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
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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February 9, 2007

Pros:

Hardly any breakouts, skin is more smooth, even toned. Scars are seemingly fading away.

Cons:

Flaky skin (but it's winter, so...), a little buring sensation while applying, redness after applying. Don't put it on too close to eyes...they get very itchy.

So far, so good. I've been on this product for 1 month today and although I did break out about a week ago on my right cheek/neck, I've been very happy with it. I can tell an improvement in the smoothness and texture of my skin and a few scars seem much lighter. I am definitley in this for the long-term, especially b/c it will help with wrinkles too!
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February 5, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Side effects

It made my face super red and inflammed. My face was super dry but greasy. it was gross. PLus the ance on my face hurt ten times worse than normal acne. I tried to give it a more than a month but I started to look at pictures i had taken while i was on it and it was 20 times worse then what my acne was to begin with. The embarrassment is not worth it don't bother trying it. Took me 3 months to recover!!
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February 2, 2007

Pros:

This has perfectly cleared up my (mild) acne - my complexion is much more even, marks from old spots are fading quickly, and I very rarely get any new ones at all. When I do they generally fade very quickly.

Cons:

You do get a lot of new spots initially, starting about 10 days into treatment and lasting for most of the 3-weeks - 1 month. About 7 weeks in my skin became terribly dry, so much so that it was worse than any breakout, and no moisturiser would help.

You have to stick with it - I'd attempted to use this stuff in the past, but found the drying-out effect too frustrating and stopped, so it stopped working. This time, when I began to experience the drying, I worried that it was permanent and that blotchy, flaking skin was the price to pay for no new acne. Luckily IT IS NOT PERMANENT - I stopped using retin-a every day on the suffering areas, instead using it every three and now every two days - and started moisturising the affected areas 45 minutes after applying the Retin-A at night. Now although I do have some dry skin it's hardly noticeable and goes away with moisturising. It's worth remembering that slight flakiness is a sign that this stuff is working. I should also say, with regards to the infamous 'initial breakout', that there isn't only one: you continue to get little breakouts, of diminishing seriousness, for a couple months into the treatment. But they're not bad at all, and soon stop. Retin-A works best in the LONG TERM
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January 30, 2007

Pros:

I think it works for any kind of acne...even the non cystic flat inflammatory type which used to plague my cheeks an jawline

Cons:

I couldn't wear my contact lenses because of the dryness. Couldn't work out too much in the gym becuase of joint pain( I had become an aerobic freak...anything to improve my skin)

PLEASE DO NOT DELAY! GET YOURSELF ON THIS NOW! I was in acne agony for 10 years. I never had the cystic, deep types so I thought my acne was never bad enough. But Roaccutane worked for me. Sadly, because I waited so long, I have so many horrible scars. Please don't make the same mistake. Try out other acne treatments for maximum one yr if you've only now started to get acne and then if they don't clear you up at least 90% insist on getting on accutane
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January 24, 2007

Pros:

Definity Works.

Cons:

Flaky skin, Redness, Burning sensation, minor initial breakout

I went on accutane about 3 years ago and it cleared up my moderate acne completely for about 2.5 years. It started coming back mildly about 6 months ago. The derm put me on Retin-a for nite and benzclin for morning. My routine: Morning -- Wash with cetaphil wash, wait 20 minutes, apply benzaclin, after benzacline is totally absorbed into my skin, I apply cetaphil moisturizer. Night - Wash with cetaphil wash, wait 20 min, apply retin-A (about a pea size to cover whole face) -I have done this religously for the last month and a half and it has worked wonders. I currently have no pimples and it has cleared up all former scars almost completely. Hopefully this helps, good luck.
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

I can't recall any

Cons:

Made my acne sooo much worse... yet not better

I had moderate acne and my derm put me on Retin-A. She warned me that my acne would get worse, and then better. So, I used Retin-A every night for a month, and I saw nothing. FINALLY after a month, my acne started to get worse, so I was excited that it would get better soon. Every morning I would wake up and my acne would be worse and worse: redness, huge zits forming, soo flaky, and embarassing. The problem? My acne never got better after it got worse! I went back to my derm and she said my acne got so bad she would consider Accutane. I DO NOT RECCOMEND RETIN-A.
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

I have been breaking out since I was 13, and I am 24 now. I used this when I was in high school and never used it everyday like required. Now that I use it every night I don't have any acne problem at all. (knock on wood)

Cons:

The initial breakout sucks, but you can handle it. I'd rather have a short period of time breaking out, instead of over 10 years of breaking out from not using this product on a nightly basis.

The only reason I went to this website is to let people know to stick with using this on a regular basis. Whatever instructions are given by this medication and by your dermatologist LISTEN. I could have stopped acne in it's tracks years ago if I would have just followed the directions, and not freaked out when I started the initial break out. People compliment my skin all of the time, and I love my skin as well for the first time in years!!!!!! I do take Yasmin, and use only Cetaphil and Neutrogena products.
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January 19, 2007

Pros:

I had REALLY severe acne just a few months ago. I have been on this medication for 4 months, and now I don't have acne anymore. I haven't had a cystic lesion for 3 months (yes I'm counting) and it feels great. It also has reduced my acne scars.

Cons:

Breaking out for the first few weeks.

This product is really superb. I literally have tried everything on the market today and nothing has worked. My acne is gone and now I have the baby skin that i have always wanted. I know that the first few weeks of breaking out sounds scary, but really, it's for a good cause: to have awesome skin. PLEASE consider using this product because it is really worth the time and money.
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January 16, 2007

Pros:

Controls my acne incredibly well (havent broken out for two years) and slows down the aging of the skin

Cons:

Broke out for 5 months straight before it started working. But if you keep with it, it WILL work. I still peel more then anybody I know, but a good moisturizer helps this

This is not just an acne medication. It slows down aging, and reverses photoaging. I figure if I don't stop using retina micro, in 50 years I will like 20 years younger then everybody else because I will have been using retin-a for 50 years. So stick with it for 6 months, and when all your friends start getting wrinkles, you will thank me.
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January 14, 2007

Pros:

works

Cons:

same effect as differin, but with more redness and burning

I stepped up to Retin A after using differin for a few months, hoping to see more results. But even though my acne didn't get any worse, I had to deal with a red, painful face which was never an issue for me when I was on differin. After using Retin A for 2 months, I realised it was getting me nowhere and gave my face a medication break for 2 weeks, using only manuka honey as a face mask ( I really recommend this). Then I went back on differin and my face improved. I have recently found out about LIZ Earle organic face products' manuka honey face mask and together with differin ( and loads of aerobic exercise in the gym), my skin has never been better.
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6 user(s) found this helpful

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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