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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December 1, 2009

Pros:

smoother skin
more even tone

Cons:

horrible IB
did not reduce acne
slight burning sensation for the first 2-3 weeks

I know I should have stuck with this product longer - but I gave it a full two months. Initially I was very hopeful, and I did notice that my skin that did not have blemishes actually became smoother and softer. However, neither the number of pimples nor their severity decreased. The initial breakout was bad (for me). I went from mild/moderate acne to what I would consider moderate/severe. It has only been in the last few days that it started to tone down again, back to what my "original" state was. Overall, I'm sure this is a good product for many people, but just not for me. It's on to Accutane!
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November 30, 2009

Pros:

after all of the bad stages your skin looks amazing

Cons:

burning sensation, peeling, dry skin at first

I love this stuff. My skin looks and feels incredible, I can't believe it. This is the clearest my skin has been in about four or five years, and I am very pleased. I don't have a single zit on my face. When I first started using Retin-a, my skin reacted pretty badly to it. I got a slight tingly, burning sensation, and I went through a lot of different stages of peeling on-and-off for a long time--I really wanted to stop using it because of this, but I assure you that the end result is totally worth it.
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November 30, 2009

Pros:

fewer breakouts (especially cystic)
scars seem to fade faster (I mean sometimes I just can't resist popping!)

Cons:

it did dry out my skin pretty bad the first few weeks

I was prescribed this product (.05%) with minocycline for pretty regular cystic acne breakouts. The first few weeks I was really dry, but then I would just not use it for a night and use a facial scrub and lotion in the morning. Now (a month later) my skin is clearer and my old acne scars are fading quickly.
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November 25, 2009

Pros:

really and truely clears up the skin on face, chest and back! reduces scars, smooths skin out and has make my sun damage forehead wrinkles disappear!!! magic!

Cons:

drying, can sting; especially in cracks near nose and on spots / broken skin, makes me redder than usual!!!

I think the bottom line here is no pain no gain. All acne treatments work by drying the skin, so this is unavoidable, though this topical did dry my skin more than the many others I have tried. If I dare to go a night without using, I sometime wake up with a spot, so I have to be comitted. Drying and can be painful but incredibly affective, I found it better than a course of Roaccutane I tried years ago, with far less severe side affects. Try it
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November 15, 2009

Pros:

clears skin, helps acne scars

Cons:

drys skin to a point that was unimaginable to me before

I love retin A, but it is intensely drying. I do use retin A .1 micro, which is the strongest one, but I have very oily skin and it still dries my skin like I've never seen before. I love this stuff, but it can be a pain in the butt.
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November 13, 2009

Pros:

clears my skin really fast

Cons:

very ard ,flacky ,itchy skin after a few uses

ive been using this product for about a week .It burns a little but it eventually goes away. My skin started to clear up the 2nd day of use. Now on the 6th day my face is getting more pimples. This is because it terminates by lifting them out. Dont pick at your face while using this product . It may leave tragic scars
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November 11, 2009

Pros:

It works!
It clears up my acne and acne scars.

Cons:

It took a 1 month before it worked.
It made me break out more at first.
It makes your skin really sensitive to the sun and dry

I have been using it since July 09' and it's currently November 09'. It works amazily to get rid of acne and acne scar. I had really bad skin but now all my blemish is almost gone. Don't wax while using this product because it will burn your skin.
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November 5, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne! (Smooths out wrinkles for older folks)

Cons:

Leaves my face severely dry and flaky

I've used this product since last year (mid October `08) for my severe cystic acne. It ended up taking a little over 2 months for my face to clear. Ever since then I've used it 1 to 2 times a week and then I completely stopped using it in February `09. My face started to break out once again in August. So bottom line, try not to get lazy with this product! (I was left with some minor scars)
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November 1, 2009

Pros:

-eventually clears up most acne
-less oily skin, skin regularizes
-softens and smooths skin, clearer texture

Cons:

-takes 2-3 months for it to really start working
-at first, causes painful cystic acne
-leaves a bunch of scars :(

Definitely use this product if you have the patience. I used coverup so it didn't effect my self-esteem too much, it was just annoying to see all the acne scars left from the cystic acne that Retin A gave me the first month or so. After a while, however, my skin really started to improve--the overall quality along with the acne. Just remember to regularly apply it but only enough to cover a thin layer on your face. The only big con is the acne scarring, but that will eventually go away. It's worth the clear skin.
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October 26, 2009

Pros:

do what it claims

Cons:

the usual side effects (dryness, redness, initial breakouts, etc).

I am currently in my 8th week of micro retin-a (.04%) and i'm starting to see improvement. The key to this product is keep it simple. Do no use other harsh chemical on your face while on Retin-a. Do not exfoliate! wash your face with a mild cleanser, follow the instructions (pea-sized amount or less!) and most importantly, stick it through! Do not pick on it..you can try use Eucerin redness reduce lotion during the day. I know the initial breakout can be hard but you must preserver! good luck!
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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