Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Works about the same as the other two topical retinoids, tazarotene and adapalene, and lands in the middle of those two when it comes to side effects. Should provide partial clearing, but comes with sensitivity when you first start using it. It probably won’t be a total game changer but it should help reduce acne.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 6, 2009
Cons:
Brings pimple pus to the surface, causes sun sensitivity.
I am 14 going on 15. I have dry cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth, but super oily nose and between lip and nose. When I apply this to red pimples that dont have heads yet (not cysts), it brings the pus up to a head so that i can pop it and it'll heal faster. Also, when I apply this to scars with some moisturizer/lotion, the scar goes away quicker. It got rid of blackheads in my ears. If not used with moisturizer, your skin will be very dry. I occasionally get red zit like pumps on my thigh, and i use this to make it go away and heal succesfully. It doesn't really work on my other types of pimples on my face or back. A little progress on my chest.
August 31, 2009
Pros:
Works Somewhat, Smoother skin, not so much for scars but helped the active acne somewhat.
Cons:
doesn't do miracles for my scars, idk
The above review is for RETIN-A MICRO .10% , which is what I'm on right now. Before this I was on non brand tretinoin gel 0.01.% (like retin-a) and it was absolutely amazingggg! scars faded, no new acne, best skin I've ever had!!! Then my doctor randomly changed the prescription without consulting me. Needless to say, I'm going to get my old prescription before I go back to boarding school. So here's my word to the wise: Don't think that just because it's the micro it will work better, don't think that a higher percentage it'll give you better results-same goes for the brand.
August 27, 2009
Pros:
Nice soft skin, good complexion, even skin tone.
Cons:
It takes a while too work. Inflammation. Dry Skin. Initial Breakout.
I'm currently on week 6. And the initial breakout is still there. Although it is taking a long time, i feel that this might actually work.
I have my days where sometimes my skin looks great & it looks like its working but there are other days where my skin looks terrible and it makes you want to get off it. But patience is the key. I really hope it works for me as it did for most of you guys. =)
August 26, 2009
Pros:
great for scarring and hyperpigmentation and acne
Cons:
skins gets resistant eventually, IB sucks but doesnt last too long ( about 10 days for me)
Not sure how people are using this but when i got it my derm advised to me wash my face at night, apply the retinol for one hour and then wash it off, i did this for a week, the next week i left it on for 2 hours then washed it off after that i started applying it nightly and it was fine i did have an initial break out but absolutely no redness, drying, peeling anything,....so if you are worried about that i suggest you let your skin get used to the product a little bit instead of leaving it overnight right away.
August 26, 2009
Pros:
no more breaking out
Cons:
It's taking a while to work, oily on t-zone
I have mild, but persistent acne. I am almost 20 years old, and it has just started, so I want it to go away. I picked up this product and it is preventing new pimples from forming, although some under thte surface little bumps turned into pimples. I am on week 5 and I am def. going to continue using it and hope that it makes it all go away. But I did notice a pimple on my chest today, so I don't know if I should be worried? I never have had body acne, so I hope I don't start getting it because of this product..... O, and no redness or anything. and i'm using 0.05% plus s. acid. so I guess i'm lucky?
August 25, 2009
Pros:
Some improvement to skin noted. As far as I understand, this product works by speeding up the rate at which your skin sheds... hence the flakiness. My skin was noticeably softer and smoother. Worked reasonably well for cheeks and forehead.
Cons:
Skin was dry and flaky, did not prevent oiliness or those annoying hormonal flare ups along the jaw line. Definitely not the 'miracle cure' we've all been waiting for.
Very expensive, takes a long time to see results, can cause skin irritation. Works well for minor lumps and bumps but not so much for the deeper stuff. Does not change oil levels. Causes drying. I think that the amount of moisturiser you need to use to balance out the flakiness negates the whole point of using the medication.
August 11, 2009
Pros:
helps reduce scars
Cons:
Blotchy skin, peeeling
I have been using this for about 6 weeks and had a terrible break out. The first 5 weeks went well my skin did clear up a bit but right around 6 weeks had a bad break out. I plan on continuing use but im not very confident in this product
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!
August 9, 2009
Pros:
did clear up my white heads
Cons:
initial breakout of 7 weeks was horrible
The initial breakout was terrible. left me with big red pimples which i never had previously. they all cleared up and now i have acne red marks and scaring thanks to retin a. yes it does clear up your pimples, but its too heavy a price to pay. the scars are gonna stay for a long time.
August 7, 2009
Pros:
It works - bottom line.
Cons:
Using a pea sized amount causes too much irritation.
For those experiencing a lot of irritation using Retin-a please try this method. Instead of placing a pea sized amount on your finger and dabbing on your face, DAB your finger over the opening of the tube instead. This way you end up with just enough ( thin film ) to place where you need it. I found that putting a pea size amount on my finger always lead to using more than needed, and due to the cost I always felt obligated to "use it all". Give this method a try before giving up. Using the aforementioned method has greatly reduced irritation, I barely have any at this point. It is the only way that I can continue using this product comfortably and I need to due to melasma and chin acne.
Pros:
Gets rid of scars, Brings pimple pus to the surface