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
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5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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January 16, 2013

Pros:

Smoother skin
Fades scars
Bye bye black heads
Fades lines

Cons:

Flaky skin

I'm on 8 weeks, I wrote a review in December. I'm so ecstatic to say I just about have CLEAR skin! My confidence is up, I had 3 dates last weekend, I'm more upbeat to start my day! Some things that worked for me. I mix 1 pea drop of retin a with 3 pumps of cerave pm face lotion every night after letting my skin relax from washing (good old ponds cold cream, massage onto dry skin for a min and then gently remove with warm water And wash cloth). When applying the retin a/lotion mix I work from my neck up and keep it away from mouth, corners of nose, and eyes/eyebrows. Once every day in the am I will use my clarisonic to help lift away dead skin. I do the believe this treatment has lifted all the clogged pores and dead skin and now I'm just in the process of watching my scars disappear. Good luck everyone, don't give up on retin a and be VERY gentle to your skin! I also began using smashbox BB cream which my healing skin loves!
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January 9, 2013

Pros:

-causes peeling
-fades scars fast

Cons:

-the peeling is bad initially but stops after 2 weeks

i've tried every cream out there and for the first time i have hope i can finally get my adult acne under control. dont give up
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January 7, 2013

Pros:

Helps healing
Decreases healing time
Improves skin's clarity

Cons:

Lots of peeling which causes breakouts
Long adjustment period

I have had some serious initial breakouts with this which has made it difficult to stick with. The only saving grace is that everything heals really quickly and nicely. Once the initial period (~6 weeks) is completed, everything should settle down. I can't wait to get there!!
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December 22, 2012

Pros:

Smoother skin
Lightens scars
Helped with cystic/nodule acne

Cons:

Makes face REALLY oily
Flaking skin
Redness
Sensitive skin, tightness
Canker sores, easily cut mouth

Been using Retin-A Micro combined w/ minocycline for 3 months and my skin finally calmed down about 2 weeks ago. About a month in II was having really bad flaking around my mouth and getting canker sores. When it was warm I was using 3-4 oil blotting sheets a day with flaky skin to boot. I've scaled back application to every other night and use a moisturizer w/ salicylic acid & my face has been clear of cystic acne for several weeks and the redness is subsiding finally! Jaw and cheek area acne.
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December 14, 2012

Pros:

Smoother skin, faster healing, makeup go ones better

Cons:

Flaking, dry skin

I have been using the .1 for 3 weeks now. I am 29 and started developing moderate jawline acne after ditching birth control. My mom and aunts use this for wrinkles so I grabbed an almost empty tube in a desperate attempt for clear skin. My goodness, I do believe its working! ADVICE, stay away from harsh cleansers. The first week I used nothing but my ponds cold creme and things were okay. I got daring and busted out my clarisonic with neutrogena naturals cleanser. That was a mistake! After a breakout I'm back to ponds and my skin is much happier. Fingers crossed for clear skin!
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December 10, 2012

Pros:

Clears Hyperpigmentaion
Clears little white dots under skin (called comodones or something)
gets rid of black heads
Improves skin
Improves Acne Alot

Cons:

When you put too much your skin gets red
Sometimes will make chin flake grossly

My dermatologist gave me this in combination with minocycline and some acanya as a spot treatment, I really did not see a huge difference until they went to the higher dosage of minocycline except for clearing up my blackheads and small white heads but by SO MUCH and your skin feels really good, hyperpigemnation is reduced alot and i sleep with it on every night, not that much flaking and no breaking out because of this product, do not wear under makeup will make you extremely shiny the acanya is a good spot treatment and the minocycline is working but the white head in my cheeks havent gone away yet, this takes patience but it works well
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December 2, 2012

Pros:

It clears acne & lightens scars. It is an effective treatment for wrinkles.

Cons:

It really dries your skin out in the beginning.

Stick with it, it will work.
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November 25, 2012

Pros:

Fades Scars
Brighter complexion
Reduces hyper-pigmentation

Cons:

For me it wasn't a cure, just an aid in my regime

I was prescribed Retin- A to be used in conjuction with Dalacin T around a year ago... and was given a course of antibiotics. The first weeks were horrible, I remember having a serious emotional breakdown when I found that nothing could cover my acne, scars, flaking, peeling, hurt skin. It was absolutely terrible but I remember the doctor saying that it would get better. During this time my skin flaked so much, I jokingly referred to it as "dandruff of the face" But alongside this I saw that my previously terrible scarred skin was healing... which I couldnt have been more thrilled about. I used all three of the products the doctor prescribed for around two-three months after which I noticed that I just wasnt breaking out anymore, all of the gunk underneath the skin had been extracted I guess. So I stopped using it because my doctor said I didnt have to anymore. I was so incredibly happy and I though that it was over... but I was sorely wrong. Around 8 months later my acne returned (i started using anti-biotics again and got a new perscription of retin-a) This worked for around four months and then stopped and I began breaking out horribly again. I have come to realize that my breakouts are hormonal... so any treatment I use on my skin will make no difference in keeping me clear. The point of telling this story is to just state that theres an internal root cause of my acne so Retin-A will never be a miracle cure. It does however do an amazing job helping to fade the scars from previous breakouts... it really can transform a face in two weeks when used consistently. I find the weeks I don't break out my skin can be virtually scar free when I use this... but it is harsh so some days I mix just a tiny amount with my moisturiser... also it thins skin so I've found sometimes when I've accidentally scratched myself It has made me bleed when I have been using it for a long period of time. All in all though... this has helped me while I've struggled with acne.
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November 25, 2012

Pros:

It has reduced my acne
It is even helping a bit with the marks
My pores have shrunk

Cons:

Makes my skin very dry and flaky
makes my skin itchy at times
experienced redness at times

I have only used this product for like almost three weeks. I am seeing some good results, it is working. I guess I just have to be more patient and STOP PICKING ON MY SKIN! I am still breaking out tho..and I have more breakouts on my jaw line now..but I guess its getting everything to the surface and then treating it....
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November 21, 2012

Pros:

long term help somewhat

Cons:

took a really really long time to do anything
smells somewhat weird
feels heavy on skin

Perhaps because I have the weakest version .025%, it didn't do much for me. at all.
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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