Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

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
Read All About Tretinoin
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 27, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Worsened breakouts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Painful!
Extreme dryness!

This stuff was horrible!! I dont have a lot of acne.. and it gave me TONS! I brokeout soo bad.. the worst I ever have!! It burned when I put it on.. felt like i was peeling off my skin.. seriously. I know there is a purging period... but i gave it over a month and my self esteem couldnt handle it anymore. I couldnt even wear makeup properly because my skin was soo dry... I still have scars from it.
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October 12, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Dried out my skin really bad
Feels too tight and dry, also sticky

I used it couple of weeks twice in my life and so far I hated it. It dried my skin very bad and gave me more breakouts. I will not use it again.
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March 3, 2011

Pros:

improves skin texture / tone
rapidly exfoliates skin for new cell growth
a little goes a LONG way
clears skin after a period of time ( no product is immediate)

Cons:

sun sensitive
dries face (buy a good moisturizer i recommend Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 and Aveeno's Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer)

I have been using Retin A since November of 2010, and my acne has subsided durastically. I apply the topical ointment to my entire face ( about a pea sized amount on my forehead, each cheek, nose, and chin) at night after washing my face with a light cleanser ( I use Cetaphil). It takes roughly 2 weeks to see improvement - but after a month I saw a tremendous turn over in my skin's appearance. Four months later my skin is radiant, clear, and even my dermatologist (who i see bi monthly to monthly) has commented on the drastic change this has brought to my skin. It's the only alternative to Accutane I would recommend - I suffered from moderate/sever acne and I now have very light acne problems (which I get injected with cortisone.) I pay $5 with BCBS of Illinois Insurance.
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February 23, 2011

Pros:

Works.

Cons:

Makes skin super sensitive. Can be drying.

I've used it for 3 months. And I take cephalexin, also. I take cephalexin every night, and I use the retin-a every other night. I've found that when I use it every night, my skin starts flaking. It takes a long time to work, I've been on it for 3 months, and my skin just cleared up a week ago. But it's amazing. I use Basis bar soap, (3 dollars at drugstores), once in the morning and twice at night (to remove makeup/oil). And I use Dickinson's Witch Hazel (4 dollars at drugstores) as an astringent. I used to have terrible cystic acne. Now I have smooth glowing skin. Amazing turn-around. =]
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August 6, 2010

Pros:

May get rid of acne after a couple months

Cons:

Redness, peeling, burning, itching.
Made acne worse.

I used retin a micro .04% and it was the worst thing ever. My skin was at its absolute worse after week 7
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July 3, 2011

Pros:

none

Cons:

chemical peel
red, really red
huge zits
burned
left my scars pink

terrible product, in the first 3 weeks my skin was looking like i had a chemical peel, i almost wasn't able to go to prom in my dress due to this product, i will never use again glad i stopped before it got even worse, it ruined my skin
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March 24, 2011

Pros:

Shrinks zits overnight
Effective

Cons:

Extremely drying
Makes skin peel
Harsh

Good for spot treatment, but is too harsh to use all over so it doesn't really help to prevent acne from forming, but really useful on trouble zits
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November 19, 2009

Pros:

cleared up my skin

Cons:

it showed result in 5 days or may be less

it works fine
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March 24, 2010

Pros:

you may see great improvement after 2 months

Cons:

drys skin

I have been using this for a month along with finacea and i have seen very little improvement.
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December 8, 2009

Pros:

i really like this product but my skin is so sensitive and iam scare . after i stop this sh*t. to live houles in my skin texture.

Cons:

iam try my best but its burning peeling. un counfortable. agresive. ans nervous because you dont know if is working or is damaging your face.

i really recomend to use alittle bit. because i try to put alot and it come worst. alittle. so its not that burning. i recomendes depend your skin......
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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