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
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4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
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1
8.6%

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February 22, 2009

Pros:

smoother, brighter skin. little to no breakouts anymore where i used to break out on my cheeks and chin

Cons:

the initial breakout after three weeks of using it... still going through it now after 7 weeks...

ive used .025% tretinoin cream for 7 weeks now; prior to the treatment i had mild, if any acne. id been on bactrim for three years and my derm suggested that i discontinue it and switch to retin-A instead. initially, there was no change in my skin and i was optimistic that i wouldn't have to go through the hellish purging stage... however, i did break out horribly all over my forehead and along the sides of my face. I suppose it was what was to be expected, but ive never broken out so badly before!!! i am going to stick with it for as long as i can, and hopefully it will continue to slowly heal. already though, after three weeks of an awful breakout, the retin-A has cleared up my cheeks and chin completely. i have little or no acne there anymore and my pores have shrunk considerably. i am just waiting or my forehead to clear up... there aren't humongous cysts or anything like that, just small, obnoxious little zits all over my forehead!!! i am hopeful that this stage will end s
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February 22, 2009

Pros:

Working really well for my acne, minimising size, redness and severity of spots.

Cons:

Dries the skin an awful lot but this can be solved with a good moisturiser. Painful upon first application. Forms a kind of film on the skin that peels off. You have to use it continuously, or it comes back.

I would definately reccomend this product. I have been using it for 6 weeks and it's done a great deal of clearing my acne up, still a bit to go though. The best product I've used yet. Please note, my prescriptions are free due to my age.
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February 21, 2009

Pros:

It really works, if you know how to use it, and are patient. My skin keeps getting clearer and less oily the longer I use it.

Cons:

Makes your skin much more sensitive, and causes peeling and dryness.

Don't start off using this every single night. Your skin needs time to adjust to this medication, and if you try to force things, your skin will become red, irritated, and painful. Start off using it once every three days, or every other day at most. Be patient. Make sure to wear a SPF 15 sunscreen on your face during the day, exfoliate GENTLY for the peeling, and use a natural non-irritating moisturizer like Jojoba Oil when needed for the dryness. You HAVE to use this product for at least a month, possibly up to three months, before you really see an improvement. It's worth the wait. There is no quick fix for acne. Don't even bother trying to treat it if you can't wait 1-3 months for results. Be patient.
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February 20, 2009

Pros:

very possibly helping

Cons:

some flakes & sensitivity

My neice was using retin a for about a month and half with not the greatest results, but then, decided to use a great vaporizer (puts out a lot of steam) in her room at night and am wondering if it has helped the retin a absorb better into the skin - as she lives in a cold dry winter climate- and her skin is doing much better. Less breakouts, more clear less red areas etc. Also, recently started using blue/red light (2 weeks now) about 2 minutes under each light daily. Her skin looks much better so far. We are also trying fresh aloe (the gel inside a broken leaf)as an anti inflammatory/moisturizer.
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February 14, 2009

Pros:

HATED IT and I'd have to stop it a lot because of the dryness was so bad they every morning when I tried to put on cover-up it'd peel right off! Differin practically the same thing and worked much BETTER!

Cons:

PEELING HORIBBLE PEELING!

Differin does the same thing and it makes you skip those gay side effects!
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February 13, 2009

Pros:

Shrinks Pores, No more pimples after time, great product, no cysts

Cons:

Initial Breakout, Dryness

Im SICK of people giving retin a one star because they dont know how to use it. Use a pea sized amount every night after cleanser your face with a gentle cleanser. IT TAKES TIME YOU SKIN WILL GET WORSE FIRST. It is worth it, stop being impatient people, just stick with it.
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February 12, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin after pro-longed use, smoother skin, clear complexion. Skin seems brighter, with almost no black heads and white heads.

Cons:

I got horrible dryness under my eyes and the bottom of my jaw. It wasn't just peeling, but unbearable flaking and dried up bits of skin. But I stuck it out. Now my skins very very clear.

I used to get horrible cystic acne, sometimes where it felt like a horn was growing out of my skin. HOWEVER, Retin A purges your pores. It promotes skin cell production, so there for, the dryness you get is from your skin renewing itself and removing all the gunk. STICK TO IT! Just moderate your usage. I didn't do that at first, I used it every night, and by the end of the week, my face was killing me. The second time around, I used it on every third night, then after a week, I went to every other night, and then 2 weeks later I made it to every night. My skin is much better now, less marks, less dark spots. You just have to wait out the dryness and moisturize. Visit their website for tips! But if you discontinue the product after a short period of time due to dryness or more breakouts, YOU ARE WRONG! Read the site, it gets better! Your skin is just purging all the bad stuff out, and after a month or so, you see great improvement! TRUST ME, IT'S WORTH IT!
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February 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleared complexion, prevented new breakouts & smoothed skin

Cons:

Dry, peeling spot for the first week or so

I love the product. I've been using ProActiv for over 5 years and it never really did anything for my skin. I tried Murad for a while and that made my breakouts more frequent and worse. I think I've tried every over the counter remedy for acne and nothing has seemed to work. I'm very satisified with this product and I can't wait to see my face in about 3 months.
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February 10, 2009

Pros:

long term is wonderful

Cons:

the first 5 weeks are miserable. However, it does take this long to get the ick down deep in your skin to come out. Hang in there.

If you can make it through the first 5 weeks, you will be pleased with the results. I have always had acne. Just when it cleared up, another batch popped out. I am mother of 3. I don't need acne! Tretinoin has been a great thing for me. There is a generic so it may be the cheapest in your script plan.
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February 8, 2009

Pros:

It eventually begins clearing up the acne VERY WELL, leaves skin smoother than ever, and reduces scars/blemishes.

Cons:

Extremely drying, causes peeling, skin is sensitive and lightened in some areas.

Some of the effects may be from the usage of this product with clindamycin (they were prescribed together) but over all it is now working very well. During the first 2 months, my face was just peeling all over and I had take lotion with me everywhere. This is also when the breakouts got worse. In the 3rd month, my face freaked out and would clear up really well in one area and simultaneously get really bad in another, this continued for one month (different parts of my face took turns breaking out and getting better). It is now the 4th month and my face is calm. The breakouts and blemishes are almost non-existent. Any new pimples go away pretty fast. My face is still dry and sensitive but Cetaphil lotion at night and in the morning helps 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