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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3.5
1649
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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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.
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July 31, 2009

Pros:

Already seen a difference after a 2 weeks. my previous scars are almost gone :)

Cons:

been breaking out a bit and a my skin is peeling quit a bit but its managable.

so far this product seems to be the best thing i have used ever, ive tried proactive, different oral medications and natural products nothing works literally! lol but i have only been using it for 2 weeks so its hard to know how well my skin will finnally turn out but im gonna keep going with out for a while
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July 20, 2009

Pros:

I suppose it would work if I could stand using it long enough...

Cons:

It makes your face really oily. Your acne has to get a lot worse before it can get better!

If you can stand looking a whole lot worse before getting better, than it might work. Also, if you are ok with your skin feeling like oil is dripping off of it, but I cannot!
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

Easy skin regimen. Keep it simple and gentle as far as other products like soap, etc. I am so happy to see my skin looking more evenly toned and my old and new brown spots just peeling away! Helps zits heal faster, my face is almost clear!

Cons:

Expensive for me.(My lame insurance has an AGE limit for covering this medication. As if having acne at 36 is any less terrible!)
Initial flaking, peeling makes it hard to apply make up. I never had any discomfort with the peeling though!

I was in the middle of the worst break out ever because of Pro Active. Tretinoin saved my face, I swear by it! It also helps if you use it on those bumps on the backs of your arms.(karatosis pilaris)
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

it makes your skin smoother

Cons:

your skin will increase in redness burn in sunlight

it may work
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June 30, 2009

Pros:

The cream is affordable. It does clear problem pimples, but it does take a lot longer to dry and get rid of the pimple. Tretinoin works better on small white heads.

Cons:

The cream makes skin red and dry. It takes many weeks to see any results.

Tretinoin is a good product for mild acne and helps to clear the marks left behind after a breakout.
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June 20, 2009

Pros:

I have Retin-A 0.025 gel. It works quite well at keeping my breakouts at bay and brightening up my complexion.

Cons:

It has alcohol in it, it drying, causes flaking, and it also causes redness as well.

Retin-A is potent. It works for me, however the gel form is drying. The product causes flaking, so moisturizing while using this product is a definitely must. It also makes my face flush as Retin-a does make one's skin more sensitive. This product takes time to really provide marked results to the face. You will not get great results with this product overnight or even after a few weeks or even one or two months. It takes at least three months before you really start to gain optimal skinclearing and facial skin smoothing. And, in order to maintain having clear skin after the Retin-A has cleared up the face, one must continue to use it. Using harsh products or even products that have fragrance in them while using Retin-A will just keep your face overly irritated, breaking out, and just plain raw. You need to use use mild, fragrance-free products while using Retin-A. And, by opting for a more simple routine while using this prescription product your skin will start improv
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June 20, 2009

Pros:

clears up skin, lightens acne scars, doesn't dry out your skin if you know how to apply it properly

Cons:

Makes you very sensitive to heat, peeling the first few days, cannot put moisturizer on after use

DO NOT WAX IF YOU USE THIS CREAM! I am warning you. I was on this product for a couple of weeks and was delighted because it was actually working and went to go get my eyebrows/upper lip waxed and it melted my skin right off and the wax was not any hotter then normal. Severe pain + melted/painful skin for the next five days. I immediately stopped using it & am now on BenzaClin [again]. If you are going to use this product stay away from waxing & do not spend any long amount of time in the sun. It's such a shame too because this was actually working for me when nothing else has for the past year.
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June 16, 2009

Pros:

Started clearing acne

Cons:

Dryness,peeling,More breakouts in the intial stages of treatment

I had been using this product from the past 1 month and saw bitter results at the start.Was so worried that i rushed 2 my doc complaining about the medication as it made my acne worse.She then prescribed the Isotretinoin tablets to me along with the running medication.My skin is yet to clear completely but could see some signs of improvement.Worth giving it a try but need to be very patient while using this product.Lemme write a review after i complete 3 months of this medication just to let u fellaws know how this product is.
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

Pretty cheap and easy to apply.

Cons:

Bad breakouts, it made me sun sensitive, takes a long time to "work", and dry skin.

I would not recommend this, I used it for non-inflamed mild acne and now my acne is moderate to severe I actually got cysts while on this medication! I kept waiting and waiting for three months for this stuff to work but it never did. My acne got so bad I was put on accutane. Your derm may trick you into using this but do not unless you want your acne to get worse.
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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