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
January 16, 2009

Pros:

Clears my acne pretty well does amazing job drying up your face.

Cons:

I brooke out in these weird hive things that are totally descutsting. this is an embaressment. i felt like skipping school today but i couldn't. i do not think you should use this medicine it is plane horriable.

yeah your acne goes away but the descusting rashes come out. it is not worth the pain! do NOT use this medicine you pay to get yours face messed up worce then it was before!
January 13, 2009

Pros:

THE PRODUCT WORKS BUT I PERSONALLY HAD TO EXPERIENCE HORRENDOUS BREAKOUTS FOR 0VER 6 MONTHS

Cons:

IRRITATES SKIN, SUN SENSITIVITY, PEELING, VERY SLOW TO RESPOND

RETIN-A WORKS BUT IT TAKES FOREVER TO WORK, NO TO MENTION THE HUGE VOLCANOES THAT WILL DEVOUR YOUR FACE FOR THE FIRST 2 MONTHS .....IT BROKE MY SPIRIT EVEN MORE AND NEVER REBUILD IT BACK UP ....BOTTOM LINE AFTER 6 MONTHS I QUIT AND SAW LITTLE OR NO RESULTS ....IN FACT IT MADE MY SCARRING PROBLEMS WORSE ....I AM TERRIFIED OF RETIN-A N AND WOULD MUCH RATHER STAY WERE IM AT THAN MESS WIT THAT DIABOLIC CREAM AGAIN !!!!!!
December 29, 2008

Pros:

it works
easy to apply

Cons:

redness
dry, peeling skin

I've been using it on my chin and nose for about a month and I have had only three new pimples on my chin and they were very small. Although my skin became very dry it was nothing cetaphil face lotion couldn't handle. it is also doing an amazing job at fading red spots. i think its worth a chance to see if its for you but give it time. I use it every night too which might be why my skin got red and dry like it did. good luck
November 18, 2008

Pros:

Retin A .1 cream My severe acne is going away!! My wrinkles are decreasing. Even my pores are smaller.

Cons:

A little dry. Nothing lots of moisturizer can't cure.

Don't start at .1. Use Retin A micro first. I'm also on Murad sensitive line and Kinerase moisturizer. Try speronolactone and the pill if you have hormone problems. Good luck !
October 31, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

It first dried out my whole face, then the I got more acne-pus filled everyone on my face-mostly on the parts that i did not have acne. My face is one-hundred times worse!!!!!!! I dont know what to do now--I regret using tretinoin.

Do not use this medicine!!!
October 25, 2008

Pros:

Pimples seem to go away faster. Makes skin soft.

Cons:

Starting to peel really bad on chin. Seems to be getting worse.(Hopefully that means it is working.)

Ihave been struggling with acne for about 4 years. It has really chipped away at my self confidence level to where I hate going out in public. I tried Proactiv and my skin really satrted to heal ablut the second month of using it. Around the sixth month though my acne got just really bad. I also got a chemical peel from the benzoyl peroxide in Proactiv. My dermatologist prescribed me Retina Micro and the Doryx tablets. I have been on them both for about three weeks. I am experiencing some peeling and burning, but not to extreme. I have also been having quite a few breakouts lately, but I am hoping it gets better soon!! But also I have an idea. Anyone who reads this review should say a quick little prayer for everyone that has acne and that it clears. Just imagine what that could possible do. They say your prayers are stronger in numbers.
September 18, 2008

Pros:

Fast results within 3 weeks of proper use.
Gets rid of those pimples you cant see,but feel.

Cons:

Face got super oily and sensative.
Face hurt when i applied my mineral foindation.

I was recommended Tretinoin Cream 0.05% by my dermatologist along with Clindamycin Phosphate Gel 1% & Doxyclycline Hyclate Tablets. This product is AMAZING ive suffered with acne for 5 years. And this product started to work whithin 3 WEEKS! ...I was beyond excited. Even though i got oilier than ever it still worked. Its amazing but you have to be patient and let it do its job. Its the greatest feeling when your skin is one less thing to worry about. Give it a try!
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. :)
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.
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

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.