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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5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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December 21, 2006

Pros:

It was affordable.

Cons:

The initial breakout was terrible. It did not work.

I am 15 years old and I have very moderate acne, a one to three big spots a month or so. My main problem was the scarring my acne caused, mostly dark spots that last a few months to a year. I also had very oily skin. The initial breakout I experienced was awful. I got acne all over my cheeks (where I NEVER used to get it) that left marks. After more than a year, they have not disappeared completely. This stuff took about 2 months to work, and after those 2 months, my acne subsided and my pimples were smaller and dryer (?) than before (meaning whiteheads weren't as severe). This left my skin extremely dry and flaky. It doesn't feel heavy or filmy after application, though.
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December 20, 2006

Pros:

Did not help much at all. My skin is just as bad as it was before I started the medication.

Cons:

The inital flareup was very severe. Although I have 'recovered' from that flareup, my acne condition is not any different to that before the treatment.

If after the inital outbreak I would recover with nice skin, it would have been worth it. However, this has not been the case, and so I dont know why I went through this long dreadful process. I think this medication doesnt work equally well on every person. You will neeed to have the right skin of type in order for this Retin-A work. I think I will switch to something else soon.
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December 7, 2006

Pros:

Got rid of acne very effectively

Cons:

Somewhat dried out my skin and it made my skin red on my cheeks.
Also it made me look washed out except for the redness.

I would use this product if you want to get rid of your acne effectivley. It definetely works. But it is not the greatest on your skin. It will discolor it and make ir red and washed out.
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December 6, 2006

Pros:

Works somewhat for shallow rolling scars.

Cons:

None

Been using it now for 9 months on shallow rolling (soft edged) scars. Seems to plump up the scarred skin, reducing the crappy uneven shadows seen in certain lighting. I guess this makes sense because Retin-A has been proven to reduce wrinkles by increasing collagen. Using the .05% for now.
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December 5, 2006

Pros:

cleared acne for one month after 3 months into treament

Cons:

after my skin cleared up, my skin broke out again. Tretinoin discolored my skin, created non-acne bumps on my skin, and made it really really red. My skin stings all the time.

Not a good treatment for severe acne.
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December 3, 2006

Pros:

works amazingly well, it's been the only thing that has consistently worked and at the moment i have beautifully clear skin -- somone actually complimented my complexion the other day (AND I HAD TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE SKIN)...

Cons:

extreme flakiness in the winter, sometimes it burns if your skin is sensitive

use in conjuction with a good moisturizer (i used SkinMedica) and stick with it, it will definitely clear up your skin...this last time i needed skin attention i had used tazorac for a long time instead of my usual retin a and while it helped, my skin was not *clear* until I started the retin-a (a plus side was that since the Tazorac had been in my system for so long, I had minimal initial breakouts). pair it with a Vibra Derm facial and you're all set
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December 2, 2006

Pros:

At first I could feel it working deep in my skin. I thought, Hey! after a few months this could really help!

Cons:

I've been using it for six months and it's not helping. It might actually be making it worse.

I'm looking to switch to something else. Some of my friends use ProActive, but I think it's too much to pay for such a tiny bottle and pimples only on my chin, upper lip, and forehead (I don't get any on my cheeks). I've heard about BenzaClin, and I've never used a topical antibiotic before. Benzomycin also sounds good. These have been used in combination with glycolic acid and have positive effects for a lot of people in online medical journals. Can anyone give me any advice?
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December 2, 2006

Pros:

The product does help some small zits on the surface of the skin "dry out" quicker. So there may be a bit of a use as a "spot treatment" (but be prepared, you may notice some redness around the treated area a few days later.)

Cons:

On sensitive skin, causes much redness (irritation) and you will undergo a long period of your skin looking worse before it may (or may not) improve. Also, what they don't tell you, is once the pimples come and go, they often leave many "dark spots".

PLEASE, PLEASE consider strongly whether you want to even begin using this product!! I cannot emphasize this enough. Dermatologists I've been to often just prescribe this right away it seems. My skin type: a) Had mild to moderate acne since high school (now in mid 30's) b) Gets fairly oily during the day c) KEY: Had many subtle "pimples underneath the surface" deep down (hardly even visible until using this product) I thought I would give it a shot for the base 3-month period, only to find (being very honest here) that it: a) Caused a lot of redness b) Took a long time for pimples that did come to the surface to go away c) *** Left many unhealed brown marks on face even after pimple had come to surface and dried out. If you have very "surfacy" pimples (i.e. - not many deep under the skin) then perhaps this may work for you. But I SUFFERED with low self-esteem for 3 months and it took 6 months (with some Aloe Vera help) for my face to return to norma
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November 28, 2006

Pros:

It worked well, gave me smooth fab looking skin, was a one step process and worked fairly quickly.

Cons:

Burning feeling at random times, had to hide from sunshine, smells bad, stains sheets and clothes, sometimes made face red.

For me, this stuff really worked - at times the skin was flawless. However, I don't use it anymore because the cons were just too much. I felt like I was coating my face in a thick and sketchy chemical everyday and that outweighed my desire to look good - esp. when there was that burning discomfort involved.
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November 24, 2006
plz don t try RETISOL-A it s the f**kin' worse product i ve used i started use it about 3 months ago and i notice that my face going worse and red sopt come up and dryness really don t use it
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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