Tretinoin
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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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5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Peeling of skin, feels like new smooth layer without wrinkles or spots. New acne breakouts rate decreases a lot.

Cons:

Initial break out period, reddness, severe peeling if over use.

Retin-A should be used with caution and with sense of intelligence. Feel ur skin, know when to apply and when to take a couple of days off. Dont over wash ur skin or use other cleansers. It's smart to keep ur skin oily while using retin-a as it helps decreasing its side effects. Think this way, u want to be able to tolerate Retin-A for the maximum amount of time without burning, so be gentle and sacrifice the deep cleansers stuff.
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March 27, 2009

Pros:

Clearer skin after about 5-6 weeks. Been using now for 6 months and am very happy with the results. Effective at .25% for me. Current break outs heal more quickly and are less red.

Cons:

Massive drying and redness. I have fair skin and did not want to leave the house for a few weeks. Save up your sick days. The worst weeks were weeks 3-6 after that things really did clear up well.

Be brave and clear your social calander for a few weeks. This stuff pulls all of the junk to the surface with is not a pretty sight. It works but you must power through the 3-6 week period. I am concerned about use during the summer, after mowing the lawn for 30 minutes my face was red. I will be only using it a couple of times a week during the summer. Just keep using it, it will get better.
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March 16, 2009

Pros:

I had lots of little pimples on my forehead and down the side of my face. Used Clindamycin and it started clearing up and needed a refill and they gave me tretinoin. Had spots while it was clearing up, but it seemed over night it got better.

Cons:

None - never got all red or burning reaction

Best to try it to see if it works.
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January 27, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

more pimple breakouts, redness, dryness

this product is probably one of the worse acne products i have used. I will definitely not recommend it. I used stievaymcin for a year and a half and my face was getting a lot better and much smoother. Then my dermatologist prescrbed me retin a micro - it was a huge mistake using it. After 3 and a half weeks of using it, my face has become much worse. DO not use this product, especially if you are a teen!!!!
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January 16, 2009

Pros:

I started breaking out BADLY when I went abroad. I came home and was recommended RETIN A. I started using the .5% in August and by the end of September my skin was clear. It even got rid of the scars--you can't even tell I had really bad break outs.

Cons:

I didnt suffer from the peeling right away. My skin began to get really dry in December.

I REALLY like this product. It is one of the few that have worked long term. I have tried erythromycin, benzamycin and OTC brands and I love Retin-A the best. I don't put it all over my face now and just use it for on the spot treatment. It is def. worth a try.
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December 24, 2008

Pros:

Works, Fades everything, tones, can eat what i want now, ONE step, clear skin

Cons:

had a bad breakout initially(one week in) but soooo worth it.

was skeptical but sh*t works. I had bad breakout from it but then it works reallll well and quickly after breakout. Can eat what I want now and stick with it. Start off with every other day or w.e and then after a couple weeks use every night and u will be so amazed how well it works
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November 13, 2008

Pros:

makes it go abit, quite fast after abit

Cons:

makes spots/scars go really red and noticable when you out it on.
It makes your face peel for the first two weeks
not really good with scarstakes 4 weeks for you to see results

Got this along with an oral tablet free of my doc it got rid of the spots... but left some scars. :( good for getting rid of spots though. and works quite fast
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October 17, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin!! Smoother skin!! More even complexion!!
Less oily Skin!! I love this product!!

Cons:

Intial intense burning, discolouration, peeling, irritation!!
(The secret to this product, is to use it inconsistently.... Using it everyday is not a good idea. Use it every couple days and you will still get great results!)

I developed acne at the age of 12. I've tried every product/pill under the sun to get rid of my acne and I always tried to stick to the products for a lengthy period. Most products improve slightly, but my skin never became completely clear. I simply decided I would have to outgrow my acne. This however changed two years ago when a dermatologist recommended Retin-A. It is truly a miracle worker! At first, my face would burn so much it made me cry on mornings trying to put on my moisturizer. My skin became discoloured as I developed dry red patches, and some dark patches all over my face. My skin peeled constantly, and there were white flakes all over the surface of my skin. I stopped using it after a few weeks, because my skin couldn't take the torture. When the peeling stopped, I was amazed to see the my skin was completely clear! Not a blemish! I could even look close up into my open pores on my face! (usually filled with black heads!)
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October 6, 2008

Pros:

works well if used faithfully

Cons:

makes skin peel alot[but that means its working] and makes skin kind of sensitive to sun.

it works well, but mostly for less serious acne, i am using this until i get approved for Accutane which is almost 100% guaranteed for a significant result. but it is something that doesn't work for eveyone but you should definately try =]
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

Makes skin smoother & new pimples dry quickly

Cons:

Bad breakout when first used & taking a while to get going

I hear all the horror stories but this has not burned, badly dried or irrated my skin much. I ust cleanse, the medication, and moisturizer in the mornings. I've been using this for about 2.5 wks and had a bad breakout, & no results as of yet but it has made my skin a lot softer. I'm very impatient so I'm trying to wait. I'm getting married in 10 mos and DO NOT want acne all over my face.
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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