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 18, 2009

Pros:

skin is ohhh soo smooth, reduced pore size, fading scars

Cons:

skin is starting to peel

ive only been on retin-a micro for about a week, but im seeing major improvements in my skin's texture. It feels so smooth as if im constantly exfoliating my face. im starting to enter the intial outbreak period because im experiencing some new cystic acne, but im going to hang in there and see if it improves. My skin is peeling, but ive talked to my esthitician and she had said that its not really due to my skin being dry....its more due to the fact that my skin is trying to replenish itself with more healthier cells. eventually your skin will adjust to the product and will cease to peel as badly as it did when first starting the product. if peeling or dryness is your main worry just buy a really really good moisturizer. I think the benefits outweights the risks with retin-a micro, soo if you can tolerate a few weeks of the adjustment period and have patience then give it a go.
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

clears up acne well, affordable and easy to use

Cons:

takes a while to work , bad initial breakouts and severe irritation at first

I started out and experienced frustrating bad breakouts for about 2 months , but as i was about to give up , my dermatologist paired Atralin with a strong antibiotic and then it steadily got better. I found that the Aveeno calming cleanser and moisturizer with feverfew work WONDERS and clinique redness reducer makeup are amazing when dealing with the dryness and redness. I also cut out dairy products and my skin is finally looking great after about 3 months. DONT GIVE UP my dermo said that he sees an 80% improvement within 4 months and this has been true for me. I have used many things in te past and finally I feel like this product is thorough enough to end this for good.
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March 6, 2009

Pros:

Eventually my skin got clearer and my chest has gotten smoother.

Cons:

Dryness, flaking, burning.

I use this along with speronolactone (50 mg/day) and clyndomycin 1% gel as needed for breakouts. I have been using vanicream cleansing bar becasue of sensitivity and it has seemed to help (can only find at walgreens 2.99/bar) and Mary Kay moisturizer morning and night. My chest looks so much better that I have started wearing lower cut shirts again! My face is better and my pores seem a little smaller. Stick with it, even though it sucks at first!!!
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March 3, 2009

Pros:

Reduces fine lines. Evens skin tone. Clogged pores kept to a minimum.

Cons:

Lengthy skin adjusting period. Can cause irritation if too much is used.

I've been using Retin-a Micro 0.04% for over a year and I'm 31. This stuff has been amazing for my skin. Fine lines around my eyes have vanished. My skin is mostly smooth and very soft. It did take awhile for my skin to adjust to it though, but I stuck it out and am so glad I did.
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February 28, 2009

Pros:

My skin is smooth and nearly perfect when I use Retin A Micro without fail. There are very few hormonal breakouts and even those are insignificant.

Cons:

The initial few weeks are uncomfortable. Read the information provided. Do not use it near the corners of your nose, mouth or near the eyes. Sunblock is crucial.

Great product for those with a light hand and a bit of patience.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

Works great reduce inflamated bumps on face..

Cons:

peeling, burning sensation with redness

I was having daily breaks ups on my face due to- i really dont know what.. lol. But this is helping.. with the use of erythromicin during the day and some acne pills. I only use the retin a every other night to avoid irritations. good product try it.. I feel much better about myself.
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February 27, 2009

Pros:

Acts like differin, lightens acne marks and produces new layer of skin in replacement of old acne marks.

Cons:

Redness on applied portions of the skin, dries up affected area.

Basically, i have a strong vibe that this medication should work. The treatment i am going through now involves oratane, an anitbiotic which is pretty strong clindamycin(don't know if its the right spelling, this's what they labelled on my medicine) and tretinoin cream. Before i used tretinoin, i was on differin, differin suited my skin pretty well but soon after i had breakouts. It was so bad that i had at least 2 red pups popping up every week. So, when i used tretinoin, the above side effects hit me but i persevered. I'm almost on tretinoin for close to 7 weeks now. Though i've seen considerable improvements, the affected areas which i applied to will still turn super red whenever i perspire in the day. Note, i don't use tretinoin in the day, in fact i used clindamycin, which acts like a kind of moisturizer as well. So i was wondering, is this red occurrence on the areas i applied tretinoin normal when i perspire in the day? i'm not really sure yet.
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February 25, 2009

Pros:

Im using it since 3 days,its a little itchy every morning but im trying to neglect it,hope it does good for me since i have acne marks n some open pores n need to shut those...i get a slight burning sensation on application of a moisturiser 4 few min

Cons:

ITCHY FEELING

waiting for a magic......
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February 23, 2009

Pros:

seems to be clearing up acne fast. Starting to fade old scars.

Cons:

peeling...a little painful...

i've been using retin a for the past 4 days...i think it's a little too early to judge but in the past 4 days my skin has gotten much better...atleast no more larger than life pimples. My skin is extremely dry though...that's probably because i used it every single day. I'm also taking doryx and applying duac as part of this treatment...i'm a little worried after reading all the reviews...i dont know how it'll be in the next few weeks...hopefully i donthave to go through the initial breakouts. I had pretty bad acne...a few cystic ones...a lot of scars...but now the scars have started to fade....i'll keep with it until all of it is gone.
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February 23, 2009

Pros:

Definitely keeps skin clear for the most part, and improves skin texture.

Cons:

The peeling is annoying, but can be dealt with by using a good moisturiser (like Cetaphil) and GENTLY massaging off any really dry skin with warm water. Makes skin a little shiny, but this isn't because it's oily, just from the exfoliant effect.

I used Roaccutane years ago, then went to my dermatologist for a checkup and she prescibed this just to keep things in check, as my skin was a little congested. Stieva-A and all of its related creams do work, if you are willing to use it properly. You must apply it in a really thin layer, and stick with it and you will eventually get past the initial stinging phase. Likes others have posted, this product takes time to work, but is definitely worth trying.
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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