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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October 29, 2009

Pros:

the retin A really does work. after applying it in at night, i would wake up with a really really greasy face, but after washing my face it would stay dry for a few hours

Cons:

takes a couple weeks before it starts working, made my face sunburned everday (had to apply sunblock everyday), and smells bad in the beginning

it helped my acne a little bit, drying my face up But never really cleared up all my acne
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October 26, 2009

Pros:

Leaves my skin smooth and seems to help reduce scars over time.

Cons:

Doesn't help with the blackheads around my nose and on my nostrils. Can be drying and leave skin peeling which can make face red.

Suffered from acne off and on since high school and am 35 YO now. Use Solodyn, Benzaclin and Retin-A. Not sure which has done the trick but been clear for a few months now, except for the occ. pimple around my period. Had been using Clindamycin but tried Benzaclin to clear up the whiteheads on my forehead. Benzaclin has cleared them up but my face super dry and even the DML didn't help even though usu. have oily skin. Started to wash my face only at night (Cetaphil for oily skin) and use the Benzaclin as a spot treatment and preventive on my t-zone. Also cut back on the dairy, switched to organic milk for my cereal and stopped eating soy. My acne is hormonal and stress-related so believe it or not but think yoga helps me too. Not only does it relieve my stress but I think the breathing is cleansing. I still have bumpy scars around my mouth but hope they'll reduce over time. Also had two chem peels by Dr. but not convinced they help.
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October 6, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin pretty well.

Cons:

Bad breakouts in the beginning. Makes skin extremely dry! Acne may come back.

I've had acne since i was 11 years old, severe acne, so i finally go to the doctor when i was 16 years old. Patiently, every single day I used Retin-A Micro Pump in .01% ... I didn't have any bad initial break outs... but it took a WHILE! So you really HAVE to be patient with it! Well my skin CLEARED UP! and i was happy! i felt good without make up etc etc etc...i'm almost going to be 18 now... ... and i have naturally EXTREMELY oily skin, well now it is EXTREMELY DRY... REALLY REALLY dry... and well... i'm on Retin A again, cuz i'm breaking out AGAIN. i hope it works!
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September 13, 2009

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

It seems like my acne has gotten worse.

UNsure of this product
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August 12, 2009

Pros:

its did reduce my acne
my skinwas better in the morning
i could see improvement :))

Cons:

in the morning my face was oily
however no flaking

deff. will use it til acne is gone :))
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July 2, 2009

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Made my skin so much worst than it was. dry , flaky, red

My skin wasnt even that bad, i had a few scars a few blackheads i was trying to get rid of. Derm prescribed this, said to help with the extraction. Yea about 2 weeks into it my skin started getting so bad, and now i cant find a way to clear it up. Im trying a few stuff that hopefully will work but i dont recommend this product. It scares me for sure
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June 27, 2009

Pros:

Slowly but surely clears up acne, improves skin texture, good exfoliater, good for scars

Cons:

Dries skin out badly to begin with, causes painful breakouts for a while

It works but takes patience.
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May 5, 2009

Pros:

Smother skin after a week

Cons:

Dries skin around eyes and lips but can be controlled with added moisturizer. Causes redness.

I have been using it for about a month. My main concern are blackheads and once-a-month breakouts. So far it made me look red and dry but that's what the doctor said will happen. I'm giving it 3 months.
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May 2, 2009

Pros:

Brought out blackheads and whiteheads in a week or so. Skin felt smoother

Cons:

Drying, flaking

Works well, best for me if used alternate days 4x weekly.
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March 12, 2009

Pros:

Smooth skin, no whiteheads.

Cons:

Takes about 3 months to see full results, irritation, darkens skin, skin is more sensitive to sun.

Although it took a while for the product to work, the end result it worth it. If you're going to use it, make sure to wear a SPF 30+ whenever you go out to keep skin protected.
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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