small, whitehead-like things, scars have lightened

Cons:

BAD BREAKOUT. i got small zits every where on my face especially on my forehead which was the smoothest part of my face three weeks before i started this. SUPER OILY AND FLAKY SKIN.

i'm using 0.05% tretinoin right now and my dermatologist told me this is just normal and that i should just wait and everything will clear up. i trust her so i'm sticking with it for now.
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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