Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

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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4
32%
3
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2
14.9%
1
9.4%

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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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December 17, 2007

Pros:

clears up the skin inside-out. the initial breakout scars are getting lighter every day. Even the pitted scars have evened out.for ppl who say it does not work, u r not using it right..analyse ur skin in 6-week cycles.ur skin needs 3 six-week cycles

Cons:

initial breakout is scary..went into a serious depression...u really have to be brave to try this treatment..1st 6 weeks will be worst. i noticed improvement only by 7th week..

thanks Dan for starting this forum coz i wud have definitely discontinued using this product had i not read encouraging reviews from the rest of the people. it works...slowly but surely..it ok to give a break for 1 or 2 days if side effects are bad. worst still, pimples resulting from retin-A were huge, red, and with pus. It was painful and scary to look in the mirror. Its very important to be gentle with ur skin wen u use this product. do not rub, scrub, or exfoliate wen u r still breaking out. i use cetaphil gentle cleanser and wait for 30 mins before applying retin-A .025% cream. I have upped it to .05% cream after 8 weeks...i also use cetaphil moisturiser everyday because my skin starting feeling very dry. I also use fresh aloe from the plant before applying the mosituriser because the acne scars heal faster. I also meditated because it helps heal internally..try practising 'pranayam'(google "divyayoga")..its ben 9 weeks n i have not a single zit..only some marks and blackheads
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December 16, 2007

Pros:

New layer of skin formed everyday from flakiness

Cons:

Too many to list a few are, doesnt help acne, makes skin extremely sensitive to light, drys skin, flaky, red, and more pimples

Didnt work for me, i hope it will work for you!
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September 24, 2007

Pros:

None yet.

Cons:

Breaking our worse, itchy skin, flaky skin, feels like a really bad sun burn

I've only been using it for 20 days but I'm only seeing things get worse. ANd the burning and peeling is terrible!
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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