Tretinoin
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Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

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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.

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3.4
1941
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5
21.8%
4
32.3%
3
21.6%
2
14.8%
1
9.4%

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February 2, 2008

Pros:

less pimples forming.

Cons:

Makes my skin very red which doesnt go away. spots from past pimples aren't going anywhere.

i'm on week four of my tretinoin treatment, along with doxy [200mg/day] and clindamycin lotion. i use cetaphil cleanser and moistuerizer. so far nothing special. my lesions have flattened but they're not going anywhere. and it hasn't helped at all with blackheads.
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January 4, 2008

Pros:

eliminated breakouts, reduced new hyperpigmentation and continues to fade old scars.
Has dramatically reduced the amount I spend on acne product (used to use proactiv.)

Cons:

Takes faith. Made acne worse and took a full 12-13 weeks for it too work for me. Experienced dryness at first but applied proactiv revitalizing toner with cotton to hydrate and remove flaking skin. Wouldnt suggest it if u have mild acne.

I've had acne since my senior year in college. At first it was mild but as I got older it started to worsen (currently 25). As a darker skinned individual the effects of each pimple would result in hyperpigmentation that would take months to fade. After not too long I was covered with such scars. 6 months ago my acne got much worse and I knew it was time to try something new to get rid of this very agitating problem. I started using tretinoin micro .025% about 4.5 months ago. I knew going into the treatment knowing that the problem would most likely worsen prior to it getting better. I certainly got worse especially on one side of my face. This continued for about 3 months. I think the only reason I stayed with it is because after about two months i noticed it was helping my hyperpigmentation. But then all of a sudden I HAD NO MORE BREAKOUTS, not a single pimple. Its been about 5 weeks since i've had a pimple and it feels so good seeing my face improve daily.
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December 31, 2007

Pros:

Mixed feelings...
Easy to apply-only a pea size for the whole face
No bad smell

Cons:

Dry lips
Flaky, dry, itchy skin
Some redness
Stinging
It made my skin even more oily

My doctor prescribed Retin A Micro for night and Neo Benz Micro during the day. I don't know if it was using both of them at once but it made my skin even more oily. In the mornings my skin was extremely shiny, like I rubbed olive oil on it... In the beginning it made my lips extremelly dry, my skin was peeling like a bad sunburn (the doctor told me to use a sunscreen as well) it was burning and stinging after I applied it. Three weeks later the burning, stinging and itching calmed but I didn't see major improvement on my acne. Also, I had more blackheads and whiteheads on my face but I was told that's normal since its bringing everything to the surface to be washed away. I'm using Apple Cider Vinegar and it seems to be working better than this. I still have two packs of Retin A left...when my skin gets better I will try using it for my acne scars. Didn't work well for me, but I only used it for a little over a month.
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December 5, 2007

Pros:

cleared blackheads

Cons:

i would never recommend this for someone with existing acne. it really only makes matters worse.

i may have been applying it wrong, but i am not happy with the outcome. my acne is the worst it has ever been in my life after using tretinoin gel. my acne usually was just at the surface of my skin, but now it is deep in my pores.
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November 6, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use w/ tremendous results! Results for me were unbelievable... Very soft skin and ZERO breakouts after over 6 years of acne that wouldn't quit!

Cons:

Stings upon initial use. Acne gets worse before it gets better, but trust that your skin WILL improve. The final results are more than worth it.

I am a 26 y/o woman who never had a single pimple in high school. For the past 6 years, however, I have suffered w/ moderate cystic acne. I tried everything... Proactiv, Murad, Minocycline, and several other topical acne medications. NOTHING WORKED! The acne was effecting my self esteem- I found a new dermatologist who prescribed me w/ Bactrim and Retin-A Micro... the results are amazing. After 2 months I have clear skin for the first time in over 5 years. I swear by this product- I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. Initially the cream caused a burning sensation and slight peeling of the skin. I recommend Origins 'Checks & Balances' face wash and a good moisturizer. I only use the Retin-A at night and normally put a bit of moisturizer on my face before the gel, which minimizes irritation. Bottom line- this product is a MIRACLE!!!!
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June 30, 2007

Pros:

um i really didnt see that much i think it can help reduce the size of horrible pimples but not by that much

Cons:

it did make my face really oily and gave it read marks after i used it over night

i didnt like it wasnt worth it tho maybe its only for somepeople becuase a few frends i know say retin a worked for them
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June 14, 2007

Cons:

Dryness,Flaking,Peeling,EXTRA tight skin,Burns,Takes too long..

It drys my skin sooo much to the point it is tight to where i can barely move it..and i have oily skin..so i don't use moisterizer...it takes about an hour for my face to naturally create more oils to rehydrate my skin...but it flakes...and it hurts...The 20-30 minutes of waiting for your face to dry is annoying...i haven't been using it long enough to recommend it..but Im hoping it will work...so i will say yea...
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April 11, 2007

Pros:

Working well only get a few spots....number of new ones decreasing over time. Skins looks great. Use only a small amount of Retin-A it works better than putting too much on.

Cons:

First month red, peeling, not nice, lots of spots.

It's all about determination if the skin gets too peely/red use once a day Retin A (0.025%)instead of twice till it settles down and if you have broken capillaries on your face DO NOT use it on them it will make it work. Use a good gentle cleanser CETAPHIL hard to find in the UK is definately the best i've used i got it on amazon. Retin-A is one of the best treatments i've used. My routine: AM: Wash with cetaphil then use Retin-A (0.025%) then apply gentle sunscreen
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April 4, 2007

Pros:

It cleared up my acne...

Cons:

...you couldn't really tell there were no more acne bumps unless you actually touched my skin. My face was red, peeling, and it burned all the time. I hated this product! It was also expensive. Though it worked it make me feel uncomfortable.

It isn't so good. Yea, it clears up acne. Bt it also made me peel and get sunburned even when I used 40 spf lotion. It also made my skin shiny and red, so I would have to use makeup, starting the whole cycle over again. I switched to Proactiv. It's alot better.
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May 30, 2013
Didnt do anything...

Pros:

Makes skin shiny/glossy
Cheap
Helps with Hyperpigmentation

Cons:

Did not work

This product did not do anything for my skin. I guess it was like putting on lotion or something, because this made your skin shiny and a bit moisturized. My hyperpigmentation improved a little. My mom likes this product, because she says its helps get rid of hyperpigmentation and helps with wrinkles. This product did not harm nor benefit my skin. This did not work for my acne. It did not solve my problem at all
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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