Tretinoin

- promotes cell turnover, leading to smoother skin overall
- really purges out your pores
- clears skin over time
- breakouts that form take less time to heal

Cons:

- dries out skin + makes it extremely oily
- I experienced all the side effects! (itching, redness, flaking, stinging, etc.)
- takes a long time (in the meantime, you have tons of breakouts and raised bumps)
- initial breakout phase

I used tretinoin cream 0.05% for four and a half months before calling it quits. It took about four months for my skin to even begin getting used to the medication - my skin is extremely sensitive and this is a harsh medication. I never quite got to the point of applying it every night because my skin simply couldn't handle it. For the first two months or so, my skin was the worst it had ever been, but after four months, I started to see some improvements. I've had consistent breakouts for a few years (never a clear day), and while I was using this medication, I had a few, which was enough to keep me going. One thing it DID do was clear up all the flesh-colored bumps on my forehead. It was never really something I minded since there was no discoloration, and I could cover it up with my hair, but it cleared up within a month or so and my forehead was soooo smooth compared to before! (Unfortunately, my problem area became my jawline/cheeks, which had lots of underlying plugged comedones). In the end, I did have lots of hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts, but my skin was somehow more manageable, since any big pimples always went away within a day or two without my touching it or popping it. Plus, I no longer got cystic acne (just the wide/red/painful ones, which don't scar as easily). Eventually, my dermatologist and I decided to change to a different retinoid (Differin) - simply because it's a less harsh form. I do plan on going back to the tretinoin in the future because I believe it will be more effective. However, when I do end up trying it again, I'm going to use the gel form because although it's more drying, it doesn't have the comedogenic ingredient found in the tretinoin cream. (I don't know how much this factored into my breakouts, but I'd rather err on the side of safety)

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*ShiningStar*

September 16, 2010

Pros:

The medication does what it says it does - it increases cell turnover, which, over time, gives the complextion a soft, even tone. A side effect of this process leads to a reduction.elimination of acne **IF** the lack of cell turnover is the primary factor contributing to ones acne. With that said, I do beleive that this medication will "help" (i.e. a little or a lot) the condition of "most" acne sufferers, assuming one adheres to the treatment consistently for 3 months.

Cons:

The initial break out is horrendous and can last for weeks, even into the 2nd, possibly third month. It lasted a long time for me. It almost always gets WORSE before it gets better.
Irritation, redness and increased skin sensitivity lasted almost as long as the initial break out.
It was very expensive for me because I have an ugly deductable quota.

I've been using this product for 3 months exactly. It is key to use a mild cleanser and moisturizer, such as Cetaphil, while on this product. My main problem is raised, flesh-colored pimples on my lower cheeks and jawline. Retin A helps with my old PIH and heals new red marks within 3-5 days. The non-problematic skin areas (forehead, upper cheeks, temples, chin) look amazing. My lower cheeks and jawline, however, still present with those dang flesh colored bumps. There is probably a 75% reduction in those bumps, however. I must point out, though, that my acne appears to be hormonal, and Retin A just can't keep up with those particular bumps. I am on the weakest strength and plan to move to .10 next month. I really feel that a stronger strength will work. Also, I am now on Spironolactone to help combat the hormonal acne. Retin A appears to work as intended (promote cell turnover) which should lead to a reduction is pimples (minimally or extremely). Its effects can take longer to notice in some people, which is why I'm not giving up at the 3 month mark even though I'm not completely clear. As long as you're seeing continual improvement at the 3 month mark, I would suggest giving it another 3 months and possible increasing the strength of your dose at that time if you're improved, but not completely clear.

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George

September 1, 2010

Pros:

Having used Retin-A 0.01% Gel for a week now, I have been startled at the speed of my recovery. Other than a couple of new pimples, my skin tone has improved, existing pimples have dried out and my skin is generally improved. I have experienced no redness, however dryness around my mouth/chin area is present, but this is alleviated with moisturiser.

Cons:

Slight dryness, possibility of bad IB (but not for me)

Overall, I'd say that if this product is used correctly, with the minimal amount being put onto skin, then results are bound to come sooner rather than later. My skin has many small pimples and I've never had cysts, so perhaps this explains the difference in my experience with others'.

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Ella83

August 27, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up face alot, really worth it in the end

Cons:

takes along time to work, IB is terrible

When I first started using retin A gel .025%, I was horrified by all the reviews on this sight of the terrible initial breakout. As expected, for the first like 6 weeks I used it my acne got worse and worse. Then suddenly, over the coarse of maybe 2 days, my acne almost vanished. The best thing I can reccoment to you is to KEEP WITH IT!! I was so close to quitting it because I couldnt see how something that made me break out so bad could work but then out of the blue my face became almost completely clear. i strongly reccomend this product to anyone with a little patience, don't just use it till your face is at its worst and then give up.

