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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3.5
1649
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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May 14, 2007

Pros:

Firmer skin

Cons:

Broke out worse than ever before in my life.

I started out with just a few zits but wanted them to completely go away. After having this prescribed, I noticed my skin clearing up for the first 1-2 weeks. After that, I entered what they called the "it gets worse before it gets better" stage. My face broke out so horribly...I was so embarrassed but kept with the treatment. Supposedly it should have cleared up after about 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, I still looked awful, but decided to stick with it anyways. 12 weeks later, I still looked HORRIBLE. People would ask me what was wrong with my face and why I looked so bumpy and red. I finally decided to stop using this treatment. I was just too embarrassed to keep going with it, and figured if it didn't work after 12 weeks, it probably wasn't going to work for me at all. I really thought this was going to work well, but it didn't. My patience definitely wore out.
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May 13, 2007

Pros:

Slightly helps, doesn't hurt the skin as much as other harsher treatments.

Cons:

Leaves skin feeling oily, doesn't help acne too much.

This didn't help me too much.
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May 9, 2007
I've been struggeling with whiteheads and blackheads for about a year, I never had any large pimples so after a year of it not clearing up, I went to the derm. She gave me Tretinoin, and i've been using it for a month. At first, my skin was really dry and flaky, but now that has stopped. Although my skin is not dry anymore, my whiteheads and blackheads have yet to clear up, and I think the medicine is making them come up because they are really red and inflammed. I'm hoping after a month or so, my face will be clear, if NOT, well, i dont know!! Best of luck to everyone!!!!!!!
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May 6, 2007

Pros:

Clears acne, Gets rid of oily skin

Cons:

Drys skin severly, kinda leaves skin red and burning

So far so good. Ive been using it every night for almost a week in combination with a BP gel in the mornings. I haven't had a breakout since I started and all my current breakouts are almost gone! My skin burns during the day and has been really flaky but I think thats more because of the BP. I want to exfoliate but am scared of irritating my skin more. one word of advice: Moisturize!!! Also I don't think that anything but laser tratment will help with scarring, will be doing that as soon as im acne free!
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May 6, 2007

Pros:

Evens skin tone

Cons:

Takes a long time, having to wait a period of time after washing

I've been using this product for about 5-6 weeks. I'm also on tetracycline. Even though I was using tetracycline I would still get some pimples and my skin looked dull. I started using the retin-a and it made my skin look more alive and not so dead. I do not have sensitive skin so I did not have any sensitivity, plus I'm outside everyday and I didn't get any burns from the sun. This stuff causes me to break out every few weeks but it's not terrible, I expect to see full results in a good 2-3 weeks!
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May 4, 2007

Pros:

Affordable (as a generic), appears to start working QUICKLY

Cons:

flaky, peeling skin (although I am way too aggressive with the amount I use. Oops), skin is a little red.

I had BEAUTIFUL, flawless skin and then my Dr. changed my birth control. I started breaking out like nuts (I went from Yasmin to a higher-dose pill) so she switched me back to a lower dose pill and put me on Retin-A to clear up what breakouts I had. I started using Retin-A a week ago and started peeling the first time I used it. I use it all over my face and probably used too much the first few nights. I started peeling in my 'trouble spots' first--my chin and forehead. Now I'm peeling in other areas- further up my cheeks, around my nose. I have been using a 2% Salicylic (sp?) face wash and a 2% toner as well...cut out the toner because it stung too bad and worsened the peeling. I also use an Alpha Hydroxy Acid scrub in the mornings. It's gentle, but helps get rid of some of the flaking. I'm going to switch to a gentler face wash like Cetaphyl, continue with the AHA scrub, and limit the amount I use.
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May 1, 2007

Pros:

Its a wonderful cream, using for Anti Aging,best cream ever used, good results though using for only 6 weeks.

Cons:

Costly but worth it.

I'm using Stieva A cream 0.1%,for the past two months as a Anti aging cream & found this product very good.My uneven skin tone, roughness,enlarged pores are diminishing.Now I've that natural glow on my face.I'm not using any make-up now. Till now not a single anti aging cream worked on my skin. I use it everyday at night before retiring,30 min.after washing my face with a good cleanser. Applying SPF 15 cream in the morning after washing my face.I never had acne problem,so I can not recommend for that reason bur definetly for Anti Aging.I'm 37 yrs.
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April 30, 2007

Pros:

Gets rid of past scars (minor to moderate)

Cons:

i guess price if you don't have insurance

Make sure you get RETINA-MICRO this stuff works miracles and is the only thing that is healing my scars in fact 2-3 more weeks and i will be FULLY CLEAR. i'm on my 3rd tube and loving it. its really cheap for me since my parents insurance covers most of it 20 dollars is all i pay :)
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April 28, 2007

Pros:

Works like a charm! Nothing has been better for my skin.

Cons:

Insurance does not cover this (for me). So, the cost is high, $90. But, when I look at all my abandoned tubes of acne meds and anti-aging creams, I know I am saving money by using Retin-A.

Yes, Yes, Yes! This product works for me. I have mild acne and have used various products over the years. I finally asked my doc for some help and he prescribed this. My mother (now 63) used it years ago for acne and wrinkles and has BEAUTIFUL skin now. I think she still may use it off and on. My skin is smoother, clearer and more radiant. I can almost go without makeup. I did experience redness and peeling the first two weeks, but stuck with it. I will stick with this for years, I hope. BTW, I am 38 y.o. female.
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April 28, 2007

Pros:

After 6 weeks I started to see results. Stops breakouts.

Cons:

It takes a few weeks for the product to start working. If you put too much dryness and peeling of the face.

I never had Acne in high school, I was always clear until I went to college.Then, I started to breakout. I try a lot of over the counter stuff such as the OntheSpotNeutrogena but made it worse. Finally, I went to my doctor and he put me on Retin-A and after 6 weeks my breakouts stopped, but I still got marks from old acne. So I STARTED TO USE PROACTIVE REPAIRING CREAM during the morning after washing my face and at night the Retin-A and MY MARKS FROM OLD ACNE ARE STARTING TO DISSAPPEAR!!!
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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