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 2, 2007

Pros:

It got rid of pimples. That's all.

Cons:

Did not remove any acne or redness on my face from old acne. Ha! After I went swimming I could see the Retin-a come out of my pores! Little improvements and actually added acne and then made it go away slowly. There was little peeling too.

SUCKS!
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July 24, 2007

Pros:

None for me

Cons:

Broke me out in TONS of spots

Did not work for me at all. It broke me out in a LOT of spots (my acne was quite mild before I used it), made my skin dry and peeling all over. Because I also have very pale skin, when I eventually did get rid of the spots it caused, I was left with many red marks. Definitely would not recommend if you're only trying to get rid of mild acne and have pale skin.
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July 18, 2007

Pros:

I have noticed a change in my complexion...I also feel less pimples beneath the surface of my skin, which makes me feel its working.

Cons:

I am quite seriously experiencing the worst break out I have ever had!! However, I feel like my face is purging and my skin needed it! I am very embarrassed by the blotchiness. My boyfriend calls me "Metallic Woman" because I'm so oily. Costly too!

I've tried everything...I am currently doing a sulfer wash, as well as, Doryx (an oral antibiotic). Previous to this regiman, I did Proactive...worked for a year and then suddenly backfired. Perhaps my skin became immune to Proactive...I don't know. I do know I'll be kicking myself if I don't at least try to get through the next couple of months.
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June 30, 2007

Pros:

my dermatologist said he swore by it. i dont know why.

Cons:

at first it dried my skin out really bad, but i kept with it, and now i wake up in the morning and it is so oily and slimy and gross. i dont understand how that is helping it?

im pretty sure it makes my acne worse.
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June 30, 2007

Pros:

um i really didnt see that much i think it can help reduce the size of horrible pimples but not by that much

Cons:

it did make my face really oily and gave it read marks after i used it over night

i didnt like it wasnt worth it tho maybe its only for somepeople becuase a few frends i know say retin a worked for them
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June 26, 2007

Pros:

clears mild acne..

Cons:

VERY DRY AT FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS! then MAKES YOUR FACE OILY!!! use sunscreen and have a good moisturizer.

i used it a little over a month but i still had really bad acne. i wanted to continue but the dryness and overall outcome was simply not what i wanted. It cleared out my whiteheads but not cystic acne... i guess if you stick with it for a while it will clear up, however it was not the case for me. good luck.
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May 21, 2007

Pros:

after a month or two it works for a few weeks

Cons:

only a few weeks where it works (before and after these it is horrible), intense drying out and flaking-be prepared for a face full of flakes after a shower and that will come back an hour after moisturizer

takes too long to start to work and stops working shortly after, not worth all the drying and flaking and burning. IT JUST DOESN'T WORK AT ALL!!!
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May 9, 2007
I've been struggeling with whiteheads and blackheads for about a year, I never had any large pimples so after a year of it not clearing up, I went to the derm. She gave me Tretinoin, and i've been using it for a month. At first, my skin was really dry and flaky, but now that has stopped. Although my skin is not dry anymore, my whiteheads and blackheads have yet to clear up, and I think the medicine is making them come up because they are really red and inflammed. I'm hoping after a month or so, my face will be clear, if NOT, well, i dont know!! Best of luck to everyone!!!!!!!
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April 10, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

made me breakout for several months w/ big cysts; skin was still oily; scars still present even while using hydroquinone along w/ it; acne never cleared

It was def. the worst product for me; it worked for the first week or 2 and I was excited but then I started getting cysts all over and that did not stop for many months; a lot of my pitted scars were from using this and it has been about 4/5 yrs; I used the .1% kind as well; it may work for some people but I also had the same reaction w/ Differin so I guess topical retinoids just don't work well for me
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April 4, 2007

Pros:

It cleared up my acne...

Cons:

...you couldn't really tell there were no more acne bumps unless you actually touched my skin. My face was red, peeling, and it burned all the time. I hated this product! It was also expensive. Though it worked it make me feel uncomfortable.

It isn't so good. Yea, it clears up acne. Bt it also made me peel and get sunburned even when I used 40 spf lotion. It also made my skin shiny and red, so I would have to use makeup, starting the whole cycle over again. I switched to Proactiv. It's alot better.
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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