Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

...

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.

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

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
March 24, 2009

Pros:

Helps skin renem itself

Cons:

Irritates skin. Causes a significant initial breakout lasting many weeks.

Began using two months before coming off Dianette bc. As skin became progressively more oily around 5 weeks after stopping Dianette the breakouts began and continued for 6 weeks. At this point begain taking spironolactone as acne getting progressively worse. Will use Retin A again once skin clears from the spironolactone in order to resurface the skin. Apply 20 mins after washing so that skin is dry and this will reduce irritation. For adult women with hormonal acne this is unlikely to work - although will have some use for improving skin texture once acne under control Would only recommend using in conjunction with an antibiotic to help with the initial breakout. Would not recommend use on own as breakout is severe and lengthy and extremely difficult to cope with emotionally. Available on prescription in the UK.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 17, 2009

Pros:

smoothed out my skin

Cons:

peeling like a snake, sometimes itchy, tighntness, skin is so thin, it hurts, one slight itch and i scratch, it becomes a cut

Ive been using this thing now going on 5 weeks, my skin is still peeling like a snake. Im just hoping its worht it. I had to change my cleanser and moisturizer, to help calm the peeling, i have to even use a serum. Its awful make up make its worse with all the peeling. I guess i have to wait and see
This Was Helpful

Report
March 13, 2009

Pros:

It makes my skin so much brighter!

Cons:

Well, i'm going through the initial breakout right now and it has done a really good job of killing my confidence :(

I've been on Retin-A micro for almost six weeks. At first my acne seemed to be getting better, but that was a trick. In the past week or two my face has been breaking out like crazy and makeup won't cover it! And i'm in high school which makes it extra embarrassing. I really hope this product ends up working because my acne is really dampening my self-esteem.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 11, 2009

Pros:

It is well priced and started to clear up my cheeks.

Cons:

It made my skin extremely dry and flaky, and though it says it gets worse for a couple of weeks, it's been 6 weeks and I've seen no improvement. My chin is worse than it's ever been.

I used this product every day as prescribed, and I'm not seeing any results. Maybe it will work for someone else, but I'm just not getting anything out of it. My face is just red and dry, and I've gotten cystic acne on my chin quite frequently since starting it.
This Was Helpful

Report
March 1, 2009

Pros:

smooths skin, slightly fades red marks

Cons:

makes skin extremely dry and flaky and causes peeling, even if you use a moisturizer, causes acne in places you didn't have it before, all new acne leaves scars

If I were you, I would try other products first. I am sticking with it now that I am already on it because it DOES make my skin feel smoother and slightly reduces the appearance of red marks and I find that when I try to get off of it, my acne gets worse. However, since I've been using it my skin has been flaky and peeling even though I moisturize and use only every other night, which is embarrassing and looks ridiculous especially when I'm wearing makeup. I have been on it 8 months and have been using it properly and am not happy with the results I have gotten. I would recommend trying other products first.
This Was Helpful

Report
February 25, 2009

Pros:

i get acne scars, but they clear up faster than without retin-a micro, plumped up nasal labial folds, smoothed wrinkles.

Cons:

have used this for 1 year and 3 months, but still get acne!

skin was ultra sensitive for first 3 months. still get peeling on some days, but use aveeno foaming cleanser with salicylic acid and a wash cloth to exfoliate, which helps keep skin from looking dry and flaky. also use aveeno 30spf sunscreen moisturizer. still get acne, especially on chin, upper lip, forehead--basically where I did not get it before! pimples are smaller--never cystic, and have a small, hard kernel of oil in them. they leave scars, but these fade faster than without retin-a. even getting acne on my neck now, though, but don't use the gel there. scared to quit using it for fear that acne will get worse, but not happy with results after reading so many others no longer getting acne at all, or getting it less often, while i'm getting it almost daily, and in droves!
This Was Helpful

Report
February 23, 2009

Pros:

my scars started fading

Cons:

new acne seen and peeling of skin

it will benefit but after 12 weeks lets see fingers crossed i am using it since 5th jan 09 and i fell 40% improvement
This Was Helpful

Report
February 18, 2009

Pros:

Definately made an improvement in my skin
Made skin really soft
Zits dont stay up as long

Cons:

My face is really oily
I still break out
Peeling skin

I think this is a really good acne medication. My skin has shown dramatic improvment for the 4 months ive been on it. However, it didnt make all of my acne go away, and it leaves red marks sometimes, but those go away within a week. Sometimes i break out pretty bad even tho i continue to go on it, but i think its just a cycle. Give it time, it will help
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 16, 2009

Pros:

I started breaking out BADLY when I went abroad. I came home and was recommended RETIN A. I started using the .5% in August and by the end of September my skin was clear. It even got rid of the scars--you can't even tell I had really bad break outs.

Cons:

I didnt suffer from the peeling right away. My skin began to get really dry in December.

I REALLY like this product. It is one of the few that have worked long term. I have tried erythromycin, benzamycin and OTC brands and I love Retin-A the best. I don't put it all over my face now and just use it for on the spot treatment. It is def. worth a try.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 7, 2009

Pros:

cheap... 10 bucks for each. clears up skin in a month. fades away dark spots. skin is brighter more even skin tone. works better if taken with antibiotics.

Cons:

skin dries up like crazy. you can see skin peeling for a few days.

would recommend
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 13 14 15 16 17 … 26
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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