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 1, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

one use could screw up your skin for a long, long, long time

In August I used 0.025% tretinoin gel on my face a grand total of two times. The second time I put it on, the left side of my face started burning like crazy after 20 minutes and I washed it off immediately. Since then, the left side of my face hasn't been the same. It becomes irritated just from washing with gentle cleanser. It becomes irritated at random. It's all pimply now because I can no longer put BP on it. The derm gave me clindamycin which I can tolerate but it's nowhere near as effective as BP. I was a moron for trying this stuff. had I stuck to BP I would have been fine. Instead I've suffered for 5 months because I decided to try Retin-a ONCE. Even though I put the retin-a on my whole face, it's just the left side that has suffered. I look at the right side of my face and know that I could have clear and healthy skin if it weren't for retin-a. Before you try retin-a, try something else or you could end up like me.
October 5, 2009

Pros:

clears acne and makes face look more youthful nd sexy like sik people from donny like kairous with flawless skin of course

Cons:

dries ur skin outt makes it irritated typical white peoples reactions to creams of course!! lmao

of course all the people who comment r from america nd the uk lmao i havent seen a post from brazil r argentina case they all have sik skin aaha nah this product wor well bt its important to eat healtily nd no coffee
July 1, 2010

Pros:

i don't know yet :(

Cons:

really dry.
sunburn feeling.

i started using this june 4th along with minocycline. all i see is dryness, itchyness, sunburn feeling. i use it every night but.. nothing. am i using this stuff right? i just need my face clear in a month, well i would be happy with semi-clear. i'm just getting down about this.. :( i gave it '3 stars' because i have hope this will work!
July 19, 2011

Pros:

cleared up acne for a few weeks

Cons:

took a few weeks for my face to get use to Retin A
Acne came back worse after stopping the medicine
Interfered with my bowel movements... did a number on my health

Don't use it! Retin A is harsh chemical and has other affects than just clearing your skin. Your body will thank you that you stayed away from it. TRY ZINC. Google "Zinc for Acne" or check out reviews on this website. It won't destroy your intestines & it was the only thing that worked to clear up my acne. Zinc is AMAZING for acne; especially hormonal acne. Retin-A is too harsh, isn't a long term answer and can cause your acne to flare up even worse once you stop using it.
May 30, 2011

Pros:

fades pigmentation slowly
reduces red hard zit
dries out pimples over night

Cons:

peels skin
burns after washing your face
hurts

i just started using retin a cream 2 weeks ago, i have noticed a little difference where the acne was.
February 18, 2011

Pros:

It worked for 3 years, my skin never looked better

Cons:

After 3 years it sadly stopped working, like other products I have used successfully

Within 2 weeks of using this my skin had cleared up ! people kept on telling me how well I looked, not only did the spots go, but my skin had a healthy fresh glow to it. If I started to run out or stopped using it for a few days the spots would return. I had no adverse reactions, but then again I have never had sensitive skin. I loved it and it was fantastic whilst it lasted. Now sadly it stopped working and I have gone onto BP 10% in quinoderm. it seems to be working but not stopping all spots, and very drying and my skin has lost its healthy glow.
May 4, 2011

Pros:

none. you may exchange your acne issue for hormone problems, cancer, DNA damage.

Cons:

TOXIC SLUDGE masquerading as an "Acne Cream" ! cancer-causing additives in it-certain ingredients have been banned in most countries PLEASE READ THE INGREDIENTS BEFORE DECIDING TO USE THIS PRODUCT !

This is TOXIC SLUDGE. This Pharmaceutical company has no conscience when formulating this-Read the ingredients ! IT contains Cancer-causing additiveslike BHT : FROM WIKI: Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), also known as butylhydroxytoluene, is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) organic compound that is primarily used as an additive in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil,[2] and embalming fluid. Retin A also contains:methyl methacrylate( I took this right off the box) Read below what the warnings say about this chemical : The Dangers of Methyl Mecthacrylate What You Can Do To Prevent Exposure What is Methyl Methacrylate? Methyl Methacrylate, (or MMA) is a liquid monomer banned for use in the nail industry by the Food and Drug Administration. MMA was used largely in the early 70's as an inexpensive substitute for conventional acrylic liquid. It was banned due to the severe poisonous reactions it caused in customers and nail techs. Where can I get more information? You can contact the Food and Drug Administration at (800) 270-8869, or look up the FDA web page at www.FDA.gov
February 12, 2010

Pros:

I don't know yet.

Cons:

MY FACE IS PEELING. ><"
I'm angry.
I DON"T LIKE IT. RAWR

My face is peeling is not cool. Its annoying. OMG.
December 6, 2011

Pros:

None for me personally.

Cons:

Developed severe chemical burn that has persisted for over a month since discontinuing the treatment.

I don't doubt that this is an amazing drug for most people, but I just want to post a word of caution for those with very sensitive skin. My doctor gave me samples, and I therefore I didn't have a package insert or know any of the precautions or side effects. I had no idea how harsh this drug was. I used only a TINY amount on an old acne scar. Even though I only used it a few times, I developed a SEVERE burn about an inch away from the acne scar. I am upset that the dermatologist never asked anything about my skin type, or gave me any instructions whatsoever. I stopped using the cream over a month ago, yet still have this terrible burn that doesn't want to heal. I went back to the doctor, and even he was stunned at how bad it was. He currently has me using a steroid regimen with hopes that this somehow brings it under control. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying this, but do be aware of it's harshness if you have very sensitive skin, and if you get samples, make sure to read how to use it properly in order to avoid unwanted side effects.
December 10, 2010

Pros:

"apparently" clears acne

Cons:

from what i've read dryness, redness, breakouts

you dont know how freekin happy I am I came here before trying this stuff. i was at the doctors last week and she decided to perscribe this stuff (0.04) to me. I was this close to using it untill i figured reading a few reviews couldn't hurt. so i did, and boy am I glad that I didn't blindly listen to my doctor and just try it. at the time it was perscribed i had a few pimples hear and there, nothing major, and I have sensitive skin. from what Ive read it would have just made a mess out of my face. anyways, I stumbled onto the regiment, and although I dont use BP I have started being extrealy gentle when washing toning and moisturizing, and what do you know, not a single new pimple yet :D (knock on wood) anyways, just thought Id share that, and to people thinking about trying it from what Ive read it does more harm than good.

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.