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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1649
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5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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November 22, 2006

Pros:

Less oil production, rather have really dry skin than oily skin, and ultimately has reduced my acne.

Cons:

Has not ceased my acne completely, and sometime causes peeling.

Retin A has done much more good than bad throughout the 8 months I have been taking it. I like the fact that it reduces oil, because it is more or less like accutane in a cream form. Anyone that has moderate to severe acne, and does not want to try accutane, I would highly recommend Retin-A.
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November 18, 2006

Pros:

Good improvement, best yet for me!

Cons:

Intense peeling, very sore when applying, a redness of the skin and was worse for the first 2/3 weeks.

Hey,I'm 23 had acne on the face, chest and back for nearly eight years. Tried just about everything, and this has been the best treatment so far for me. I use the Erythromycin 2%/Isotretinoin 0.05% every night almost and occassionally during the day, along with Acnocin (Co-cyprindiol)an anti-androgen. The severity of my skin has improved drastically since using the gel aswell as my other meds. However it does cause peeling and redness of the skin, and is very sore to apply with tight feeling to the skin when its on. Also I do still have the breakout every month, but applying it in the day aswell helps at that time. And when I,ve tried cutting down the amount of applications my skin worsens again. Also its done nothing towards blackheads, but there not my concern really. However its worth it as my skins 80% better, but its dependant on the gel.I have also found using a naturally antibacterial soap and washing clothes,linen and towels in medical disinfectant, somewhat drastic but works.
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November 12, 2006

Pros:

makes all the junk in your face surface and gets rid of active pimples

Cons:

leaves a lot of red marks behind. hopefully they will fade

i have been using retin-a micro for about 3 weeks now.. it made my face peel horribly for the first couple days, but then broke me out pretty bad, but i have faith in this, because ive seen a lot of testemonies saying that it takes time. i have a lot of red marks left, but they are slowly fading. if you have used everything and tried everything and its not working, i suggest you see a derm and get this product right away, also use a gentle cleanser... cetaphil works good because if you dont it will over irratate your skin and make you more red.
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November 5, 2006

Pros:

I use Abra detox complexion wash in the morning and at night. It is gentle and all natural. No drying. In the morning I use Benza Clin and at night I use Retin-A micro gel. My face started to show improvement within a week with no serious sideeffects

Cons:

The Benza Clin makes my cheeks sore for about a half hour but you can live with it. It's not that bad.

Definately wash your face with the Abra Detox Complexion Wash. It cost about $8 and you can find it in the health food store or on line. It is for oily and combination skin. It's a soap free AHA fruit cider was with plant surfactants to deeply cleanse and detoxify problem skin. Also use the BenzaClin in the morning and Retin-A at night..both after washing with the ABRA..you will see a difference.
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October 23, 2006

Pros:

You know it works

Cons:

the process of using it

Use Aquaphor to battle the dryness. It is recommended by Dermatologist's for irritation to the skin. I have only been on Retin A Micro for 5 days and the peeling is intense. I have hormonal acne around my jawline and chin. After the 2nd day, I developed a blister on my shin from it. Yeah, it's real fun. But then I remembered Aquaphor, so I tried it, not alot, alittle goes a long way. but after an hour my skin looked great! and now i can seriously tell how well Retin A is working. Try it, it truly helps. Tip: If you feel slick, you used to much. **If you want to use make-up, apply Aquaphor, then wait 10 minutes, apply spf (for day), and wait 5 minutes, then apply makeup.
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October 18, 2006

Pros:

Definitely worth sticking with it.

Cons:

Made skin worse before it made it better.

I a 24 year-old woman -- I began to have moderate acne when I was 19 or so -- lots of red spots around my mouth, chin, and jaw-line. What finally worked for me was a combination of desogen birth control pills, clindamycin lotion twice a day, and retin-A micro once a day. It was a challange to stick with this regemin, as the retin-A really irritated my skin (painful, red, flaky skin). Also, my skin would go through cycles of getting better, and then getting worse (as the Retin-A sloughed off more and more layers of skin) -- but after about 6-8 months, my skin is perfectly clear! I found it is really important to use the cleomycin twice a day (once does nothing). I would wash my face, wait at least 10 minutes, apply cleomycin, wait at least another 10 minutes, and then apply about 2 pea-size drops of retin-A micro. If my skin became super irritated, I would drop retin-A usage down to once every 2 or 3 days. Good luck!
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October 16, 2006

Pros:

Hopefully some come soon!

Cons:

My face looks worse than it has in a few years.

Just two weeks ago I was using Differin at night mixed with a klaron cream in the morning and using clearasil sensitive skin face wash 2 times a day sometimes 3 times and my face looked pretty good after about 4 or 5 weeks, then for about 3 or 4 it just maintained its ground so I still had a few spots. I went home for a few days and visited my dermatologist starting Tuesday night (6 nights ago) she put me on retin a micro .1 (the yellow gel kind) every other night and then kept me using differin every other night. She also put me on a nivea face wash to be used in the morning and at night and a nivea extra soothing cleanser to use when needed. So far all that I have noticed is that the spots I had have begun to flare up, and that even new red marks are starting to come in. I would just like a few people to leave me some insurance that this product really does work, and when do the beneficial effects start taking place? Can u use makeup with this produ
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October 16, 2006

Pros:

Works well for the first month

Cons:

Redness, blotchy-coloured skin, rash, blackheads, sensitivity to the sun

I am happy to hear that it works well for some, because I was starting to think that my dermo is a sadist... Since using a combo of minocycline (50 mg) and nightly retisol-a (.025%) treatment for the last 4 months, my face actually hurts all over. My face is covered with a horrible rash that is a million times worse than the periodic acne that I had before starting. Worse still, I can't stand the sun, or even the brightness of my bathroom lights. This is horrible, horrible stuff!
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October 15, 2006

Pros:

got rid of my blackheads

Cons:

did nothing for my acne and dried up my face

I used retin a micro and the only good thing was that it got rid of my blackheads but other than that it did nothing for my acne. I even got more cysts which has caused my scarring..
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October 4, 2006
This product does work very well if used properly. I'm a 20 yr old male with mild acne but am very self-conscious. I've been using it every other night for about 2 weeks and already see a slight improvement. Ive used it before for about 4 months and it worked well, but my skin became immune so I stopped for a while. Ive learned it seems to clear up scarring from the past very well. Remember: Small amounts and dont use it every night. Use on the whole face, DO NOT spot treat. Peeling will occurr, but dryness is beter than being super oily. I have alot of experience with this medicine so take it from me.
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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