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
November 21, 2010

Pros:

Cleared cysts
Cleared overall acne
Cleared redness
Acne control

Cons:

Itchy
Very drying
Takes time to clear
You need to continue using it

It was horrible when I first started since the initial breakout was the worst thing imaginable.. BUT! I stuck it out and I'm currently at 3 months and 4 days and I've never had such AMAZING skin in over 8 years! I can't believe how much of a miracle this has been for me.
This Was Helpful

15 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 21, 2010

Pros:

- I actually get comments on my glowing skin!
- Eliminates acne (cystic and pimples)
- Make skin very smooth
- Easy application (be sure to WAIT 20 minutes after washing your face before application!)
- Clears up acne scars I've had for years

Cons:

- Initial breakout
- Makes skin more sensitive to sunlight

I was iffy about starting Retin-A after reading the reviews about the so-called "initial breakout" but I was desperate for change. I decided to start Retin-A over the summer when I knew I wouldn't be seeing my friends a lot and I'm glad I did. The first three months made my skin breakout across my cheeks and chin but the truth is, I was so full of acne that it really couldn't get too much worse. Frustrated, I turned to using Benzaclin in the AM and Retin-A at night which seemed to help and I continue that regimen now. I would advise teens and young adults to start Retin-A during a time such as summer vacation when you'll have a fresh start. The only downside to this was that it was also sunnier and my face did burn a couple times on beach days, but I could have worked harder to avoid them. It is now fall and I have been using Retin- A for about 5 months. I cannot tell you how OVERJOYED I am at the results. Where there used to be acne, I now have clear, glowing skin. A friend of a friend complimented me on my "porcelain doll skin" about a month ago and I actually started crying in happiness when she said so. I never believed I could be that person others look at as beautiful. I have never felt better about myself and this product has 100% changed my life. Overall, this product is absolutely worth the wait. Keep it up, even when you feel like it might not be working. It is so worth it in the end :) Thank you, Retin- A.
This Was Helpful

45 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 15, 2010

Pros:

-Clears acne very quickly
-Gets rid of acne scars
-Smoothens skin
-Makes skin almost flawless <3<3<3

Cons:

-Initial breakout for some people
-Dries out skin (can be a pro)
-Flaking
-Increased photosensitivity

I love this medication! I have the 0.01% gel, and have been using it for almost 3 weeks now. I did not experience an IB but it did cause serious dryness (to the point I had to moisturize every 10 minutes) and had serious flaking. I was lucky and was excluded from School when I had my week of pure flaking and redness; and now I'm in school again, and have recieved lots of comments about how much my skin has improved. So happy :)
This Was Helpful

19 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 28, 2010

Pros:

-Dries out skin, especially useful if you're like me and have very oily skin
-Can already see an effect
-No IB for me

Cons:

-Leaves skin flaky.

Excellent medication, and free if your under the NHS :)
This Was Helpful

17 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 18, 2010

Pros:

- no more DEEP PIMPLES that Benzoyl Peroxide does nothing to (in my case)
- It is very effective and does work eventually
- Smooths out and brightens my skin with regular use
- Apparently slows the development of wrinkles as a bonus

Cons:

- It makes your skin worse before it makes it better, use it for 2-3 months before giving up on it
- It causes mild skin flaking (I use it over night and exfoliate gently in the morning), if you're getting too much of this reduce usage
- It can take a while to build up a "tolerance" to the effective strength (may need to build up to the proper strength, skin may be red and irritating until it gets used to it)

This in combination with Clindoxyl (antibiotic infused Benzoyl Peroxide - great for the "surface" pimples), and a red/blue light therapy lamp, has fully cured my once severe acne. Retin-A is necessary because it is the only part of my routine which addresses the painful deep pimples I get. Now people compliment me on my skin! Try it! I use the high concentration 0.1% cream (as opposed to the 0.05%) and dilute it with some vitamin-k cream to reduce irritation.
This Was Helpful

13 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 13, 2010

Pros:

-Clears up skin completely
-Gives skin a healthier look

Cons:

-takes a LONG time to work
-gets a little worse before it gets better.

