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
October 20, 2007

Pros:

smoother skin, less lesions and cysts.

Cons:

burning sensation when put on, like rubbing alcohol. acne gets worse before better.

Give it time, be consistent, and this stuff works.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 19, 2007

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Z

I get acne... And have scars. I started using this to clear up the acne I get and my derm said it would help with some of the scarring.. We'll now the scarring I have looks worse. This stuff made the texture of my skin horrible, and blotchy. I stopped using it. And now I'm just hoping my skin goes back to the was it was. I did look alot better before. I'm very depressed.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 18, 2007

Pros:

ive been using this product along with DUAC for the past 7 1/2 weeks, i have seen little improvement. my pimples have reduced in size but i still have alittle bit left, and i have a lot of acne scars.

Cons:

makes your face look really red, i feel like i have to avoid the sun.

i hope this works for acne scars too because i have soooo many.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 11, 2007

Pros:

ive been using tretionin for almost 6 months and i've noticed a huuuuge difference in my skin. At first my acne got worse and i got red bumps on my face and it also became flaky and After 3 months my acne started clearing up and my scars faded

Cons:

it get worse before it gets better and it takes time.

...be patient! its definitely worth the wait..youre pored get smaller, scars fade and acne completely dissapears! It also speeds up the turning over of cells which prevents wrinkles and minimizes fine lines!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 10, 2007

Pros:

Skin has started to really clear up - pores are becoming smaller and i definitely have a glow.

Cons:

Still the odd breakout, but this is to be expected in the 1st few weeks. The gel leaves a layer on the skin that will flake off so i only use it at night. As predicted, skin is a little sore in the first few days. Can't use it with Benzyl Peroxide.

Definitely worth trying - i've had moderate acne for about 20 years now (i'm a 33 yr old woman) and although i've used products successfully before this, there have always been worse side effects (Dianette: loss of libido, Benzyl Peroxide: skin sensitivity and bleaching everything in sight). The good thing about Retin A (i'm using the 0.025% gel) is that it clears it from the inside out, and once it kicks in, you really look youthful and lose lots of those horrible visible pores that we all hate. Only a few weeks in, so still have some breakouts, but will check in again after a few months. ALso cheap to get on prescription in the UK.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 5, 2007

Pros:

has reduced the appearance of past acne scars and dark spots, has evened out my complexion. If this treatment fails to treat my acne I will def keep using it to even out my complexion and treat dark spotds as it's working a wonder

Cons:

initial breakout and has made my skin sensitive and a little sore

I have mild acne predominantly on my chin and forehead. I'm on my fourth week and have so far experienced what many here have already described; peeling, dryness and latent pimples coming to the surface. Looking past these initial side-effects (time will tell if they will subside) I can see my skin 'improving', my pores are smaller and although my skin 'feels thin', old marks left from healed pimples have almost faded if not entirely dissapeared which is a fab because I have a tanned complexion and scarring is more visible with this skintype. In terms of the flakiness i'm just putting up with it becuase any kind (even mild) exfoliation is painful. Also I tend not to put moisurizer on because it just seems to mix in with the dry skin flakes and in my experience that just clogs up my pores causing breakouts. I'm skeptical it will work on my acne but it's fab on erasing dark spots
This Was Helpful

Report
September 27, 2007

Pros:

Exfoliates skin, creates a "glow," keeps pores clear so blemishes can't form as easily.

Cons:

applying too much can cause dryness and peeling/flaking. must be careful not to apply to delicate skin. very expensive unless your insurance gives good Rx coverage for name brands.

I've used Retin-A Micro for over a year and it is by far the best acne product for my skin type. Of course, not all acne medications work the same for everyone. My family doctor recommended it to me, saying that the medicine forces your skin cells to turn over more quickly, freeing your pores of the debris that contributes to acne. I had trouble with it at first, and found that it caused a lot of dryness, especially around my nose and mouth. It took a few weeks to figure out how much I needed to use and to use a very gentle moisturizer along with the medicine. It is expensive and there is no generic ($100+). I didn't have the best prescription coverage for a while, and was paying $50+ for a while. I still felt it was worth EVERY cent -- the results are wonderful for me. I just changed insurance and I'm waiting for my new cards -- I am out of Retin-A Micro and I can't wait to get a refill. It makes a huge difference.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 25, 2007

Pros:

evened skin tone, prevents wrinkles, cheap with insurance, easy to use.

Cons:

it TAKES time and demands our patience.

This is my second review about Tretinoin and I feel that people who haven't used this product for at least 4-6 months should not write anything on Retin A. It takes time and beggs for our patience, but it is worth it. It is also important that we don't use any other irritating products along with Retin A as it will make things worse. One time I exfoliated my skin and the next day I had major breakouts. My doc told me not to use anything else with Retin A as it is doing its job slowly but surely. I use a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) twice daily and use a good quality sunblock year round and I am happy to say that my skin is now clear and glowing. I had to force myself to stop fretting over my bumps and put my energy somewhere else and one day I woke up with clear skin. Obsession and impatience will aggravate acne. We live in a time where we want instant gratification and this attitude doesn't work with Retin A. Obsess less, be patient, be gentle and one day you'll wake up with clear skin.
This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 24, 2007

Pros:

None yet.

Cons:

Breaking our worse, itchy skin, flaky skin, feels like a really bad sun burn

I've only been using it for 20 days but I'm only seeing things get worse. ANd the burning and peeling is terrible!
This Was Helpful

Report
September 23, 2007

Pros:

cheap with health insurance

Cons:

Red beard with giant underworld zits.

You never know what works for you until you try it. I also used it with cleocin. I still had bad acne and began to look like I had rosacia. I have tried Proactiv too (worked for a few years, then stopped). I am now trying Murad. It got some bad reviews here but my sister swears by it, so I will see. I guess you never know. Retin a got OK reviews from some people but made my acne real bad, large and red even after 6 months of use. I stopped it a few weeks ago and the redness is going away.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 119 120 121 122 123 … 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