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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March 11, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared my face completely. I have no more scars and skin is smooth. This is due to how the product peels your skin.

Cons:

First couple of weeks acne became worse.

I really love this product. I've been having acne since I was 9 and finally now that I'm 17 I'm proud to say I have clear skin. I started using Retin-A about 2 months ago and I've never had such clear skin till now. At first I did break out. Luckily for me I had no "burning" sensation and no "redness" as others have had. I actually find it quite relaxing having the product on my face. But everyone is different. However in the first couple of weeks my face did break out since it was adjusting to the new product. In the end, the cost of the product was all worth it.
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February 22, 2009

Pros:

dramatic results over time. The most valuable result is scar fading.

Cons:

It takes a long time to work. You can see results in a number of weeks, but to see the full life lasting results you want, it takes at least a year.

I've used Retin A for the better part of 4 years. During that time, I went from having extremely severe acne, to now very mild acne. If you're a first time user, it really does suck for a few weeks. But i promise that those few weeks and even the first year are worth a life of clear skin.
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February 13, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up complexion, MAJOR IMPROVEMENT! Brighter skin, and extremely smoother.

Cons:

The first month or two is absolute HELL! it feels like your face is going to melt off if you dont get off it. No amount of lotion makes you feel better, only worse, but trust me, do NOT STOP. This stuff really works no lies.

Stay on it!! IF you get off and get back on the cycle will start all over again. That was my mistake, don't make it yours. It wiilll be sooooooo worth it in the end.
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February 10, 2009

Pros:

Eventually cleared out my cysts. Every person heals differently but with patience, will probably heal if taken for over 3 months.

Cons:

At first, it seemed like breakouts were getting worse and would not heal, a little flaky and itchy on the first week.

The real deal is that it really works with patience. First, of all, I was on a steroid cycle and I broke out pretty bad with cystic and boil-like acne. It was all over my face, chest, and back. I saw a dermatologist and she prescribed me right away some doxycycline for 90 days along with some 10% benzoyl peroxide gel, and .1% tretinoin cream. With all these combined, it eventually worked. I used the 10% benzoyl peroxide gel in the morning with some sunscreen/moisturizer, and I applied the .1% of tretinoin cream at night. At first, it seemed like the acne wouldn't go away. I even broke out just a little bit more. However, after the 3rd week, my zits started to heal one by one. I still broke out for another 3 weeks but not as badly and they would heal right away (like within 2 days). After 8 weeks, I stopped breaking out completely and my scars started to heal after the 3rd month.
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February 5, 2009

Pros:

cleared my skin, made my skin smoother, stopped some of my oil production

Cons:

redness, drying, peeling first few weeks of treatment

this product really works if you can take the first few weeks. i used retin a 10 years ago and loved it and just went back on it. i told my dermatologist i have a love/hate relationship with retin a because of how badly my skin hurt the first few weeks. however, i smartened up my second time around and it hasn't been nearly as bad as my first treatment. just a few tips that have really helped me.1) cetaphil face lotion is a DREAM 2) only use this product every OTHER night for atleast the first 2 weeks of treatment then use daily 3) use a humidifier in your bedroom every night for extra moisture to the skin 4) if you can afford it try DERMALOGICA mutivitamin power recovery masque and DERMALOGICA daily microfoliant. most exfoliants are harsh and cannot be used with retin a but the daily microfoliant is a powder and very gentle on the skin and also exfoliates very very well. 5)use clinique redness relief mineral powder to cover redness. hope this helps some of you out and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!
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February 4, 2009

Pros:

It works!

Cons:

flaking, redness..other wise its ok..

Ive been battling ACNE for 5 years , tried almost every products available in the market..PROACTIVE,MURAD, etc.... although i almost lost hope, i tried retacnyl .05% a branded tretinoin although my acne stops from coming out the redness , irritation are worst so i stopped it.. Im so desperate when i decided to see other dermatologist then seh gave me .025% tretinoin..i started using it everynight to my surprise no acne came out.. i used it in connjucntion with my new fave cleanser GATSBY Clay scrub..its perfect..
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January 31, 2009

Pros:

Clears old pimples, new pimples don't last as long
Helps reduce the appearance of previous scars

Cons:

None for me (however, everyone's skin is different)

I've tried many OTC products to control my acne. Some worked, but eventually the acne came back, at times worse than before. So, finally I decided to see a dermatologist. She prescribed Retin-A-Micro in addition to doxycycline. So far, I'm about a month into using it. I started slow, applying it once every other night, and two weeks later, began applying it every night. I can't say that I that my acne got worse (lucky me, right?) but I could see improvement within the first two weeks. I used to have a somewhat redish face before starting and slowly I could see that the redness is fading. I'm still getting new pimples, but they don't last very long (about 2 days). I haven't experienced any flaking at all since using it. I have oily skin and plus I apply a moisturizer before applying the Retin-A-Micro, so that might have something to do with it. Also, I suggest that sunscreen be used, especially if you combine it with tetracycline. (since both of the meds increase sun sensitivity).
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January 28, 2009

Pros:

Have not had a new pimple since began use. Working on the scars too!

Cons:

drying at first only

I have always used Proactiv, which has worked OKAY for me for years. My doctor prescribed retin a micro about 3 weeks ago. Since then, I am happy to say, my skin has slowly been improving. My skin became very dry at first, but this went away in less than a week. I have not had a new breakout or pimple since I started using retin a micro, which I apply at night before bed. I also use cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer. I was also prescribed a benzoyl peroxide cream, which i use in the morning. (Bezoyl peroxide and retin a cancel each other, so they cannot be used at the same time.) The benzoyl peroxide cream I am using feels very weird and chalky on my skin and makes my face burn, so I am not sure if I will continue using this product. The retin a is also beginning to help reduce the appearance of my scars, which is great. I have a lot of sun damage and scars from picking at my face, and since using retin a my face has become a lot smoother and more evenly toned.
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January 26, 2009

Pros:

My pimples have been able to make friends with new pimples. Unfortuantly, some of the bigger pimples have been bullying the smaller ones.

Cons:

I think my pimples are mating.

Me: Retin - A, meet pimple, pimple, meet Retin - A (goes to sleep) Retin - A: Hi pimp, i feel like making her life hell. Let's MULTIPLY! Pimple : sounds GREAT (Retin- A and Pimple mutiply by the dozens) 2 Weeks later The pimples have begun to team up, they don't like some of the other pimples, resulting in the grouping of the pimple in certain parts of the face... of course there are still those outsiders who wander aimlessly around the face (nobody wants to be friends with those pimples.. they're not ugly enough) Pretty soon, a riot begins, spreading fire all over their land The Pimples soon become over populated and have not where to go.. they being to migrate to the chest, an unknown and far away land. Their journey will be short, but it will be worth it. They know they can do anything with the power of their god, Retin- A To be continued....
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

Covered by insurance, if not, go get it cheap in Mexico!

Cons:

Flaky skin all day!

It works instantly. I'm 30 and have always suffered from an oily T-zone and acne. After the 2nd application (thin layer, every other day) my skin improved tremendously! I love it! It's also reducing the overall inflamation of my face, reducing my scars and wrinkles and brightening up my skin. Everyone will have a different reaction. I'm glad mine has been positive---the only drawback is a flaky chin all day...just apply heavy cream all day long w/vitamin C. I recommend Dr. Murad.
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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