Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
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.
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
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. =]
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
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
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
November 19, 2009

Pros:

cleared up my skin

Cons:

it showed result in 5 days or may be less

it works fine
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.
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......
December 1, 2009

Pros:

it works on acne and black marks,but not scars and wink-lies

Cons:

is it afforability not relly does it work agreebillity to get the acne away form your face yes

'it's ok
September 9, 2011

Pros:

Difference is not yet noticeable.

Cons:

After 4 days of continuous use, the skin around eyes started burning even though I do not apply near eyes
Acne seems a lot better in the morning but charm goes away as soon as I wash my face

I have been using this since about a few days. I am still not sure if it is causing any difference with my acne. I have some cystic acne and I sometimes just pop them which might be why it is not getting better. Also area around my eyes seem very sensitive and they were puffed up this morning with a burning sensation even though I apply no where close to the eyes. I strictly stick to just the cheeks and the forehead.
July 27, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Skin got worse

For the last two months my skin was breaking out a lot. I would wake up every couple of days with a new spot. I had a prescription of retin a micro gel which I filled. I used it once - the next day I woke up with three new pimples. They were huge and painful. It has been three weeks and I am still dealing with the scarring from that one use. I'm assuming this was an initial breakout but it was so bad that I never used it again. It is not worth for me to make my skin go from bad to terrible before it gets better.

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.

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.