Tretinoin
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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July 21, 2009

Pros:

Cleared whiteheads and pimples

Cons:

breakouts

it depends on how you apply it if you use it as a daily moisturiser then you will breakout i discovered this the hard way , i changed my routine and then started applying it nightly the would wash it off the next morining and use an oil free saylic acid cleanser and toner with an oil free medicted moisturisr.
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July 19, 2009

Pros:

It really does work.

Cons:

It dries your skin out so make sure you have a good moisturize. IT TAKES TIME FOR IT TO WORK!!! Believe me, once I broke out worse than I'd started out with I was ready to toss it. Stick with it!

I've only been on the cream form of retin-a for three weeks. The first week was miserable; my skin was flaking and I broke out like I never had before. By the end of week two, most of the breakouts were gone (the pimples that were left were small and easy to cover up) and I noticed scars left behind from previous blemishes were fading. Right now I have one pimple (can't complain!) and my skin isn't dry anymore. Just give it time for your skin to adjust to it.
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July 19, 2009

Pros:

Makes your pores really small, skin very smooth and fades acne marks.

Cons:

Some drying, and its oily when you first put it on

This product worked very well for me. I've only been using it for about a few months and all of my acne marks are gone. I have like one or two very small pimples on my face left. The only bad thing is that it dries your skin out a little, but with make up on you cant really tell. I would suggest using moisturizer.
July 15, 2009

Pros:

Acne is 99.9% gone. Only get one pimple every once in a while which fades quickly. Scars are fading from hyperpigmentation as well.

Cons:

At the beginning it caused dryness and peeling but that faded by the end of week 4. My face was still an oil slick into week 6 so my derm put me on a sulfur wash which took care of the oil.

Yes this does take time to work. I am now in my 4th month and am very happy. Try it for three months and if you don't like it try something else. For me, the atralin (tretinoin .05%) mixed with the sulfur wash added about 6 weeks in has really cleared up my skin. Plus, my derm has coupons that actually make the atralin free for me so if you're thinking about trying a form of tretinoin check to see if there are any discounts available.
July 14, 2009

Pros:

Clears comedones, clears and tightens pores, improves wrinkles, fades acne scar discoloration

Cons:

Feels a bit thick/oily on the skin

I've only been using it for a week and it has smoothed the skin on my cheeks that were covered in comedones. I use Cleocin-T gel in the morning and Tretinoin at night, and it's doing well so far. Hoping the purge won't be too bad. I recommend this for people with comedones.
July 14, 2009

Pros:

Used in conjunction with Clindamycin, it cleared up all my pimples.

Cons:

After using it for a long time (like 1-2 years) acne developed resistance to it and I have to switch to another product.

I used Tretinoin Cream 0.1% by applying a thin film on my problem areas at night, and in the morning I would apply a thin film of Clindamycin gel. It took about 3 weeks to see results, but eventually all my acne went away. I was clear for a period of 1-2 years, but then my face started building a resistance to the medication, and the acne came back. I find that with these prescription medications, they will work for about 1-2 years and then they stop working, so I have to switch from one to the other. All these dermatologist prescribed medications do work, but they do not cure acne. They just temporarily mask it. You have to use them on a consistent basis every day, or your acne will come back. Right now, I have stopped taking all these and I am trying natural methods such as taking probiotics and fiber supplements to see if I can get to the root of the problem.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

-Smooths skin
-Noticeably lightens scars
-Good for blackheads and whiteheads.

Cons:

Dries out my skin, but I can deal with it. It did get a little worse before it started getting better, it wasn't that bad, but that's just me.
It takes a while for it to work, so you must stick with this if you plan on taking it.

I have been on Tretinoin (Retin-a) .1% for about 5 weeks now, and I have taken pictures every other day on sections of my face. I check them now and my face is less red than it use to be, and my acne scars have lightened a ton. I am very happy with the results and can't wait until i hit my 10th week mark to see the difference it has made for me. People, trust me, its worth it going through the redness that it gives you for only a week or two to see how much better and smoother your face will be in the end.
July 6, 2009

Pros:

Smooths skin really really well. Takes care of the little bumps on my forehead. not so great for the big ones though.

Cons:

I feel like it makes my skin oily.

Works really well. I haven't had any peeling or redness.
June 15, 2009

Pros:

Really helps skin in the long run. Exfoliates dead skin, purges gunk.
Be patient.

Cons:

Dryness. Standard breakouts in the beginning--patience!
Only apply to the affected area.

I've been using this for a couple years, I just had mild acne like some whiteheads etc. But after the initial breakouts in the beginning of the treatment, it worked very well. Since using it I have cut down to using it a couple times a week at nighttime. For a spot treatment over the Retin-A (.025% gel), or on its own I use Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% and Sulfur 5% lotion which tries up pimples and is very effective. Also, I have cut dairy completely out of my diet. Though sometimes I'll have some chocolate. I really believe in the dairy connection, as does my dermatologist. He's the best in Pittsburgh.
June 8, 2009

Pros:

reduce pockmark, smooth rough skin

Cons:

make skin dry

No

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.

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.