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 4, 2009

Pros:

Decreases acne. Makes skin more taut. Fades hyperpigmentation and sunspots. Reduces lines. (Ran out of room in 'bottom line' -- but I picked up the generic, Reacel-A .05%, in Playa del Carmen on vacay in March for $8!!)

Cons:

IB. Sensitivity.

I was about to list dryness & peeling in the cons, but it's not a con IMO. It means it's working & stimulating growth of new cells. The IB is a bit frustrating & mine was a few big ones, but A LOT of little bumps under the surface that took a while to eventually come out as whiteheads. You need to use this appropriately & routinely to see results -- meaning, you can't just use it here & there to see a substantial difference. Suggestion to limit flakes: After you cleanse @ night, let face dry & apply moisturizer. (I use Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer w/ SPF 15). Let it dry a few minutes, then apply a very small amount of Retin-A to the affected areas. A little goes a long way, trust me! In the morning, you will be dry & flaky. In order to reduce this, you need to gently exfoliate w/ a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) on a Buff Puff or similar sponge. Afterwards, let your face dry completely & apply the moisturizer. Having one with SPF is very important bc of the 'new' skin & sensitivity.
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December 3, 2009

Pros:

works great for acne and over all skin appearence.

Cons:

first month I had rashes and peeling and, my face looked worse before it got better.

This is a product you need to stick too. At first you will get red and peel like crazy. Your number of pimples will increase and you will be tempted to quick. DON'T BE A QUITTER this product will change your life. After a month you will notice that if you get a pimple it will be smaller and go away quicker. After two months you will notice you hardly ever get pimples and your face will have an overall nice glow to it. After three months your face will look like a porcilin. People complement me on my skin all the time and they just assume it is genetics. Little did they know to obtain my "new skin" I had to go through many ups and downs with a miricle product called: Retin A Note: Use sunscrean, wait 20 minute after you wash your face to apply, dont pop your pimples bc your skin will be thinner, if your face gets irritated skip a day or two and only use a pea sized amount!! Less is more with this product. Stick to it and you will be happy you did!
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December 2, 2009

Pros:

It really works and I have tried quite a few products. ProActive being one of the many and it sucked.

Cons:

My acne def got worse before it got better

Retin-A is wonderful, I am 24/F never had acne in my life until about four months ago. I used ProActive and saw no results what so ever!!!! I began using the Retin-A around three weeks ago and I have seen huge improvement!!!!!!!!!!
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November 26, 2009

Pros:

I love retin-a its been a life saver!!!!! Ive been using .1% for about 3 months now and all my acne is disappearing and the scaring is now slowly fading!!! I couldnt be more happy with my complection now!!

Cons:

So far none

I would recommend anyone to try it out and give it a shot, what do u have to lose except acne!! :-)
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November 19, 2009

Pros:

cleared up my skin

Cons:

it showed result in 5 days or may be less

it works fine
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November 1, 2009

Pros:

Its been 3 months---way fewer pimples, texture of skin improved a lot (my skin is less oily now than before). I seriously doubt any other commercial acne treatment product can give me the same results! I got a prescription through my doctor.

Cons:

MINOR irritations the first 3 weeks, flakiness with some redness... but it seriously didn't look any worse than my pimples. Use jojoba oil as a moisturizer.

I wanted to share my positive experience with Retin A because initially I was so discouraged by the reviews and I was afraid to try it. I posted my experience on the message board. [link edited out] I've tried so many things within my budget and nothing has worked as consistently and long-lasting as Retin A. Every other product I've tried has always worked initially, but then slowly over time, the effects of the products wear off. I think Jojoba oil is a wonderful buffer to the irritations you get with Retin A. I have really sensitive skin that turns red easily. Just be smart and stay out of the sun when your starting this product and skip a day if your skin overly irritated. I don't really recommend using other acne products while your doing this because I didn't and I think it would add to the irritation. Be patient for the results! For way more details, read my post.
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October 24, 2009
Ease into medication as directed on the package. I started at once every 3 days and then increased and had no irritation. Waiting 30 min after washing face is also suggested. I've tried Duac and Differin for 1.5 years and it didnt help. Tretinoin was the only medication that worked on the bumps on my forehead.
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September 19, 2009

Pros:

Only medication that has worked for me.
Affordable

Cons:

Took Forever to Work like 8 months for it to really clear up

I used to have horrible acne to the point where it was unbearable to look at. Using this medication it's going to get worse before it gets better but stick with it! I can't be any happier with the results. My face is relatively clear now a huge improvement over where it was a year ago. Now I can start rebuilding that self confidence (: O and the retina tubes they last forever!!!!! you don't even know lol
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September 17, 2009

Pros:

Been working great for me! Im on .1% and so far my skin looks smooth and much more clear

Cons:

sensitive to the sun. Take a good 6 months before it starts to really work.

I absolutely love this product!!! Ive been using it for years and it brings a glow to my complection as well as clear the acne. Not only does it make my skin clear and smooth but I have no wrinkles! Thats definitly a plus!!! Over all YOU MUST STICK TO THE PRODUCT OR U WILL NOT SEE RESULTS!! this medication is not meant to work over nite or in a few weeks!! I too broke out 3rd week of using it but if ur patient like i was you will see results in a few months.
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September 11, 2009

Pros:

Works! Gets rid of acne!

Cons:

easily sun burnt, have to wait half hour before putting moisturiser/make up on

I have used this product for about 7 weeks, I had a mild breakout in the second week which consisted of 3 massive cystic boils on my right cheek. these dissapeared within about 1 week but left 3 red scars behind which are slowly fading with this product. I use the 0.025% gel, I have experienced very very mild peeling around chin/mouth area but nothing a bit of moisturiser cant sort out, combined with bare minerals make up this stuff is amazing! the only product that has worked ! im 26 and believe me I have tried it all apart from accutane as I was a bit scared after reading all the reviews! and I am so glad I tried this before even contemplating taking it. This gel however has not helped with my greasy skin but I find bare minerals mineral veil works well to stop my shine. I just hope it gets rid of my wrinkles now from overuse of the sunbed as a kid! (this was the only thing that would dry my spots and reduce the appearance of scars!!!)
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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