Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

...

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.

 [more]
3.5
1649
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
December 28, 2006

Pros:

Decrease in pimples, less oily

Cons:

Drys out skins horribly and makes it flake off. Works slowly and is pretty expernsive if you dont have insurance.

I've been using this for about 4 months with Doxycycline. The first 2 months were awful on this mediation. It made me breakout worse than ever before and my skin was flakey and gross. After the first 2 months, I started seeing results with a lot less pimples. I hardly have ay pimles any more but my skin is really blotchy still. It also makes my face burn when I excersize. My advice if you are just starting this medication is to start with a dose every other day and work your way up to using it every day. Be patient too, beause your skin WILL gte a lot worse before it gets better.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 23, 2006

Pros:

prevents new acne from forming by clearing your pores and making dead skin cells to leave faster. it didnt give me an initial breakout thankfully. it just kept my skin clear

Cons:

for people who have more moderate to severe acne it will create an initial breakout. for people with mild acne the initial breakout will barely be noticable, if there is one. may burn your skin some, may make it red and stuff. might give you sun burn

GET YOUR FACE COMPLETELY CLEAR BEFORE YOU USE THIS. if your face is crystal clear, then you dont have to worry about the initial breakout, because there is nothing under the skin to come to the surface! as a result your skin will stay clear because retin-a clears your pores and keeps them clear. if you have deep pimples that you want to get rid of, USE RETIN A, retin a will bring the deep pimples to the surface so you can get rid of them faster, it is a good product trust me
This Was Helpful

Report
December 21, 2006

Pros:

It was affordable.

Cons:

The initial breakout was terrible. It did not work.

I am 15 years old and I have very moderate acne, a one to three big spots a month or so. My main problem was the scarring my acne caused, mostly dark spots that last a few months to a year. I also had very oily skin. The initial breakout I experienced was awful. I got acne all over my cheeks (where I NEVER used to get it) that left marks. After more than a year, they have not disappeared completely. This stuff took about 2 months to work, and after those 2 months, my acne subsided and my pimples were smaller and dryer (?) than before (meaning whiteheads weren't as severe). This left my skin extremely dry and flaky. It doesn't feel heavy or filmy after application, though.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 20, 2006

Pros:

Did not help much at all. My skin is just as bad as it was before I started the medication.

Cons:

The inital flareup was very severe. Although I have 'recovered' from that flareup, my acne condition is not any different to that before the treatment.

If after the inital outbreak I would recover with nice skin, it would have been worth it. However, this has not been the case, and so I dont know why I went through this long dreadful process. I think this medication doesnt work equally well on every person. You will neeed to have the right skin of type in order for this Retin-A work. I think I will switch to something else soon.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 7, 2006

Pros:

Got rid of acne very effectively

Cons:

Somewhat dried out my skin and it made my skin red on my cheeks.
Also it made me look washed out except for the redness.

I would use this product if you want to get rid of your acne effectivley. It definetely works. But it is not the greatest on your skin. It will discolor it and make ir red and washed out.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 2, 2006

Pros:

At first I could feel it working deep in my skin. I thought, Hey! after a few months this could really help!

Cons:

I've been using it for six months and it's not helping. It might actually be making it worse.

I'm looking to switch to something else. Some of my friends use ProActive, but I think it's too much to pay for such a tiny bottle and pimples only on my chin, upper lip, and forehead (I don't get any on my cheeks). I've heard about BenzaClin, and I've never used a topical antibiotic before. Benzomycin also sounds good. These have been used in combination with glycolic acid and have positive effects for a lot of people in online medical journals. Can anyone give me any advice?
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 16, 2006

Pros:

Hopefully some come soon!

Cons:

My face looks worse than it has in a few years.

Just two weeks ago I was using Differin at night mixed with a klaron cream in the morning and using clearasil sensitive skin face wash 2 times a day sometimes 3 times and my face looked pretty good after about 4 or 5 weeks, then for about 3 or 4 it just maintained its ground so I still had a few spots. I went home for a few days and visited my dermatologist starting Tuesday night (6 nights ago) she put me on retin a micro .1 (the yellow gel kind) every other night and then kept me using differin every other night. She also put me on a nivea face wash to be used in the morning and at night and a nivea extra soothing cleanser to use when needed. So far all that I have noticed is that the spots I had have begun to flare up, and that even new red marks are starting to come in. I would just like a few people to leave me some insurance that this product really does work, and when do the beneficial effects start taking place? Can u use makeup with this produ
This Was Helpful

Report
October 4, 2006
This product does work very well if used properly. I'm a 20 yr old male with mild acne but am very self-conscious. I've been using it every other night for about 2 weeks and already see a slight improvement. Ive used it before for about 4 months and it worked well, but my skin became immune so I stopped for a while. Ive learned it seems to clear up scarring from the past very well. Remember: Small amounts and dont use it every night. Use on the whole face, DO NOT spot treat. Peeling will occurr, but dryness is beter than being super oily. I have alot of experience with this medicine so take it from me.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 24 25 26
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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