Tretinoin

I've had acne since I was 13. I've tried probably around 10 different prescription medications... differin, benzaclin, Nicomide, minocycline, and many many more. The only one that ever showed improvement was Minocycline pills, BUT i had an awful allergic reaction that sent me straight to the ER. I had started Proactiv (no results, obviously,) and was about to give up. My friend gave me a card of an awesome dermatologist in my town, so i told myself i'd give it one more shot. She put me on a regimen of Retin A Micro at night along with a sulfur facewash, and benzol peroxide in the morning with the same facewash, and also Desonide lotion every other night (to help with the irritating effects of the Retin A.) It took about 3 months to see any results, and yes, my acne DID get much worse before i got better. But you have to stick it out!!!! My skin looks great... not perfect, but better than it has in 8 years. Retin A is a keeper!!

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thefa11en

October 21, 2008

Pros:

Honestly, I haven't had a pimple since I've been using the medication for only 2 weeks. I've read that you can see new break outs while using the medication after 6 weeks and at start, although this hasn't been the case for me.

Cons:

It does irritate the skin and you have to be careful to read the instructions carefully. I made the mistake of using it too often, I used it in the morning and at night which really irritated my skin to the point of it feeling like a sun burn.

This is a great medication. I have always believed that acne is both an internal problem as well as a skin issue for me. So I have been taking doxycycline along with this medication and has worked wonderfully. Just like all medications you do have to wait for results, even though I haven't had any new blemishes since the use of this medication it will take time for it to improve completely. I still have to watch what I eat but for the most part I haven't had to worry, drinking caffeine does affect acne, especially energy drinks which make my skin oily. Bottom line, at least for me it works. The combination of the two medications is working for me.

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Jennifer

October 7, 2008

Pros:

beautiful even consistant skin, breaksouts are rare and don't last long, no more blackheads

Cons:

First few weeks are hard with redness and peeling.

I used tretinoin for a year then got pregnant and quit use. Wow, did I ever see a change in my skin and it wasn't just pregnancy. This keeps the blackheads away and my skin glowed. As soon as I quit breastfeeding I was right back on it. I went and got a face peel from my dr. to jumpstart the cream. Been back on it for 3 months and the peeling wasn't as bad this time. I use it everynight, I use alot of it and I put it all the way down on my chest.

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Sara

October 7, 2008

Pros:

Blackheads and whiteheads all over my forehead and chin have starting to clear up for the most part.

Cons:

Skin is oilier than ever and I now get more regular pimples and cysts than before.

It may still not be long enough for me yet (5 weeks), but I am getting discouraged. I have adult acne related to a hormonal disorder so I am also taking birth control and using a clindamycin cream to control breakouts. Until this summer, I had very soft, clear, beautiful skin. All of it sudden I have 30-40 bumps on my face. My derm said it would take awhile for the birth control and retin-a to help, so I think that the clearing I have seen so far may be the antibiotic. I am not completely sure this product will work for me but I know people that have had great success with it.

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Suzanne

October 6, 2008

Pros:

Skin is much much softer and brighter, sun damage is less, pimples go away quicker

Cons:

My face broke out with cystic type acne after 3 weeks, but those were pimples I could feel under my skin but had not come to the surface. Peeling around the zits hurt

I love this product. I read a lot of reviews before using it and knew my acne would get worse before it got better and I could feel big clogged pores under my skin that the medicine brought up to the surface. It was cystic type but only a couple on my chin, which is my biggest problem area anyway. I am approaching 5 weeks and my skin over all looks much brighter, and softer. Don't really need foundation but still using it while the pimples heal to hide some of the redness. I can't wait to see what my skin will look like after 12 weeks. I'm sticking it out since I think the worst part is over. It's also lightened a lot of the sun damage spots I had on my face. I'm really happy with the result so far. Try it, but know that you will go through some very tough weeks.

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Arielle

October 6, 2008

Pros:

works well if used faithfully

Cons:

makes skin peel alot[but that means its working] and makes skin kind of sensitive to sun.

it works well, but mostly for less serious acne, i am using this until i get approved for Accutane which is almost 100% guaranteed for a significant result. but it is something that doesn't work for eveyone but you should definately try =]

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GoodLuck!!

September 30, 2008

Pros:

Better skin, less acne, brighter skin tone, less oily skin

Cons:

peeling, itchy skin, not good for sensitive skin

I had acne since high school. I am 25 now still suffer from acne. I have very oily skin, most acne are on my chin and forehead. I've on this for 3 weeks now. The first week, my acne got worse than before. Second week, a little improvement, pimples are going away faster than before. Now, after 3 weeks, texture of my skin is alot better, less acne, brighter skin tone, stil see one or two new pimples around my period time. btw, I use it every other day so there is less irritation, I also use sunscreen everyday, but no make up because of the peeling of my skin, make up will just make it even worse.

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Bryle

September 25, 2008

Pros:

areas with no acne = perfect
acne dont last long..

Cons:

redness, peeling, and irritated

ive been on it for almost 2 weeks..and my face now is kinda worse at the moment..my face have been peeling like nuts..and the acne scars have turned from pink to bright red.. but hey guys..im gonna stick to it no matter what..ill keep u updated..chillax..

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Malia21

September 23, 2008

Pros:

Improves acne and smoothes ur skin! Its great and now i cant stop touching my face.

Cons:

Takes a while to see improvements...
Pores may get large..

This medication works well and u will see results in the first month! But u must be patient! Do not be discourage if it makes ur acne worst in the first 3 weeks! Its supposed to do that. Have patience cause its worth trying...trust me i love it.

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Jul177

September 21, 2008

Pros:

The itching, peeling and more acne in the first weeks.

Cons:

I have been on Retin-A for almost three weeks and I am breaking out around my chin. I hope this is because it is actually working.

It seems that that Retin-A is not working because I am breaking out more, but I will stick to it. The peeling has not been that bad and I put it on every night religiously.

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