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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3.4
1941
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
21.8%
4
32.3%
3
21.6%
2
14.8%
1
9.4%

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August 8, 2008

Pros:

Not too expensive.

Cons:

First month is dry and irritated.

I have used many different creams and prescriptions. Some worked really well, but then would become immune to my skin. I recently got Retina-A and wasn't too sure about it. For the first month, it made me break out, and made my skin burn, get really dry, red and irritated. But that's only because it's cleansing your pores, and at the same time making the top layer of your skin peel off. Or something along those lines. I kept using it thinking that I had nothing to lose. Every week after the first month a part of my face gets really smooth and clear. I have something come up every now and again, but it's definitely worth it. I read reviews on this when I was mad about my skin getting irritated and didn't believe them, but now i'm actually writing one myself. Being patient is definitely worth it. :)
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August 6, 2008

Pros:

People say it'll work.

Cons:

The burning is not my concern, but the flaking and redness of the skin are my main concerns. My skin is noticeably worse and makes me feel terrible. Makeup doesn't completely cover it up and might make it look worse if you're flaking.

I'm 23 years old and have never had a problem with my skin. I recently started getting very unnoticeable small bumps on my forehead and the doctor told me I had acne. Up until the day before taking my prescription, I was commented on how great my skin was, but I wanted to make it perfect. I've only been using this product for a week, but I thought I'd contribute to the reviews to let you all know to expect the same results as everyone else. My skin is definitely worse, very red, waxy/unhealthy looking, a lot more sensitive (and I don't go out in the sun), and is often flaking off. I read these reviews and did expect these results, so I intend to stick with this product for the recommended 6-8 weeks and will continue to update my progress. So far, it's doing what I expected and can only hope for the perfect skin I am looking for. As difficult as it might be to see your skin worsen, definitely stick with it because I have a feeling it'll definitely work.
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June 26, 2008

Pros:

- no more pimples
- scars just peel off

Cons:

- takes a while to work
- on the second day my face looked extremley red, and was peeling, even 20 seconds after a face wash my face felt coarse, dry, and VERY VERY VERY TIGHT. skin looked OILIER. horrible
- peeling takes ages to heal

i got a diffuse REDNESS ALL OVER MY FACE no matter how little i used. now my face is starting to look brown and peeling, horrible. all rough and coarse and shiny. sooooo horrible, esp when i think of how SMOOOOOOTH my cheeks and forehead used to be. stick with benzoyl peroxide unless u have REALLY REALLY BAD ACNE. u will regret usng retin-a, it only sounds good but it KILLS UR FACE AHHHHHHHHGGGHH
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June 19, 2008
Just started using it a few days ago, haven't got any dryness, flaky, or redness happening to my skin, was wondering how long it took for effects like that to happen. I know it takes weeks to clear up acne.
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May 1, 2008

Pros:

Acne is seriously clearing up! Hurray!

Cons:

Peeling, but nothing too bad.

So, my doctor prescribed it and I went on here, read the reviews and freaked out thinking that I would go through a horrible breakout... I'm about three weeks into it now and, well... nothing except a bit of peeling around the areas I apply it but nothing too bad. I wasn't going to post a review until I'd tried it out for a few months, but I thought I'd let people with mild acne know that the breakout depends on how bad your acne is. I had one or two pimples but they went away quickly.
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April 10, 2008

Pros:

Helps clear skin

Cons:

makes skin tight and dry

I used this stuff for probably two years -it's better than doing nothing. I finally gave up using Retin-A and started using Dan's BP and now my skin is perfect.
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March 29, 2008

Pros:

pretty much none

Cons:

it doesn't work for me and i've been on it for like 1.5 years.

i honestly put all of the stuff on with it for 2 straight weeks and it didn't improve at all. it's worthless
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March 11, 2008

Pros:

clears pimple really well

Cons:

takes weeks. skin gets worse first. doesn't seem to clear blackheads. leaves red after-marks (that fade). have to use at night. dries A LOT at first, so you HAVE to use moisturizer.

Works pretty well, and if your insurance covers it, it's free. definitely worth the trouble in the beginning, but not for everyone. If you have dry skin, definitely don't use. Normal, get a REALLY good moisturizer. Oily, totally worth it, but you should get a light moisturizer. Combo, don't use on the dry areas of your skin (e.g, corners of nose, around mouth.) I LIKE IT! haha
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March 10, 2008

Pros:

Pros? Can't think of any. I've been on the generic for Retin A for 6 weeks now and my face looks awful... I keep waiting for it to look better, but it just doesn't seem to be happening. Should I still give it time? I'm embarrased and depressed.

Cons:

Didn't work for me. Red, flaky skin and more acne.

I guess it works for some and not others. Now I'm stuck with...what do I do next? Help.
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January 19, 2008

Pros:

it can clear ur skin and make it much much better

Cons:

this is quite rare, and usually will do f**k all.

i'd give it a try, but dnt get ur hopes up, but if it does end up working for u then it'll do wonders. prescription drugs dont seem to work very well, i'd suggest just figuring out what ur skin is like, and which products to use. and don't eat chocolate, ice scream doughnuts etc, they DO give u spots, regardless of what this website says, tests show it does, they just cant figure out why, so they conclusion is it doesnt. weed will also do it to
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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