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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September 23, 2009

Pros:

Makes acne go away faster

Cons:

- Even though it gets rid of pimples faster, new ones seem to pop right back up.
- Dries out/irritates skin

I've used this product for a year and a half and my acne has been the exact same ever since. My dermatologist prescribed it for me, as well as many other products. It's all a scam in my opinion, they just want you to blow your money on stuff that doesnt work and for you to keep visiting them.
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September 19, 2009

Pros:

Slightly faded some marks left from other acne products.

Cons:

Makes acne worst. Dries and causes peeling in the skin. It also allows the pigmentation of your fae to get darker unless you use a moisterizer with SPF 40 by neutrogena. The pimples, nodules get bigger and gradually take a very long time to shrink.

I have been using the product for 4 weeks now and it causes my skin to peel and dry out it also creates more pimples and painful nodules underneath the skin that don't go away. ( it been 4 weeks and its still on my face along with some other new ones). Don't get it you will be very disappointed you wasted your time, money and energy on a product that boost your confidence even lower.
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

None YET. But if my doctor dad and a lot of people oboard are to be believed, then I guess it should clear up the skin.

Cons:

I'm red all over. My skin (usually never sensitive) hurts to the touch now. My problem areas are RED and full of pimples. I'm anxious, depressed, and crying.

I'm not used to being "ugly"; just before the summer of my high school freshmen year, I had smooth skin. I started getting ovulatory periods then, and broke out quite a bit. I had mild/moderate acne (whiteheads and papules) related to my bitch period (breakouts during ovulation). I also scarred (not deep ones, just dark spots that usually fade after 4-6 months). Neotrogena Clear Pore was working (just not on the scars) but it couldn't stop the monthly breakout. So I started using tretinoin 0.05% last week and my skin is a mess. Areas around my mouth and nose are RED and PAINFUL. My previously problematic areas (cheeks) are flaring with new pimples. I just finished crying. I know this is the initial purging but I feel like I do not have the strength to deal with it if it is supposed to get even worse. My friend's sweet sixteen is in two weeks and I don't wanna look like a monster there. I'm not sure I can take a worse form of breakouts for THREE WHOLE MONTHS!
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June 20, 2009

Pros:

Cleared acne, left a glowing tone, even tone, and if acne ever came back it would leave immediately.

Cons:

Blotchy skin intially, spots, and peeling skin

I dont remember my intial experience with skin peeling and having another break out situation; but, when I stopped using it (after 3 months) and allowed my skin to heal for a week it looked wonderful. Im actually having a bad case of acne again (which is light to moderate) and I am going to try it again and let you know what happens.
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

Pretty cheap and easy to apply.

Cons:

Bad breakouts, it made me sun sensitive, takes a long time to "work", and dry skin.

I would not recommend this, I used it for non-inflamed mild acne and now my acne is moderate to severe I actually got cysts while on this medication! I kept waiting and waiting for three months for this stuff to work but it never did. My acne got so bad I was put on accutane. Your derm may trick you into using this but do not unless you want your acne to get worse.
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April 30, 2009

Pros:

well i havnt seen any difference yet. but i only started like 4 days ago.

Cons:

Dry.

hope it gonna work!
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

Makes skin even toned and works consistent

Cons:

Inital period of breakout, peeling and overdryness

I've used this for 2 weeks and I can see pretty good improvements. It made me breakout in the first week with many small inflamed zits, but starting the 2nd week my face is starting to clear up. Since the second week, I've havn't had any new pimples yet. My derm. told me to apply this only at night and thats what I did. After I use it at night, I mix some jojoba oil w/ my moisterizer and it really fights against the flakyness and overdrying effects of tretinoin. If this product keeps on working, then I should get clear pretty soon!
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March 20, 2009

Pros:

made skin softer, smoother, pores look smaller, helped breakouts

Cons:

skin peels a bit (especially during cold, dry Iowa winters)

This is the only topical medicine I have ever used that helped to prevent some pimples forming. It also helped my skin look smoother, and the pimples I did get seemed to heal faster. It was a definite improvement, but my skin was still not completely clear which is what I wanted. So now I am experimenting with other medications to see what works for me. All meds work differently for different people. I'd recommend this to anyone, since there are no serious side effects and it does help acne. So give it a try!
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March 16, 2009

Pros:

Helps acne a little.

Cons:

Made my skin so dry that my whole face was flaking uncontrollably. NO LOTION WORKED. I tried many! I had to discontinue using it, and it took about 8 days to stop being flaky! I applied lotion multiple times a day and it didn't work.

Exfoliating didn't even help. Makes the skin too dry.
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February 23, 2009

Pros:

seems to be clearing up acne fast. Starting to fade old scars.

Cons:

peeling...a little painful...

i've been using retin a for the past 4 days...i think it's a little too early to judge but in the past 4 days my skin has gotten much better...atleast no more larger than life pimples. My skin is extremely dry though...that's probably because i used it every single day. I'm also taking doryx and applying duac as part of this treatment...i'm a little worried after reading all the reviews...i dont know how it'll be in the next few weeks...hopefully i donthave to go through the initial breakouts. I had pretty bad acne...a few cystic ones...a lot of scars...but now the scars have started to fade....i'll keep with it until all of it is gone.
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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