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:
July 31, 2007

Pros:

The clearest I have ever been!!

Cons:

DRYING!! face wash hurts when i wash my skin but i can deal! MOUSTURIZE ALOT!!

get it, got it, good. it works! I have mild acne by the way~
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 31, 2007

Pros:

-you see results (somewhat) in about a week.
-brings pimples to the surface, to make it hurt less
-it makes skin soft

Cons:

it peels (really bad)
sometimes it cracks my face and its hard to talk

its deff. worth while
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 24, 2007

Pros:

None for me

Cons:

Broke me out in TONS of spots

Did not work for me at all. It broke me out in a LOT of spots (my acne was quite mild before I used it), made my skin dry and peeling all over. Because I also have very pale skin, when I eventually did get rid of the spots it caused, I was left with many red marks. Definitely would not recommend if you're only trying to get rid of mild acne and have pale skin.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 21, 2007

Pros:

Tretinoin is covered by insurance, gentle, effective for stubborn whiteheads.

Cons:

None.

After reading all the reviews about Tretinoin I felt that I needed to write one because my experience is different from most of the reviewers. For me Tretinoin is a God sent product. I had mild acne with stubborn whiteheads that refused to go away. I didn't experience any initial breakouts or redness on my skin, on the contrary my skin responded very well to the cream. After 8 weeks of usage, my skin is clear and my pores have unclogged and shrunken (no need for foundation anymore). Along with using Cetaphil cleanser (with a gentle Buff Puff), Tretinoin, a good sunblock and following a healthy lifestyle, I am happy to see the difference in my skin. Healthy skin is definitly attainable. I used Proactiv for a while. I DO NOT recommend this product at all if you suffer from mild acne. It made my skin worse from which I am finally bouncing back. One last comment: the less you use the better your skin will look. I also recommend seeing a good dermatologist and avoid facials at a SPA.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 18, 2007

Pros:

I have noticed a change in my complexion...I also feel less pimples beneath the surface of my skin, which makes me feel its working.

Cons:

I am quite seriously experiencing the worst break out I have ever had!! However, I feel like my face is purging and my skin needed it! I am very embarrassed by the blotchiness. My boyfriend calls me "Metallic Woman" because I'm so oily. Costly too!

I've tried everything...I am currently doing a sulfer wash, as well as, Doryx (an oral antibiotic). Previous to this regiman, I did Proactive...worked for a year and then suddenly backfired. Perhaps my skin became immune to Proactive...I don't know. I do know I'll be kicking myself if I don't at least try to get through the next couple of months.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 17, 2007

Pros:

Has cleared my face completely!! Skin is Firmer and wrinkles are looking better. Scars have faded almost completely. Better skin tone. Less oil production.

Cons:

peeling!!

This does work really well. It took a good 3-4 months. But the results were worth it. It's scary in the beginnging. But stick with it. My face now looks poreless and smooth. Much better that what I started with. I will never stop using this!!
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 16, 2007

Pros:

It is great for clearing up acne and making you feel like you have a whole new type of skin (Baby soft)

Cons:

This IS NOT a fast acting medication but anything that is going to be effective in the long run usually takes a long time to kick in (for example accutane.

You have to get past the 1 month marker to start seeing any benefits but it is worth it. So many people post and potentially turn others away because they complain its not working but they have only used it for a couple of weeks. Didnt your doctor tell you that it gets worse before it gets better? Anyways, stick with it my face is so sensitive so of course it peeled, reddened, hurt really bad but all that is worth it if you have struggled with acne for as long as I have. I have been on it for a little over a month and there are areas of my face that are starting to benefit and it is so clear and smooth. It will take probably another month or two to get the full benefits. HANG IN THERE IT IS WORTH IT!!!!!!!!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 12, 2007

Pros:

it completly got rid of pimples

Cons:

it hurt to use facewash or even touch my face because it got so sensitive from the retin-a. When i got my eyebrows waxed i screamed, and my forehead bled. Also, the cream left scars.

I guess it's effective, but if you are someone that really needs their thick eyebrows waxed, BEWARE.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 12, 2007

Pros:

Cut way down on blemishes, especiallly cystic ones.
It was good for long-term use. A tube will go a long way. 2-3 was all I needed for an entire year.

Cons:

Not effective in preventing blemishes on my skin any more.

I am in my 50's and still have skin problems, so i've had way more experience with different acne treatments. I've used just about all of 'em. Retin-A worked well for 8-10 years which is a long time. Additionally, I found that the (newer) Retin-A micro did not work as well for me-it made my skin peel, whereas the Retin-A cream did not. Also, I found that GENERIC RETIN-A did not work! I don't care what they say, it is not the same and is not effective.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 11, 2007

Pros:

Softens skin, does not dry, somewhat heals marks

Cons:

Does not clear up acne!

It's okay for treating marks, but for acne it sucks!
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 123 124 125 126 127 … 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