Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 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
December 5, 2007

Pros:

cleared blackheads

Cons:

i would never recommend this for someone with existing acne. it really only makes matters worse.

i may have been applying it wrong, but i am not happy with the outcome. my acne is the worst it has ever been in my life after using tretinoin gel. my acne usually was just at the surface of my skin, but now it is deep in my pores.
November 6, 2007

Pros:

Easy to use w/ tremendous results! Results for me were unbelievable... Very soft skin and ZERO breakouts after over 6 years of acne that wouldn't quit!

Cons:

Stings upon initial use. Acne gets worse before it gets better, but trust that your skin WILL improve. The final results are more than worth it.

I am a 26 y/o woman who never had a single pimple in high school. For the past 6 years, however, I have suffered w/ moderate cystic acne. I tried everything... Proactiv, Murad, Minocycline, and several other topical acne medications. NOTHING WORKED! The acne was effecting my self esteem- I found a new dermatologist who prescribed me w/ Bactrim and Retin-A Micro... the results are amazing. After 2 months I have clear skin for the first time in over 5 years. I swear by this product- I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. Initially the cream caused a burning sensation and slight peeling of the skin. I recommend Origins 'Checks & Balances' face wash and a good moisturizer. I only use the Retin-A at night and normally put a bit of moisturizer on my face before the gel, which minimizes irritation. Bottom line- this product is a MIRACLE!!!!
June 30, 2007

Pros:

um i really didnt see that much i think it can help reduce the size of horrible pimples but not by that much

Cons:

it did make my face really oily and gave it read marks after i used it over night

i didnt like it wasnt worth it tho maybe its only for somepeople becuase a few frends i know say retin a worked for them
June 14, 2007

Cons:

Dryness,Flaking,Peeling,EXTRA tight skin,Burns,Takes too long..

It drys my skin sooo much to the point it is tight to where i can barely move it..and i have oily skin..so i don't use moisterizer...it takes about an hour for my face to naturally create more oils to rehydrate my skin...but it flakes...and it hurts...The 20-30 minutes of waiting for your face to dry is annoying...i haven't been using it long enough to recommend it..but Im hoping it will work...so i will say yea...
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
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.
May 30, 2013
Didnt do anything...

Pros:

Makes skin shiny/glossy
Cheap
Helps with Hyperpigmentation

Cons:

Did not work

This product did not do anything for my skin. I guess it was like putting on lotion or something, because this made your skin shiny and a bit moisturized. My hyperpigmentation improved a little. My mom likes this product, because she says its helps get rid of hyperpigmentation and helps with wrinkles. This product did not harm nor benefit my skin. This did not work for my acne. It did not solve my problem at all
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.
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
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.

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.