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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April 10, 2009

Pros:

Lines have smoothed out, pores shrinking

Cons:

Skin is soo sensitive. Still peeling after 6 weeks. Looks bad

I'm 36 and I was prescribed this cream for my blackheads, pores and fine lines. Been on it for 6 weeks and I can see results already, I swear, but it is the dryness and peeling that is driving me nuts. I'm using it 4-5 nights a week. I'm not sure what I'll do if the dryness does not subside in a few weeks
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April 9, 2009

Pros:

Works! Made all my pimples go away.

Cons:

The first 4 months were horrible, had light to moderate acne, but this turned it into severe with huge cystic pimples that I had never had before. My skin got a lot worse during this initial period and had a lot of breakouts with huge pimples.

The initial period was horrible and really unpleasant, I didn't want to leave the house. However, I am soooooo happy I stuck through it. My skin is now pimple free!! I get upset if I even have one pimple. This product has made a huge difference!
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5 user(s) found this helpful

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April 4, 2009

Pros:

it reall smoothed my skin, it usually looks like snadpaper because of my comedonal acne...but it really improved.ALOT,evens skin tone, less wrinkles..reduces breakouts..

Cons:

redness, dryness, peeling, burning..

The key to get good results from this product is to only use it at night...and for the 1st week put it on sparingly..then after the 1st week (I) put it on generously on the effective areas, nose forhead...but try not to put any on the parts that never breakout and are drying out..good luck
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3 user(s) found this helpful

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April 2, 2009

Pros:

it can clear almost everything

pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, even wrinkle, and tone your skin

Cons:

some dryness

you MUST use it with moisturizer and please start off with low concentration (0.01~0.025% is recommended) since you know your skin is going to be sensitive after using this product, you would be very stupid if you are not going to use sunblock during the day! you just need to know "how" to use this properly
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10 user(s) found this helpful

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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Peeling of skin, feels like new smooth layer without wrinkles or spots. New acne breakouts rate decreases a lot.

Cons:

Initial break out period, reddness, severe peeling if over use.

Retin-A should be used with caution and with sense of intelligence. Feel ur skin, know when to apply and when to take a couple of days off. Dont over wash ur skin or use other cleansers. It's smart to keep ur skin oily while using retin-a as it helps decreasing its side effects. Think this way, u want to be able to tolerate Retin-A for the maximum amount of time without burning, so be gentle and sacrifice the deep cleansers stuff.
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March 27, 2009

Pros:

Clearer skin after about 5-6 weeks. Been using now for 6 months and am very happy with the results. Effective at .25% for me. Current break outs heal more quickly and are less red.

Cons:

Massive drying and redness. I have fair skin and did not want to leave the house for a few weeks. Save up your sick days. The worst weeks were weeks 3-6 after that things really did clear up well.

Be brave and clear your social calander for a few weeks. This stuff pulls all of the junk to the surface with is not a pretty sight. It works but you must power through the 3-6 week period. I am concerned about use during the summer, after mowing the lawn for 30 minutes my face was red. I will be only using it a couple of times a week during the summer. Just keep using it, it will get better.
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March 24, 2009

Pros:

Clears up pimples... Makes the Skin glow and real agreeable.

Cons:

Expensive!... And hey am i the only one whose skin didnt dry after using this product. My skin did not dry at ALL.

It works... Sure it makes pimples get worst after a bit of using but after time it helps the problem
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4 user(s) found this helpful

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March 24, 2009

Pros:

I use Tretinoin %0.01 for my mixed skin type + eczema. Smooths skin. Repairs fine wrinkles. Dissolves blackheads. Nearly eliminates whiteheads. Fixes in-grown hair and razor bumps (I use it 10 hours after aftershave).

Cons:

Makes skin very sensitive to sunlight, wind and temperatures. While tanning is impossible on Vitamin A Acid (you will burn after 10 minutes in peak sun, even with cream), it does successfully reverse long term sun damage.

Try it. Try to last through the first 14 days of peeling sensitivity and irritation. Use moisturizer and make sure you are not exposed to the sun.
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8 user(s) found this helpful

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March 23, 2009

Pros:

Greatly improves, acne, whiteheads, blackheads, helps smooth raised acne scars, lightens brown spots

Cons:

Takes patience; acne initially somewhat worsens, peeling, sensitivity, dryness, redness. Skin will adjust after 2-3 months.

The only product that has markedly helped my skin in a lifetime of teen and adult acne and I'm in my early 60s. Dilute with aloe vera gel for first month of use and start with low strength 0.01% tretinoin gel. Use Rx topical antibiotics during the initial breakout period. Stop treatment for a day or so if skin gets too dry or irritated. Use very mild cleanser such as Cetaphil. Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid liquid in AM will remove most flaking but wait until your skin has adjusted to the tretinoin before trying this.
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March 20, 2009

Pros:

made skin softer, smoother, pores look smaller, helped breakouts

Cons:

skin peels a bit (especially during cold, dry Iowa winters)

This is the only topical medicine I have ever used that helped to prevent some pimples forming. It also helped my skin look smoother, and the pimples I did get seemed to heal faster. It was a definite improvement, but my skin was still not completely clear which is what I wanted. So now I am experimenting with other medications to see what works for me. All meds work differently for different people. I'd recommend this to anyone, since there are no serious side effects and it does help acne. So give it a try!
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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