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

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May 17, 2013

Cons:

Dries out skin
Pricey
Irritating even in low doses and diluted

Everyone told me how amazing this product is. All it did for me was make me incredibly sensitive, and dry out my skin.
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January 10, 2013

Pros:

got rid of the black heads on my nose
a couple of pores have gotten smaller
skin is verrryyyyy smooth

Cons:

Skin is red
Skin is irritated
skin is burned
skin is dry
does not get rid of the pimples, just cleans out the pores

i used retin-a for 5 days now, i use it with benzyol peroxide, in ways my skin got better and in ways my skin looks horrible and red, and bad, dry burnt. people say i have discoloration, but i am definitely continuing to use this product, and i will show the results next tuesday................. <3
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May 22, 2012

Pros:

Initially cleared up acne.
Didn't have drying effect on skin as expected.

Cons:

Broke out badly 4-5 weeks in to treatment.

I have mild acne mainly around my jaw line, but am susceptible to cysts in that area as well as on my chin. Tretinoin cream helped clear up my skin and keep it clear for a few weeks. I didn't break out at all when I started using the cream (as some people seem to experience) nor did my skin become very dry. I thought - finally - I had found a product that worked. However, about 4 weeks in to using the cream I started getting smallish pimples - especially in areas I didn't normally get them (on my neck and on my cheeks). It just seemed to get worse and worse until I stopped using the cream. I haven't used the cream for a few days now and my skin is beginning to look much better. I used tretinoin every evening for exactly 6 weeks. Some people report that tretinoin didn't start working for them for some time. What confuses me is that it worked for me for the first few weeks - and then stopped. Perhaps I should have persisted for longer, but I just couldn't face weeks more of bad acne.
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March 20, 2012

Pros:

cleared up my moderate acne
relatively inexpensive

Cons:

takes a few weeks to work...but what product doesn't?

I LOVE THIS STUFF!
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April 15, 2011

Pros:

Reduced pustules
Made skin less oily

Cons:

Didn't affect blackheads
Still have acne

I don't know I'll continue to use this for my acne. My derm prescribed Clinimyclin gel and retin-a 0.05. I was to try this or go on accutane which I don't want to for it's horror side effects. I don't know if my acne will go aay while using this, so if your derm says to try it do. It might help or it won't.
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July 28, 2009

Pros:

It does bring all of the dirt that is in your skin to the surface, as it said it would. The acne will look worse at that stage, but in about a week, it will almost completely clear out. The skin is left in pretty good shape.

Cons:

Excessive drying OR very oily at times. Does NOT prevent more acne from forming. Overall, not that much of a difference.

There isn't that much of a difference in my skin. I've been on it for a full month. I actually had high hopes for this; Unfortunately, it's not the 'miracle cure' we're looking for.
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July 6, 2009

Pros:

Smooths skin really really well. Takes care of the little bumps on my forehead. not so great for the big ones though.

Cons:

I feel like it makes my skin oily.

Works really well. I haven't had any peeling or redness.
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June 8, 2009

Pros:

reduce pockmark, smooth rough skin

Cons:

make skin dry

No
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

exfoliates skin, fades scars, helps make skin smooth, purges pores clean

Cons:

face is still oily, MUST manually exfoliate on a daily basis to remove the large amount of shedding skin

I use Retin-A cream .1% b/c its the only one my Charity Care covers. I'd go with the Retin-a-micro if I could afford it. My skin is much smoother and acne free with the exception of stubborn closed comedones. I
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May 6, 2009

Pros:

clears up white heads and inflamation. basically takes you from moderate to light then dumps you.

Cons:

doesnt clear up light acne, a little drying

if you have like inflammed bumps or white heads, basically moderate acne this stuff works really well. I got a little dryness, i just used a dry washcloth to get it off and used a liquid foundation instead. you may want to use an internal medication with this topical as well to clear up acne more.
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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