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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July 10, 2008

Pros:

Less fine lines and wrinkles, collagen production, normalization of the skin, less acne, improved texture

Cons:

Redness, peeling, flaking, irritation, increased acne for a period of time, it takes time to really start working it's magic

The stuff works. But with any product, it needs time to normalize the skin. This could take up to 40 days. But once you are there, you will notice all of the Pros listed above. It is a tried and true product. That is why it is still on the market and so widely used. with continued use your skin will normalize. That means it will create it's own moisture and decrease excess oily. Bottom Line: give it a chance and you will see improvements.
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July 9, 2008

Pros:

his product has helped erase my hyperpigmentation and old acne scars.

Cons:

You must have patience through the 4-6 weeks of hell. Excessive peeling lots of new pimples.

If you are patient good things come from this product. I am on the .1% for the past 3 months and can tell you it's was well worth the wait. This stuff is peeling layers of skin off to get to the heathiest skin way underneath. I have read alot of complaints that it causes horrible breakouts but these pimples would have come out eventually. You must wait at least a month to see any improvement.
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July 6, 2008

Pros:

clearer skin, forehead completely clear, blackheads gone, smoother skin

Cons:

It takes a while to work, and like others have said, I too experienced a bad breakout in the beginning.

I've been using the cream plus an antibiotic for a little over 2 months. I still have a little bit of acne on my cheeks, but it is nothing like it was in the beginning. My overall skin tone looks better, and I rarely get new pimples. It has been the only thing I have tried that has caused improvement in my skin.
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June 4, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne

Cons:

None

I was prescribed Tretinoin to use in conjunction with a benzoyl peroxide wash and minocycline (antibiotic). This combination has proven to be very effective for me. I cannot attribute the improvement in my skin solely to the tretinoin, but it has definitely improved. I saw improvement within a month of using this regime. A lot of other patients complained about dryness and peeling with tretinoin, I did not have these side effects (except for some slight peeling on the tip of my nose, but a little moisturizer fixed that). My skin is a lot smoother now and the only pimples I get are not noticeable by the eye, I can feel them, but they go away after a day or two. I get fewer pimples and not as often.
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June 2, 2008

Pros:

Retin-A has cleared up most of my acne. I had a lot of whiteheads on my forehead and other spots on my cheeks and scars. It's been 3 months since I started using it, and my acne got worse for the first 2 months. But this past month has been wonderful

Cons:

Initial breakout was BAD

You need to be patient with this medication. Most people don't see AMAZING improvement till the 6th month. You will see some good improvement starting 2 months. But your skin gets better and better with time. Take good care of ur skin while on Retin-A. Don't scrub too harshly. I used Cetaphil cleanser and sun screen lotion. Make-up is pretty much useless while on Retin-A, because the peeling skin makes it look nasty. But get through the first breakout phase, and u won't even need makeup after that. Now, I go out without makeup with confidence.
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

I can tell its working! My forhead purged and cleared last week and now my cheeks are purging and healing. I'm HAPPY with the Progress :)

Cons:

I'll miss getting my eyebrows waxed :( (thins the skin.)

I have some advice for all of you that go through "Skin Torture" to the point where the peeling, soreness, and sensitivity are unbearable, and embarrassing....Ask you derm for a lesser percent!!! My Tretinoin 0.025% CREAM is very mild, and though it causes peeling, After I lightly exfoiliate with 3 crushed aspirin and apply my purpose moisturizer, my skin looks and feels much smoother. I'm slowlw seeing the improvement and Im sooo happy about it. Remember that tretinoin is NOT antibacterial, so incorporating clindamycin, or benzol peroxide during the day is def. beneficial! I am actually happy to go through this purging faze because I know you must "go through it, to get to it!"..Clear Skin that is. I also ordered Md Forte Glycolic Cleanser III that I can't wait to use along with this product. Tretinoin isn't for everyone but I think it works for 80%. I'll update on June 27th, that's 7 weeks since I started. Im So OPTIMISTIC!
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May 18, 2008

Pros:

Really does work with ample time...fights acne, gives smooth skin, and fights aging
Recommed while on treatment: Cetaphil face wash and for ladies wearing make-up - Maybeline Matte Mousse make-up...covers well and goes on peeling/blistering skin.

Cons:

You really, really have to have patience! This is not a quick fix. Do not scrub your face with washcloths or any harsh material while on this. Just use hands and Cetaphil moisturizer.

I used this product when I was a teenager and hated it! I stayed on for maybe two-three weeks and swore it off. Now in my 30's I wanted a great skin...I have had mild to moderate acne starting in my teens and have always used BP at night. I chose to go with Obagi Nu-derm system. The first month was not so bad...second to third was horrible!! There were MANY times I thought about quitting...I felt for sure it is not working and it can never repair damage it is doing. I had a red, peeling face that was so sensitive it hurt to touch...plus I had nasty acne. I made two very bad mistakes initally..do not use BP wash or cream during treatment, and do not put any facial hair cream remover on during treatment. The BP created horrible dry patches and the facial hair remover simply removed hair and skin! Now four months into treatment I cannot believe differnce in my skin...it began healing quickly after third month and just gets better every day...no breakouts and peeling..my skin is so smooth.
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

it works, and i can tell you that it will work for you 100%, but it takes TIME!

Cons:

takes a very long time. peels and burns

its the best thing ive ever tried. i've had bad skin since the 6th grade. i'm now a junior and this is the only thing that has ever cleared my face. better yet, its getting rid of my acne scars to! listen, this thing takes time. it gets worse before it gets better, but with the way it works its pratically guarenteed to work. it took me about 3 months for the acne, but i have SEVERE pimples. just try it. i promise you will like it. and it makes your skin so refreshed. i'm so glad my docter perscribed me this stuff. (btw i use the generic brand, trentinoin gel .025% works just the same as retin a.)
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April 9, 2008

Pros:

Cleans up skin very well, and after first week or so cleaned up acne real quick

Cons:

It sometimes burns me and over drys skin with very little applied

How can you say this product is worthless wen hundreds of others wrote how great it worked?
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April 6, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin like CRAZY! Makes your skin feels VERY soft and Tightens wrinkled skin and makes your face look absolutely younger! It also help prevent acne as well. If you have something that's going to turn into a pimple, this makes it dissappear.

Cons:

VERY bad initial break out. It turned my skin stoplight red for a week. People laughed and said i didn't know how to treat my face. Peels a lot of skin. Makes your face tense. Costs a lot of money. Makes you vulnerable to usn damage while using

I'm in high school right now so I'm surrouned by people 24/7 with crystal clear skin and no acne. I, on the other hand, had mild acne(in the beginning). My face used to be clear then after a school break, my cheeks were COVERED in blemishes and pimples and what not. I was mortified. No one else looked like me. I visited a dermo and he prescribed me Retin-A micro 0.1%. I already knew of this product since i have been reading reviews on it from this website. I was very scared to start using it. During my first week, my face was HORRIBLE. My face peeled so much even though i constantly mosturized. MY face turned bright red like a stop light and it just kept getting worse. I even started breaking out more the next week. My face grew so tight, i couldn't even open my mouth. HOWEVER. The following week i woke up and all my pimples turned flat. Now on my fourth week I have the skin of a two year old. My blemishes GONE. It also evened out my skin tone. Don't hesitate. Clear Acne for good.
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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