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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June 14, 2009

Pros:

This has made my pores A LOT smaller. My face is no longer broken out all over like it had been, I'm down to only a few pimples left. After about a month and a week, it all healed and now it's working pretty well.

Cons:

The initial breakout and dryness was terrible. All over my jawline and left side of my chin was covered in acne after about the first week of using it. I also peeled for the first 2 months of using the product, I am no longer peeling.

IT TAKES TIME! It will cause an ugly initial breakout, but you have to ride it through! Make sure you don't go into the sun with it on, or you'll have bad peeling.
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June 12, 2009

Pros:

Renews skin by peeling, leaving it soft and healthy feeling.

Cons:

It's taking awhile to work...

I've never stuck with an acne product for longer than a year. I'm going to try and use retin a micro for as long as it takes to clear my skin, since it seems like the best way to do it. I've heard a lot about great results.. I had some improvement, so far, but i've only been on it for about four months. My skin peels everyday, but it doesn't get in the way of makeup or anything since i rub it off when i wash my face. I've had a few breakouts mainly in the beginning, but its been pretty mild until now. I've got breakouts on my forehead? weird. I hear it will take about a year to clear your skin, but mine seems obnoxiously stubborn!
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June 12, 2009

Pros:

Quick healing

Cons:

Initial breakout, dry skin

When I started using this product, it was the first time I truly felt like I could live my life without having to worry about my acne. I was so pumped, and though I've read the bad reviews about the initial breakout, I promised myself I would stick with it. And I did. When I thought it was the worst it could get, it got even worse. I thought it was healing, it was purging. All those pimples plus the dry skin just made it worse. But I stuck with it. And I believe that finally, after nearly 3 1/2 months, I am noticing a significant difference in the quality of my skin. I am still breaking out slightly,from the real deep stuff, but the scars and such are healing so quickly, its as if they were never there. And the dark spots and scars from past pimples are finally fading! My skin is smoother and the quantity of bumps under my skin is def going down.And soon, hopefully this summer or before school starts again, I can walk out of the house, proudly without make-up.
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June 9, 2009

Pros:

Keeps renewing skin on my face.

Cons:

Makes my face really flakey and then a few hours later it's too oily.

It works, but it took at least 4 months before my acne really calmed down. I'm still really sensitive to it though and still peeling.
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June 8, 2009

Pros:

Light, use once a day.

Cons:

Dry our skin first two weeks. Irritating.

I had been on tretinoin a for two weeks now and I had just finish with the flakings and dryness. However I have the worst breakouts ever. They are red and all over my face. Some get soo bad it pops by itself. However, I know this is normal and its the purging cycle. Hopefully I'll see some result week six.
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June 7, 2009

Pros:

It works after about a month.

Cons:

Dries out skin really bad, so make sure that you use a moisterizer

Honestly, I have a ridiculous supply of acne medication. Now, I only use Retin-A at night and wash my face in the morning with a bar of soap. Probably 300 dollers worth of medication spent at Clinique and Neutrogena and clean and clear, none of it made better. Benzol Perioxide is my worst enemy, besides making my skin flaky, it also just makes my zits turn into cysts. Retin-A just made your zits that were deep down, come up to the surface. After that, it is clear skin forever! I have been using it for over a year, and I am quite satisfied. I use .04 and it really works. I only had moderate acne though. My friend had severe and shes been using it for two months on .1 and her skin is really smooth. I am really happy for her and myself, I would definitely recommend it, and you should keep an open mind when using it.
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June 6, 2009

Pros:

Helps buff off the to layer of your skin to reveal the acne that was hiding deep under your skin. Improves your acne after the initial break out. Lightens scars.

Cons:

You must ONLY apply it to the infected area or you might risk dryness, redness, and peeling around your eyes, the angles of your nose, nostrils, around your mouth..etc.

I had really smooth clear skin until I started highschool. I guess it was the stress and extra activities I'm doing, but I started to break out horribly. My mother has spent so much money trying to find things that work; I almost gave up even. Then I started the Tretinoin and at first I was a little skeptical. My skin peeled and I broke out; but isn't that what its supposed to do? Your body is trying to get rid of the old skin, so just be aware your skin will have to worsen to get better. It actually does do what its supposed to. Before starting consult your dermatologist to prescribe and explain what its for and how much you should use based on what type of skin to use and the percentage you should take. Don't quit after the first few days, your skin is adjusting to this new medication. It isn't used to what you're doing to it. Let it settle in for approximately 3 months. I use this product ever other day transitioning between Tretinoin and Merderma.
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

Inexpensive, Easy to use

Cons:

Initial breakout, some dryness and peeling

I used my retin-a about a year ago and couldn't handle the initial breakout so I quit using it and went back to a benzoil peroxide wash. My skin wasn't getting any better so I started a course of Accutane. It was absolute hell for 5 months. I had never been that dry, but it cleared by face up wonderfully. I would recommend it to anyone...but back to the retin-a. A few months after I finished my accutane I started getting a few mild breakouts so I got out my tube of retin-a that I had left. My initial breakout was the worste since my accutane treatment, but my skin is now looking a lot better and smoother. It really does just take a lot of time. You can't be impatient. Both accutane and retin-a both take TIME. You just have to know that it will get better eventually.
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May 26, 2009

Pros:

Scars starting to lighten

Cons:

More pimples, peeling.

I have used this product for 2 weeks now and it's workign pretty well. Right now, I'm seeing my scars lighten up and that's a good thing. I have peeling right after I wash my face. It's around my mouth and my nose. I can deal with it though. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices to get things perfect. I think if I stick to this and deal with the new break out then I'll get clear skin soon. I will come back and post in 4 weeks from now to tell you guys what's going on :)
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May 13, 2009

Pros:

I use Retin-A with Hydroquinone for my scars and I love it but I only use it at night to limit the drying effects.

Cons:

You have to make sure you only target areas that are affected or it will dry out the unaffected areas, which suck. Also hydroquinone is supposed to be dangerous so read up on it before you decide to take it.

Works great if you have acne and scars, you just need to give it some time. Once a week I steam my face with a bowl of hot water with the two creams on and it takes off the top layer of your skin. After a few times doing that, your skin will glow and you will notice a different. Just make sure you use a good sunscreen and moisturizer. It work best doing that.
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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