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sensitiveskin94

August 25, 2010

Pros:

-Fades red marks
-Makes my pimples come to a head

Cons:

-Dryness
-Makes my eyelids a little red and irritated (although most acne products do that to me at first so I guess I really can't complain)

First of all, I should mention that I've already been taking Bactrim for about 3 months, taking birth control for almost 5 months, and using BenzaClin nightly. My skin is, except for 2 small but painful pimples and 3 almost invisible bumps, clear. But that's only if you don't count the endless red marks all over my skin because any pimple I do get, I get a lasting spot on my face. I used this last night (Put on BenzaClin first, waited 15 minutes while I curled my hair, put this on, then 5 minutes later put on a sensitive skin lotion), expecting nothing but dry and painful flaky skin, like what happened last time. Wrong. Already after one day, my red marks are starting to fade, and my two ouchie pimples came to a head so I was able to pop them. One is already flat, the other slowly shrinking. Looking in the mirror this morning was a beautiful thing. I didn't look like someone had splattered me with red paint. Just pinkish spots. Beyond happy right now. I'm not saying this stuff is a miracle cream, because I have already been actively fighting my acne and I am using Atralin .05% for red marks only. So I'm not sure how this works if you have lots of acne. If you have light acne like I do, and are just trying to get rid of the marks, USE THIS PRODUCT. My skin is smoother even after one day. Try it. Use a pea-sized amount. You will love. I'm only going to use this 2-3 times a week for two weeks, then every other day for 2 weeks, and finally to daily. I don't want to shock my skin into hell. But really, guys. With Tretinoin, happiness is only an application away ;)

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Murph89

August 11, 2010

Pros:

Definitely cleared up my skin, but patience is key. Worked well to fade old scars.

Cons:

Dried up skin like no other. Lips were chapped and skin was red. Once stopped, your acne might come back, like mine did.

Definitely worth giving a shot. I recommend however to be on it as long as you can, because once you stop, your acne might come back.

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imfromnj

August 6, 2010

Pros:

*good long term solution to acne
*Smooths out skin texture
*fades marks over time
*doesn't dry out skin if used correctly

Cons:

*will irritate at first
*works slowly
*need to give its a few months to work (and to purge

I think the reason most ppl dont stick with retin-a is b/c it takes a long time to work - but I also think its a very good permanant solution. Problem is must use religiously for months and even as you purge & breakout - you can't mix with other acne products, only a gentle cleanser (purpose). I think that is where most ppl go wrong. I have been on Retin-a micro and tazorac several times during the past few years, the first time I went on my skin responded the best, I was also on minocycline & used as directed religiously for several months. But, do not wear in the sun, and if u spend alot of time outside in the winter too, you will get irritated from cold dry air. Only use once at night and only the little pea size amt they direct, any more will resuly in a very red flaky mess.

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beautyfighter11

July 31, 2010

Pros:

-Helped clear pimples quickly

Cons:

-Dryed out skin
-Made skin a little red
-Made skin more prone to sunburn

I used it as a spot treatment and all over, it overall had a good effect but dryed out my skin. It also got a little worse before getting better.

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Tyrha S.

July 16, 2010

Pros:

I just started using it but I can feel it drying out my acne!

Cons:

Don't have any complaints yet

The bottom line is that I really have high hopes for this and hope that this is the answer to my prayers, because its been hard lately to have so much acne!

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David

June 26, 2010

Pros:

After the long working period, The cream seems to be working. It not only keeps acne to a minimum, but it also rids of some acne scares and makes your skin softer <(selling point for girls). Even if it doesn't cure your acne, you sure as heck will get a LOT of 'Bang For Your Buck' here.

Cons:

Takes a LONG time to work. You must be consistent. Your skin can and will flake during the first 6 weeks of use. After that, the cream leaves your skin very oily.

Retin-A is often sold in make-up. For this reason, You get moderate acne medicine with a cream that will change your skin. I have been on this medication for about 18 and 1/2 weeks. Long time? Yep. But with all the other medications I have tried, I am happy. My mix is .025%. Of course an increase to 1 or 2% may help it work faster. My mix has NEVER burned or stung my skin, like other reviewers have said. My skin is now down to one or two pimples every other day. My skin color and acne scares are even and gone. This is an amazing product.

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