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%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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October 17, 2011

Pros:

None for me.

Cons:

-Reddens Face A LOTTTT
-Did not do much to help my acne...

I used this all of last year before I went to bed. Now, Ive started using other things and none of this. I don't remember what % my tretinoin cream was but I believe it was a lot. Now when I see pictures of myself from last year my face looks like a red balloon. I DO NOT reccomend this. When I would go to pool parties I had to bring moisturizer for after getting out of the pool. I have naturally dry skin though, so, that may be why it hurt my face so much. It took me about a month and a half to recover after a year use of it. Now my face isn't red. But, if you do use it, and its hurting, dont think it will get better if its been a month... it wont.
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September 21, 2011

Pros:

Fewer Blackheads

Cons:

Makes Skin Peely
Doesn't get rid of all whiteheads/cysts, so you're left with peely zits.
Prescription
Expensive

I've had lifelong acne. I took Accutane at the age of 16 in '97 and at the age of 28 in '09. Accutane worked better for me the first time...I attribute this to the fact that the second time I took it, I took the generic (which studies show is less effective). Anyhoo, I had leftover problems after my second round of Tane, and was put on Retin-A as soon as I got off. I didn't have an IB b/c I'd already had it with the Tane (Tane is the internal form...Isotretinoin). However, my acne came back, and the Retin-A didn't seem to be doing much except reducing blackheads. The Retin-A Micro did seem to work better than the generic Tretinoin, but it still didn't do me much good. I stopped using it about a month ago, and began using an over-the counter Retinol product. My skin is MUCH better...I think for me, maybe, the Retin-A was too harsh and caused more acne, whereas the Retinol is not as strong, and doesn't irritate my skin causing more acne.
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September 3, 2010

Pros:

Softens skin

Cons:

Eventually caused acne as well as skin changes

Initially, this was the only thing that worked on the comedonal acne (blackhead, whiteheads coming in for no reason) on my forehead. Eventually however, after decreasing my usage, I noticed that anytime I would use it again on my forehead, acne would flare up. Additionally, the morning after using it on my cheeks, there was inflamed comedonal acne everywhere.
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October 1, 2009

Pros:

This cream works very well on my acne for few 2 weeks,it really clear-up my scar (minimize) and help in exfoliating.

Cons:

The cream has make my face even worst after the 2 weeks it drawbacks itching,stinging,scaling, and anything that make your face turn to cystic type.

Now my face are worsen from day to day. It does not make any diff but only cause harm than good. It's not suitable for most people as it contains very strong peeling agent that scarring your face. now that I have very low self-esteem caused of this product. I will never use it again.
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August 21, 2009

Pros:

it works, unlike a million other products

Cons:

none

After day 2, my skin has cleared and it feels great! i dont know why for some people it took 6 weeks! i'm very happy wuth this purchase and i highlyy reccomend it to anyone with scars or spots.
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

Did not improve acne

Cons:

Developed an allergy to BP so this became useless

Didn't work for me, hopefully it does for you. Anyone else with this problem?
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July 8, 2008

Pros:

none...

Cons:

made my acne 10 times worse. bumps, redness, flakes, dryness, huge pimples, little pimples, roughness

don't use unless you have severe acne.
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April 2, 2008

Pros:

none yet

Cons:

im having a major breakout and dont no if i should stop can someone give me some advice

ive been on this produt for 3weeks now and seen no improve jus breakouts need advice
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December 23, 2006

Pros:

prevents new acne from forming by clearing your pores and making dead skin cells to leave faster. it didnt give me an initial breakout thankfully. it just kept my skin clear

Cons:

for people who have more moderate to severe acne it will create an initial breakout. for people with mild acne the initial breakout will barely be noticable, if there is one. may burn your skin some, may make it red and stuff. might give you sun burn

GET YOUR FACE COMPLETELY CLEAR BEFORE YOU USE THIS. if your face is crystal clear, then you dont have to worry about the initial breakout, because there is nothing under the skin to come to the surface! as a result your skin will stay clear because retin-a clears your pores and keeps them clear. if you have deep pimples that you want to get rid of, USE RETIN A, retin a will bring the deep pimples to the surface so you can get rid of them faster, it is a good product trust me
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July 7, 2013
horrible

Pros:

none

Cons:

irritated skin
brekaouts

My dermatologist prescribed me this and it was awful, it caused me more comedogenic acne:(
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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