Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Works about the same as the other two topical retinoids, tazarotene and adapalene, and lands in the middle of those two when it comes to side effects. Should provide partial clearing, but comes with sensitivity when you first start using it. It probably won’t be a total game changer but it should help reduce acne.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 1, 2008

Pros:

cheap with insurance

Cons:

Flaky, dry skin and apparently takes long to work

OKay. So far I've been using Retina along with Benzamycin gel for about 4 weeks and I have yet to see results. The 1st week my skin was alright, then during the 2nd week, I had a minor breakout on one side of my face. Kept using it and I've gotten a few new pimples on my chin and forehead, but still not on the other side of my face. I've decided to use it for at least another month and I'll let ya'll know if I see a difference. (started at the beginning of this month, will reply at end of may) Wish me good luck ;P
April 30, 2008

Pros:

works fast
minimizes the size of bumps
makes my white heads smaller

Cons:

i have to use a whole lot of moisturizer to keep my face moist and not dry

i have had this for about two weeks and i hadnt experienced the breakout yet but my skin has gotten better and there is barely any acne on my face. mostly scars now. i got it prescribed to me during a check up from my doctor. its way better than proactiv FOR SURE and i also use cetaphil in the morning my dad paid 10 dollars for two tubes with insurance
April 19, 2008

Pros:

Well, my skin has never looked so young. I was starting to worry about wrinkles and the mild acne I've had my entire life seemed to be gettin worse. Tretinoin has completely erased the fine lines I had in a matter of six weeks, I kid you not.

Cons:

Unfortunately, it seems to have made my acne worse, not better. I have never before in my life had acne this bad and this is six weeks after I started using it. To be fair, I recently went off the pill which might be an aggravating factor.

I'll keep using it even if it doesn't clear up my (mild) acne - the anti-aging benefits are unbelievable! I'll find something else to clear up my acne if this doesn't start working for that after a few weeks.
April 16, 2008

Pros:

Clears acne like crazzzzzzzzzzy!

Cons:

Peels skin like mad

I am in high school, but i dont use it, a friend does. I'm looking towards using it. My friends skin peels loads, and big flakes come off, but a few months of usage can last years without acne. She has been using it for 2 weeks, and there is already a massive inprovement aroud her cheeks and hairline. I suffer from fairly bad acne, and so does she, but it is well worth a go! People do ask her if she has been on holiday though! It peels the skin to get right to deep spots. We both suffer from massivly deep spots right under the skin that stay for months at a tome without getting a head. I would reccomend it seriously, because your sin cant get used to this stuff like other creams. You need to try it if you want baby skin!
April 9, 2008

Pros:

Cleans up skin very well, and after first week or so cleaned up acne real quick

Cons:

It sometimes burns me and over drys skin with very little applied

How can you say this product is worthless wen hundreds of others wrote how great it worked?
March 17, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my skin completely..hardly get a zit once in a month or so..no blackheads..skin keeps getn better by the day thru the peeling process

Cons:

peeling and redness..initial acne breakout

this is my 2nd post on this forum. i had posted a messg earlier some 3 months back..while i was happy with the results even back then i was skeptical that the medicine wud stop workin soon. i have been using generic retin-a cream for 6 months now and my skin hasnt looked this good in ages..i can get out of the house without wearin makeup and still feel confident (which is a big deal coz my face looked horrible esp during the first 7 weeks of using this medication). Its important to never put this medicine on a wet or damp face. I made this mistake during the 4th month and suddnly the +ve effects started to subside even though i did not experience irritation. Now i just wait for my face to dry for 2 mins before applying the cream. And yes, if you stay close to the sea as i do, its best to use the retin-a cream during winters and retin-a gel during summers..i also use lacto calamine to soothe the skin and as a sunscreen..workin wonders for skin and scars.i still peel somtimes but its ok
March 2, 2008

Pros:

Convienient. Only use once at night

Cons:

Itching, burning, peeling, BREAKOUT

I have been using Retin-A Miro for about 3 weeks now. After maybe the first 3 days, my skin was CLEAR...then after that, things got REALLY crazy. I had a really bad breakout. As time passes, I am seeing less pimples, so hopefully they will all go away. The only thing is that I have allot of black marks on my face and I'm not sure if that's just dead skin waiting to be peeled off. I am black so I'm not sure if my dark marks are the equivelant to what some of you are saying when you say red marks? I thought it was supposed to fade marks. Like the on the second week my skin did dramtically lighten, but now on the third week, I see allot of But I am going to stick with it bc everyday, it does seem like the bumps are becoming less. Except for 1 or 2 big bumps you know? I will keep everyone updated on what's going on though. My MD actually put me on this for 5 weeks until I can start the Accutane, but I am thinking about telling him that I just want to see how this works at f
March 1, 2008

Pros:

Amazing results.....IN 8 WEEKS!

Cons:

Gets worse before you see results

Bottom line is that this medication is one of the smartest technologies I have come across! I hate how people are saying they hated it and they only used it for a week or even a couple weeks. This product takes patience. And if you had acne like I did, it is very much worth every second of it. AMAZING! USE it.
February 27, 2008

Pros:

Soothes the skin, easy to apply.

Cons:

Redness,itchyness, slow healing process

Ive been using this for 1month, see a slight clear up. Im going to keep on going with applying at night only. It can take up to 6weeks for the healing process to start kicking in.
January 19, 2008

Pros:

improve overall complexion, result not shown yet

Cons:

very itchy, dry and flakey, the break out it gives is pain

I have been using this product a week ago, when I was assigned by my dermatologist....I have some how mild acne....but I broke out everyday with tiny pimple on my face....After 10 days of usage my skin is very dry, red, flakey and hv very large acne breaking out......I am a bit regret of taking it...however since I visit dermatologist I must trust them right.....

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.