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
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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July 11, 2008

Pros:

Softer, younger looking skin. Fading acne scars.

Cons:

Severe outbreaks, super sensitive skin, peeling, flaking, irritation.

I've only been using this product for a week but after the first "big reveal" aka peeling took place, my skin underneath was softer and the scars were a lot less noticable. I've been breaking out a lot more but that's to be expected. I am just hoping my face starts clearing up soon.
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July 7, 2008

Pros:

I did not really experience any good things from Retin-A

Cons:

Face gets really red In the first 2 weeks face gets overly dry and peels. I have used it for about 3 and a 1/2 months and my face hasnt changed, if anything the complexion looks worse because of the redness

It might work for some people but it does not work for me
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June 9, 2008

Pros:

Works quickly on individual spots, if left over-night. Smoother skin.

Cons:

Highly erratic. Severe 'initial' breakout' which leaves you with scars and red marks. Makes skin red, raw and sensitive, so even if it does eventually clear your acne - you are left with a nasty complexion.

I've been on Retin-A for 3 months now, and It has been a painful and depressing journey. I can honestly say, it is one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made. Seeing success stories has motivated me to continue putting this stuff on my face, but it has destroyed my once mildly clear skin and given me cystic acne, when I have never had it before. The "it gets worse before it gets better" was rubbish in my case, as the Retin-A caused so much acne to surface.. there was no way Retin-A would be able to clear up both the spots IT CAUSED and my original acne. Some people are willing to go through 6 months of the destruction Retin-A causes, but in this modern society it is primitive to think that a drug can make your condition worse for 6 months before it starts to heal it, IF it heals it at all. It may have just been my skin not reacting well to Retin-A, but I would never use this stuff again!
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May 30, 2008

Pros:

nothing.

Cons:

breakout and BREAKOUT ALL THE TIME.
you get so dry and so embarassed

i had awful acne all over my face and that daem cream made my face 150%worse in 3 days!!!! i am in such a bad condition that i m afraid to go to school.i hope jojoba oil and zinc supplements will work as my new cure. don't buy tretinoin really.don't waste your valuable time by waiting that hell to work
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May 27, 2008

Pros:

Smooth skin, evens out skin tone, pimples last only 3-4 days

Cons:

Leaves scars, flaky skin, LOTS of redness, gets worse before it gets better, seems to increase oil production

I used 0.025% cream for about a month, then switched to 0.05%, and then 0.1% for the last month. Before I used this product, I had mild acne, but wanted to get rid of it, so I was prescribed this. After taking it for a few weeks, I started getting all these whiteheads on my cheeks and forehead--basically everywhere. Now I have moderate acne, and am left with scars from previous breakouts. There were some days I'd see improvements, and other where my skin looked terrible. The positive things though are that it has made my skin smoother (aside from the bumpiness I feel from all the whiteheads) and has evened out my skin tone. With this product, though, the negatives outwiegh the positives. I now have acne where I've never had it before. When using this, my cheeks and forehead were always brihgt red--especially when I was embarassed, which just made it worse. When I stopped using it for a few days, the redness subsided. I am now switching to Accutane.
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

cheap if you have insurance, 20 dollars a tube

Cons:

made skin oily, greasy, more acne

i felt slimy wearing this stuff to bed, and dirty.
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

More break outs. Scarring. On my 9th week still no sign of improvement.

I occasionally had two or less pimples at a time. Ever since I started using tretnoin 0.025% it has slowly jumped to 15-20. Both sides of my face are covered with scars, which weren't there before I started using this product. Im probably going to stick with this product for another month and see if anything changes.
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

I'm on week 11 and parts of my face has cleared up faster than other

Cons:

Takes very long, requires tremendous patience and committment

I'm in my early 20s, began having whitehead problems 6 months ago, went to derm in late Feb and been using Retin-A (along with benzaclin in am) since. It does take a long time to work. The purging process is on and off and scattered, never all at once, which is both good and bad (takes long time, yet allow it to be somewhat managable). My cheeks has on most part improved significantly, but my chin area and jaw line is just starting to purge...so whiteheads are still coming out. I'm on week 11 now...and I guess just keep at it. A tip...after washing your face at night..moisturize your face and wait 20-30 minutes before applying the retin-A. This will help with the peeling and dryness tremendous by the time you wake up, which is inevitable.
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May 1, 2008

Pros:

cheap, helps oiliness

Cons:

thinned my skin permanently

only used the 0.025%...TERRIBLE stuff..it GAVE me pores all over my face and a bunch of pitted scars where i wasnt even breaking out...i never got any initial breakout from it but it's made my face look ray liotta's now. my advice is don't keep using it if you see it scarring your face.
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April 11, 2008

Pros:

clears skin, it is a wrinkle fighter.

Cons:

Makes you really sensitive to the sun, amazingly sensitive, i always look like i was in the sun too much, and i had discontinued it for a long time ago. because it makes you red and pinky type of skin.

I was in a treatment for about 4 months, then i stop for a week and then started using it again, it did cleared me up, then i took creatine and i was breaking out again, so i continued to use it, but it just make me so sensitive i got tired of it, bottom line, use as little as possible, keep away from this medication, you cant go outside play in the sun for a few hours without sunscreen, you are always going to be red, not worth it.
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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