Tretinoin
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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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3.5
1649
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5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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April 6, 2013

Pros:

Over time, clears up skin.
Reduces daily oil build up on your face.
.05% is great for moderately oily skin.

Cons:

Is initially very drying.
Initial break out that lasts 3-4 weeks.
Causes sun-sensitivity due to thinning of the skin (so always wear sunscreen, even in Seattle!).

So this is my 3rd review of this cream. I wrote one about 10 weeks into my use of Tretinoin, and then a second after 6 months. I'm now at 1 year of using this medication and I could not be happier. Sticking with this medication is really difficult for the first 4-5 months, because you don't see immediate results and there is a lot of flaking. But don't be discouraged. I went from having lots of acne and comedones on my cheeks and chin, to having maybe 1-2 comedones develop every 2 weeks. Because this medicine thins your skin, any comedone is very easy to extract, if you do so gently. My dermatologist recommended only make-ups and face washes and face lotions that explicitly say "non-comedogenic" on them, and that has also made a big difference. I freely use lotions and sunscreens on my face in order to keep my skin healthy and moisturized, and because they are non-comedogenic they are very effective. Getting through the first months of Tretinoin was so difficult, but I would come back to this site every couple of days looking for success stories. They really kept me going, and I hope that you will read this account, and find the strength to keep going. It will pay off, and you will feel so confident and attractive. Acne is so emotionally painful, but it doesn't have to be anymore! SUPER IMPORTANT: wash your face at night (I use Cetaphil), wait 30 minutes for your skin to be completely dry, apply pea sized amount to affected area. Do not apply near nose or mouth, unless desperately necessary. This medicine will cause more burning/peeling and won't be as effective if you put it on while there is any moisture on your skin. Don't use it in the morning, it's a bit greasy and doesn't work well under make up. Just apply a moisturizer (I use CeraVe with SPF) in the morning and whatever non-comedogenic make-up you like, and go! Also, buy and use a Clairsonic, it is a bit expensive but it is great in the morning when you're washing your face... it will get the dr
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April 2, 2013

Pros:

minimizes redness over time
clears pimples quickly
refines pores

Cons:

slightly irritating to skin while skin adjusts
moderate initial break-out period
occasional dryness

Preliminary results are good, time will tell!!!
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April 2, 2013

Pros:

-smooth skin
-clear skin

Cons:

-doesn't really clear up my hormonal acne
-takes a while to see results
-causes break outs before it gets better

When I started with this prescription (Tretinoin Cream .05%) I had moderate/severe acne. At first, I didn't have any of the expected side effects, like redness/itching/etc. However, after a few months my skin got very bad and I started to develop cystic acne. I kept using it, but I didn't see results until about a week ago. I have been using it for almost a year and my skin has just cleared up. AND my skin wasn't even that bad to start with. So just remember to stick with it if you can!
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April 2, 2013

Pros:

help clear my blackheads and acne really fast peels dead skin and acne also the hard ance scars and blackheads.

Cons:

liltle oil in skin, redness of the skin , senstive skin, but only for a while. Always use mosturizer for skin before applying the cream just to not burn or peel skin if very senstive

very procative AMAZING:my friend saw how clear my face was just in a few days of using it :) even she ask me to get one of my refills for her
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March 31, 2013

Pros:

Cleared my ance

Cons:

Redness
Sunburn easily

I tried this product a few years ago and the irritation was so bad I had to stop. After trying almost everything else on the market I decided to give tretinoin a second shot. It cleared my skin. This is what I did: -Put a pea sized amount of .025 tretinoin cream in your hand -Put about twice that amount of cerave pm facial moisturizer on top of the tretinoin and mix it thoroughly to form a paste -Apply paste to affected area at night -Moisturize with cerave again in the morning My skin was almost completely clear in a week. I think the lotion helped my skin absorb the tretinoin better. Regardless, it really helped and the moisturizer helped reduce the facial redness I had experienced before! I sugest people give this a shot for a few weeks.
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March 30, 2013

Pros:

No more red acne, zits.
With time blackheads eventually get pushes out of the skin.

Cons:

My skin get oily when I use this.
Sensitivity to sunlight.

Here is my picture for 11/1/2012 [link removed] Here is my picture for 3/30/2013 [link removed] I have also started taking birth control in December and I have recently cut out drinking milk.
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March 27, 2013

Pros:

Works great!
Hasn't caused any peeling or flaking.
Generic brand is inexpensive.

Cons:

None

I've only been using Tretinoin 0.05% for about a couple weeks. My dermatologist gave me the cream months ago but I was really hesitant using to use because of the possible side effects. In my case I dont break out on my face, my breakouts usually occur on my jawline and my neck. So when I finally decided to use tretinoin I was at awe how it completely changed my skin's texture. In my case I didn't have a initial break out which most do. My derm did admit that when one first begins using tretinoin they usually breakout the first week. But not in my case! Stay positive and make it a routine and you should be fine. Because clear skin is on the way :)
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March 25, 2013

Pros:

Works wonders
Clear skin

Cons:

Takes awhile
dryness
Flaking

You need to know that everybody is different. Some people see results in 2 weeks. Others in 3 months. The first couple weeks are the worst. Your face is flaking. Breaking out even worse than before. and your skin is red splotchy. But thats how Retin a works it peels off layers of the skin , and helps fight breakouts. And bring up all the acne that was going to come up anyways. Thats why people start breaking out alot. But that just means its working. After 4 weeks i saw results. Never been more happy with my skin today
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March 20, 2013

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

skin sensetive to light

Ive had acne for 20 years! 3 years ago I got tired of hidding from the world and tried this. The first year my skin was the worst its ever been. My skin usually had about 20-30 pimples and was filled with dark spots. Now, my skin is still imperfect but its so much better. I only have 2-3 small pimples and less dark spots but there are still alot of them. Im still hideous but i feel ok leaving the house now.
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March 17, 2013

Pros:

I started out using 0.05% strength Tretinoin for about 6 weeks and started to see positive results. I did not notice any side effects so I switched to the 0.1% strength and I have not looked back since. This stuff has been an absolute miracle. I'm 24 and have struggled with acne since i was about 16. I've tried literally everything prescription and non-prescription (clindamyacin, adapalene, different BP's, salycilic, duac, sulfur treatments, monocycline, doxycycline, tea tree, etc.

Cons:

Mild flaky skin but easily manageable.

If you haven't responded to other prescriptions well and are nervous to try Accutane like I was, I would highly recommend giving this a try. I just wish I would have a long time ago.
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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