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

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May 8, 2008

Pros:

Cheap with insurance

Cons:

takes a loonnnggg time to work, IF it ever ends up working...

I used benzaclin and differin gel prior to using retin a and clindamycin... the differin/bezaclin combo works great for my skin, but my derm insisted that i try this new combo..... Its been 4 months and i have scarring all over my cheecks and jawline. she said to give it time, and i have.. no improvement. Makes the areas of my skin that are already clear look fabulous, but it hasnt done much of anything for my problem areas. It stings, your skin may peel, does NOTHING for scarring. Its basically useless in my fight against acne.
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May 4, 2008

Pros:

i have noticed a little difference but the scars are bad and ihave never had them before.I has been about 2 weeks and i am impatient!

Cons:

the scars are awful i hope they go away and this dry pachy area on my chin has got to go

try it alot of people have had good luck not me yet tho
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April 30, 2008

Pros:

Acne has been reduced, but not fully. I used to have bad acne, and now it's mild, but every once in a while there'll be a big pimple.

Cons:

flaky, dry skin, burning, redness

Although some acne has disappeared, not enough has gone and the side effects make it not worth it. My skin is dry in some spots, oily in others, and red and shiny everywhere. Moisturizer burns, and the flaking is embarrasing.
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April 24, 2008

Pros:

I don't seem to get the huge annoying pimples anymore. Just little ones that if LEFT ALONE will go away in a day or so.

Cons:

When I first started I got ton and I mean tons of whiteheads that seem to have come out of nowhere. The skin around my mouth is ALWAYS dry, red and flaky.

After approx. 2 months of use I am realizing that this is just not the product for me. Unfortunatly none of the treatments my Dr. has worked for me. I am allergic to just about every antibiotic out there and already have depression and can't take the accutane. I wonder what next? If anybody has any suggestions...
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

Skin feels smooth and soft after initial peeling. Noticable reduction in spots and pimples.

Cons:

Dry, itchy, flakey, burning sking. For the first week, the meds burned when applying moisterizer.

My mom recommended I use retin-A after it cleared her acne over 30 years ago. She has beautiful skin since. I have been battling acne for the past 12 years and this is the second product that have shown some results. The first product where I found results was created by a dermo that passed away. He was fantastic and a leader in the dermo field with over 60 years in practice. Once the initial peeling subsides and skin gets adjusted to the meds the results are fantastic. I just gently exfoliated the dry skin. The skin that is left is feeling baby smooth and clear. I use duac in the am and retin-a in the pm. I still get a few pimples however, they dissapear by the next morning without scaring or pain. I hope these results continue!
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April 20, 2008

Pros:

Evens out skin tone, makes skin look youthful and radiant, seems to turn over pimples more quickly when they come up

Cons:

Makes skin sensitive, if skin is oily it becomes both dry/flaky and oily/shiny at the same time which is unpleasant, takes a long time and it's hard to tell if it's working due to waves of breakouts

I've been using it for seven weeks and initially saw an improvement, followed by the expected breakout. My skin has become even toned and radiant though it doesn't help the oily skin I have naturally and I do flake at the same time, which makes wearing makeup a disaster. Skin cleared up again however after the forth week it just keeps breaking out with each day huge blind pimples surfacing. I assume this is meant to happen though it is very disheartening in the morning to discover yet more pimples. I'm going to stick with it as instructed since I am allergic to oral medications and reviews here indicate for some people it can take months. Also have come of the bcp so irregular/regualting hormones may be hindering the process. Works much better than duac which just makes me breakout horribly.
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April 19, 2008

Pros:

Well, my skin has never looked so young. I was starting to worry about wrinkles and the mild acne I've had my entire life seemed to be gettin worse. Tretinoin has completely erased the fine lines I had in a matter of six weeks, I kid you not.

Cons:

Unfortunately, it seems to have made my acne worse, not better. I have never before in my life had acne this bad and this is six weeks after I started using it. To be fair, I recently went off the pill which might be an aggravating factor.

I'll keep using it even if it doesn't clear up my (mild) acne - the anti-aging benefits are unbelievable! I'll find something else to clear up my acne if this doesn't start working for that after a few weeks.
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April 11, 2008

Pros:

It works well.

Cons:

Dry skin, peeling in areas.

I have been using this for about 5 months, and my face acne is almost gone. I now get one or two pimples every month or so. The bad thing is that my skin has not gotten used to the .04 medication. I do use both .1 and .04 and once in a while I skip a day. I have to use a damp cloth and basically scrub my face to get the peeling skin off, but I will continue to use it.
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

It will EVENTUALLY work takes btween 1-2 months to notice initial results

Cons:

Worsening of breakout period was pretty hardcore

I'm 22 yrs old and is set to graduate in June. I was fortunate enough to never had skin problems during my teen years, But about 5-6 months ago, I've experienced a never ending whitehead outbreak on my cheek bone areas. I tried diff. washes and OTC and non would work. I went to a derm and he prescribed me retin-a 0.1% at night and benzaclin in morning. The first 2-3 weeks, I didn't notice anything except for peeling, redness, and excessive dryness. Around weeks 4-7, your breakout will inevitably worsen. But towards the end of week 7 and onward, your skin will gradually get better and a difference will be noticed to the touch and sight. So like everyone else saids, justs tick with it. It's taking me almost 2 months to see satisfied results and I only had very mild acne, so the time table is different for everyone, but the process is the same.
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March 24, 2008

Pros:

none yet

Cons:

lots of breakouts (little pimples all over my face) redness because of dryness

Its been 4 months and a week since i started to use Retisol-a cream 0.01% and I take 50 mg of minocylin once a day and no improvement. I have hundred of little pimples all over my face and in places I never used to have! Can somebody please tell me if they experienced it as well and if I have to be patient and stick to it? Or nobody had that and its just not working&?
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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