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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April 16, 2007
Fantastic results. I have had acne and am now at an age where some wrinkles are developing too. My skin hasn't looked this good in 10 years. I did not have the burning or drying side effects many have discussed on this forum because I think my derm has a winning routine. 1.) in the morning cleanse with a mild product like Cetaphil. Wait 20 minutes and then apply this great product called AQUA GLYCOLIC. It moisturizes and sloughs off the dead skin. Your skin will feel fantastic. I also use a mild moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. 2.) p.m. routine is to cleanse with the Cetaphil and then wait 20 minutes before applying retin a. 3.) After you wait apply a nice moisturizer like Oil of olay (nothing fancy) 4.) If you are having dryness or some wrinkles around your eyes apply Stri vectin eye cream. This routine has changed my skin completely. I think I have a good combination of products and the Aquaglycolic product is really a fantastic addition
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April 14, 2007

Pros:

dont know yet...

Cons:

it makes you break up a lot so be WARNED!!!!!

well I've been using this product for about 2 months and I still break out a lot, I used it w/ clindamicin in the morning and minocycline twice a day but so far I see way more pimples, my face look terrible and I dont really want to quit yet. Should I give it more time????
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April 12, 2007

Pros:

Clears up acne, dries out whiteheads

Cons:

Takes months to see results, doesn't eliminate acne scars, makes skin super-sensitive to UV rays so always wear a sunscreen when going outside.

Never had acne as a young teenager, then as soon as I turned 18, I began to get moderate acne. I tried EVERY SINGLE over-the-counter product out there (from Neutrogena, Clearsil, Cetaphil, etc, to Proactiv, to some generic products - trust me I have tried over 87 products over the course of 1.5 years) I couldn't take the continued break outs, so my derm put me on Retin-A Micro (Purple Pump) and Duac topical gel (BP) as well as some anti-biotic oral meds. After about 2 months, I am finally seeing results. My acne is clearning up but the scarring is still showing a bit, but not horribly. I'm fairly happy with the results I am finally having but it's still not 100% clear. I give a neutral recommendation for this product because of how long it takes to see results.
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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 11, 2007

Pros:

I notice that 2 red spots have 10-15% faded. Still wait and see further results.

Cons:

I have not experienced any peeling or exfoliation yet. Don't know why. I feel like my lips are dry.

I have just been on applying Retin-A for only 2 weeks on dermatologist's recommendation. A month from now, I'll give you guys another review on how much it works on scars. Luckily I am in Thailand where standard acne drugs and treatment prices are very reasonable.
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April 10, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

made me breakout for several months w/ big cysts; skin was still oily; scars still present even while using hydroquinone along w/ it; acne never cleared

It was def. the worst product for me; it worked for the first week or 2 and I was excited but then I started getting cysts all over and that did not stop for many months; a lot of my pitted scars were from using this and it has been about 4/5 yrs; I used the .1% kind as well; it may work for some people but I also had the same reaction w/ Differin so I guess topical retinoids just don't work well for me
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April 9, 2007

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

I think I'm breaking out a bit more

I did not break out like most teenagers, and as soon as I turned 18, I started getting little pimples here and there. Still, I do not have much to complain about. Based on your posts, it seems like folks have been using tretonin every night. I was told to use it every other night... I think I will stick with it because it seems to be the only product on the market left for me to try. Proactive did not to the job and over-the-counter products have failed as well. Also, my acne is not nearly severe enough to try accutane; my derm won't prescribe it for me.
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April 9, 2007

Pros:

It does work.It will stop break outs.Dries out white heads to prevent you from popping them.

Cons:

intense dryness of skin. It does create a shiny effect.

Ive been using tretinoin for about 2-3 years now, and i have kept it around. Whenever i have a crazy breakout, i use tretinoin to clear it all up. Im using 0.1% which is a lot stronger than what most ppl are using. But it works.I've learned how to apply it correctly, and what it basically does is lift an entire layer of skin off of your face and will keep doing it. Its drying affect is good b/c it stops anything from forming on your face, even white heads, which are hard to stop. My advice on using this product is apply a thin mask of it on your face, not just on the pimples. Use it for at least 5 days straight and then let your face rest for a couple of days, soon it will take its ultimate effect. Yes intense drying will occur, but existing blemishes will stop their inflammation and depreciate. After the pimples have gone you'll prob have red spots so then use a skin renewing product to to heal the new skin (shiny skin). Wash with oil-free Neutrogena before using Trust Me
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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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April 1, 2007

Pros:

works extremely well for scar-less acne that are mild and or severe; results visible in 4 to 5 months

Cons:

temperorily works for treating atrophic/icepick scarring by increasing collagen and tightning the skin; doesnot provide a permanent solution to scarring

after taking accutane my skin became extra sensitive; even a small pimple would leave a mark. Overtime, these marks, later classifed as ice pick scars increased and soon covered the upper part of both of my cheeks. derm put me on 0.025% retin and within 3 weeks, my skin became extremely firm and ofcourse very rosy. This was apparently due to increase of collagen, which gives makes your skin firm and tight. So I continued using it for a good 4 months, but gradually its effects subsides as your skin becomes 'used' to it and I have noticed that the 'firmness' and 'tightness' in the skin is replaced by flakiness and blotichness. this makes the texture of the skin look horrible because all of a sudden your scarring looks so widespread. So I am not sure what the next step is from here, but one option is to increase its strength. One thing is though that while on retin-a treatment there are absolutely no acne breakouts. I took it to treat my scars and have so far not been successful.
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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