Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1969 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Works about the same as the other two topical retinoids, tazarotene and adapalene, and lands in the middle of those two when it comes to side effects. Should provide partial clearing, but comes with sensitivity when you first start using it. It probably won’t be a total game changer but it should help reduce acne.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 10, 2009

Pros:

Helps fade dark spots

Cons:

Even on very oily skin such as mine I still experienced extreme dryness and peeling. I also developed acne in places i had never had it before (chin and around nose).

The dark spots i had on my skin prior to using this product have been clearing up. But now I have new ones due to the new breakouts (and me picking) and I am very self-conscious. Hopefully these will clear with time. Moisturizer with suncreen is a must throughout the day unless you enjoy walking around looking like a scaly mess.
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October 9, 2009

Pros:

I can tell that some scars are fading and the redness is much less severe.

Cons:

It's hard to be patient... i've been using it for almost 4 weeks.

The jury is still out. From what i've heard it takes several months for the medication to work. I feel like it is slowly improving. I am going to stick with it because i am experiencing all the symptoms everyone talks about. In the first few weeks your skin seems to get worse... hopefully i will experience the benefits after a few more weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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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!
October 2, 2009

Pros:

Face is clearing up, not fiully, still a little scarring/darker spots from past acne, but havnt had and cysic acne since i started using it almost a month ago.

Cons:

At first it dries your face A LOT so dr recomended using it once every 3 days for a week then 1 every two days for a week then everyday for the rest to avoid the extra dryness. also it seemed like it stopped working but i just kept with it

This product is not a strong acne medication but it works without all the scary side effects. if you are using this i recommend that to get rid of acne, oilyness, blackheads, etc, wash your face day and night with a simple bar soap (I used a regular Dove Bar Soap), and dry face, at night apply the cream and try not to use any moisturizer. I use Olay classic fragrence but i only used it probably three times because it seems like it causes breakouts. I say avoid moisturizer and avoid special facewash because all the chemicals in the wash is just going to cause more breakouts. Also you should visit your dr they will prob recommend you to take a light antibiotic like i did and they wont ask a ton of questions and its safe the one i have doesnt have any side effects which is nice.
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October 1, 2009

Pros:

This cream works very well on my acne for few 2 weeks,it really clear-up my scar (minimize) and help in exfoliating.

Cons:

The cream has make my face even worst after the 2 weeks it drawbacks itching,stinging,scaling, and anything that make your face turn to cystic type.

Now my face are worsen from day to day. It does not make any diff but only cause harm than good. It's not suitable for most people as it contains very strong peeling agent that scarring your face. now that I have very low self-esteem caused of this product. I will never use it again.
September 24, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared acne on my cheeks, parts of my forehead, chin, sides of mouth. Effectively working on other parts of face. Skin looks less damaged. Really brought out those black heads that are so deep in my skin.

Cons:

Dryness, peeling. I don't mind much; as long as it's working.

It works. It works. It works. It works. Please, try this. At least once. It seems to make things worse at first, but keep going and don't stop. I have only been using this stuff for a month, and I'm already seeing a big difference. I'm really excited to see if it can clear up the sides of my face, around my temples and jawline. It's the worst around there. If it can do that, then it's the best thing that has ever happened for my acne. I use this, and wash my face with PanOxyl, and use a light-weight moisturizer. I'm very happy with the results I have, and with further use I hope to have a clear face by December. :D
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September 23, 2009

Pros:

Makes acne go away faster

Cons:

- Even though it gets rid of pimples faster, new ones seem to pop right back up.
- Dries out/irritates skin

I've used this product for a year and a half and my acne has been the exact same ever since. My dermatologist prescribed it for me, as well as many other products. It's all a scam in my opinion, they just want you to blow your money on stuff that doesnt work and for you to keep visiting them.
September 19, 2009

Pros:

Haven't seen any yet.

Cons:

Hasn't started to work yet after three weeks. All it has done for my skin has made it very oily through the night and then in the morning after I wash it it becomes dry and peels when I want to but my makeup on.

I hope it starts to work I will keep on trying.
September 17, 2009

Pros:

See the blackheads and whiteheads pushing themselves toward the surface of the skin.

Cons:

I have mild eczema thus the Retin A has somewhat provoked the irritation already there, leaving it more red and a little dry. Initial breakout now occuring as I'm only on my second week of using it.

I went to the dermatologist 3 weeks ago, and as I only have mild acne, mostly comprising of blackheads and whiteheads across the chin and nose area, the derm suggested I use this. I worked up the dosage of it, so that I had no major reaction to it, other than the expected dryness etc. Because I've only properly been using it 3 weeks, the initial breakout has commenced- joy of joys. However looking at the above comments it seems to be the norm, and most of you have said it has worked wonders, particularly after the third week of using it. I start uni in London on Saturday (two days away) so unfortunately I will not have the skin I wanted for that. However I'm really really hoping this stuff works. I suppose I can't expect it to work any faster than it is, so fingers crossed ey!
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September 14, 2009

Pros:

Takes a few weeks to start working, but once it starts it works pretty well.

Cons:

Eventualy stops working and it makes skin very dry and sensitive.

If you have mild acne I say go for it, anything more than that I don't think its worth the aggrivation.

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.

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.