This product definitely works, but you have to be patient! I've been using it for about 2 months, and there was little change for about a month and a half, but in the past couple weeks my skin has quickly improved and looks better than ever. I've had acne for about 3 years with no improvement, and my skin now has no noticeable acne since using this product.
This Was Helpful

16 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 6, 2010

Pros:

I saw some results very quickly
Easy to apply
Goes on smoothly
Havent seen many 'initial break outs'
HELPS WITH WRINKLES!
This is the *only* thing i've tried that does anything to get rid of white heads and flesh colored bumps

Cons:

-Causes some dry/red/rough patches
-Causes some skin peeling (almost like after a sun burn) but is easy to get rid of and hasnt been severe.
-Makes skin EXTRA sensitive and fragile, so much so that even pressing my fingernail lightly on my face leaves a red mark.

I really like this prescription so far. I have only been using it for a month. The first 2 or 2.5 weeks I only used it every other night and on the nights I wasn't using it i'd sometimes use Clindimycin/BP combo cream, but that stuff makes my face SO DRY I've pretty much stopped using it except as a spot treatment (but I haven't had many pimples). Now for the last few weeks i've been using it every evening. I've noticed a big improvment. I've always had the habit that when I'm bored or something, i'll lean closely to the mirror and squeeze my blackheads/clogged pores. The last week or so when I've gone to do that, there really havent been any blackheads to squeeze! In addition, I get a bunch of fleshcolored/white bumps on my chin and a few other areas. I think they're white heads but it seems alot of people have different definitions for what a white head is. Anyways, they aren't inflamed. Just clogged. For so long, NOTHING i tried would do much for them. But now that i've been using this, the white bumps are finally going down! I haven't been breaking out at all really for the last 10 days or longer. I never had a HUGE breaking out problem, my issues are mainly blackheads and white heads. But i always break out on my period, and I didnt for the last one. Plus the small pimples I get regularly havent shown up. Finally, I have 2 pretty bad smile lines and I swear to you, they've already started fading! My mom even noticed. The cons so far have been increased skin sensitivity, some peeling and some (one in particular) dry/red patches. The peeling for me has been pretty easy to get rid of. I just apply Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 (which exfoliates) and then apply moisturizer. I will write again in a month or two but so far I am VERY HAPPY. :)
This Was Helpful

29 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 5, 2010

Pros:

CLEARS SKIN
STOPS BREAK OUTS

Cons:

TAKES FOREVER

after about 2 months or so this started kicking in and i started seeing results and after about 3 months my skin was completely clear. but whatever u do DONT stop using it no matter what after my skin cleared i ran out and thought that i wouldnt get any more pimples but after a week i started breaking out and a week after that i got some more of this stuff its been 2 weeks now and my skins almost clear again so yea dont stop using
This Was Helpful

23 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 20, 2010

Pros:

clears up skin 100%
works on scars and dark spots
cheap

Cons:

drying
redness

Ive tried every OTC acne medication you can think of.. from proactiv, acne free, BP, to oxy. nothing worked and most made my completion worse (anything with BP). when i first got retin a i only used it for a few days and stoped due to the redness and ib(or so i thought). Anyway about two weeks ago I decided to give it a try, i mean I didnt have anything to loose! The first few days I didnt see any results.. Around the fifty day my face was so dry and red i looked like a lobster shedding.. lol I decided to tough it out and by my 2nd week im almost completely clear! I still have to use moisturizer day and night but if thats the cost for clear skin i can live with it. I used a pea sized amout at bed time, wait an hr and use cetaphil an hr later. The cetaphil really works on the flaking skin and redness, its two oily looking to use in the day time so i use biore with 15spf during the day. NOTHING has ever given me the results that this has, I only wish I had have used it earlier! Oh ya and the IB wasnt really a breakout at all for me, more so of the acne under my skin coming to the surface! If your put on retin a tough it out, the results are amazing!!
This Was Helpful

30 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 13, 2010

Pros:

It works! Yes it does! I can vouch for that
Skin looks brighter and more vibrant.
Acne is a thing of the past.
Scars are fading
Hyperpigmentation fading

Cons:

Takes time to work (not really a con)
Dries the skin out

Bottom line is that retin-a cream is a breakthrough in skincare. The stuff has helped me so much. I got prescribed it by my derm as a means to helping with my moderate acne scarring since I am a person of indian decent and basically lasers and peels are a no no for me. After 3 years on Accutane, the stuff also now controls my acne too. My shallow scars and sever hyperpigmentation has also imporved drastically since I started using it 7 months ago so keep at it people! You will see results!
This Was Helpful

26 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 16 17 18 19 20 … 35
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