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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August 30, 2007

Pros:

It really works!!!

Cons:

None

Although most people say their skin became quite dry/irritated to start with, i never noticed any dryness, redness or irritation. In the first 2 weeks my skin seemed to be getting worse but after that...no more spots. I have been using it for 2 months now and had a spot last week (not bad, one spot in two months- i used to have spots all the time). If you do get spots, however, this dries them really quickly which is always a bonus!!!
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August 8, 2007

Pros:

covered by most insurances, easy to use, vanishes into skin

Cons:

makes skin oily, give redness that never goes away... can cause flakes if dose is too high

ask your doc to give you a lower percentage formula if you have flaking or redness. when I used it as a teenager it make my skin very red, but did get rid of the acne. As a mid-twenties person I am on a lower dose, and it is great for my forehead, it got rid of the fine lines that were up there-as well as the small "plug"-type zits I had up there. ive used it in other places for rough skin and discoloration, and it worked!
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August 3, 2007

Pros:

Skin has considerably cleared up - very few blackheads remaining on forehead, no new pimples since the initial major breakout, skin appears tighter, smoother and more even.

Cons:

About two weeks in I experienced a major breakout, the likes of which I hadn't experienced since puberty. It only lasted about a week, though.

This stuff is pretty great. It didn't even make my skin particularly dry. I've been using it for about a month, and my skin looks much better than it has in years - I still have dark marks, of course, but they're not pimples, they're just what's left over. The clear spots on my face (my forehead) are genuinely clear for the first time since I hit puberty. I guess the only thing left to do is to keep applying it and wait for the marks to fade.
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August 1, 2007

Pros:

This is a miracle drug! I have applied it faithfully every night for two weeks and my acne is going away slowly but surely. So are feckles and wrinkles! My skins looks as smooth, clear and evenly colored as when I use foundation.

Cons:

I do feel that some deeply hidden acne has been bubbling up to the surface since starting it, but mostly it is really clearing up. Much less acne than when I started two weeks ago.

If I had known how wonderful tretinoin was, I would have used it years ago! I will be 42 next month and I think by then I will be able to say my skin has NEVER looked so good as it does now!
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July 21, 2007

Pros:

Tretinoin is covered by insurance, gentle, effective for stubborn whiteheads.

Cons:

None.

After reading all the reviews about Tretinoin I felt that I needed to write one because my experience is different from most of the reviewers. For me Tretinoin is a God sent product. I had mild acne with stubborn whiteheads that refused to go away. I didn't experience any initial breakouts or redness on my skin, on the contrary my skin responded very well to the cream. After 8 weeks of usage, my skin is clear and my pores have unclogged and shrunken (no need for foundation anymore). Along with using Cetaphil cleanser (with a gentle Buff Puff), Tretinoin, a good sunblock and following a healthy lifestyle, I am happy to see the difference in my skin. Healthy skin is definitly attainable. I used Proactiv for a while. I DO NOT recommend this product at all if you suffer from mild acne. It made my skin worse from which I am finally bouncing back. One last comment: the less you use the better your skin will look. I also recommend seeing a good dermatologist and avoid facials at a SPA.
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July 17, 2007

Pros:

Has cleared my face completely!! Skin is Firmer and wrinkles are looking better. Scars have faded almost completely. Better skin tone. Less oil production.

Cons:

peeling!!

This does work really well. It took a good 3-4 months. But the results were worth it. It's scary in the beginnging. But stick with it. My face now looks poreless and smooth. Much better that what I started with. I will never stop using this!!
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April 30, 2007

Pros:

Gets rid of past scars (minor to moderate)

Cons:

i guess price if you don't have insurance

Make sure you get RETINA-MICRO this stuff works miracles and is the only thing that is healing my scars in fact 2-3 more weeks and i will be FULLY CLEAR. i'm on my 3rd tube and loving it. its really cheap for me since my parents insurance covers most of it 20 dollars is all i pay :)
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April 16, 2007
Fantastic results. I have had acne and am now at an age where some wrinkles are developing too. My skin hasn't looked this good in 10 years. I did not have the burning or drying side effects many have discussed on this forum because I think my derm has a winning routine. 1.) in the morning cleanse with a mild product like Cetaphil. Wait 20 minutes and then apply this great product called AQUA GLYCOLIC. It moisturizes and sloughs off the dead skin. Your skin will feel fantastic. I also use a mild moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. 2.) p.m. routine is to cleanse with the Cetaphil and then wait 20 minutes before applying retin a. 3.) After you wait apply a nice moisturizer like Oil of olay (nothing fancy) 4.) If you are having dryness or some wrinkles around your eyes apply Stri vectin eye cream. This routine has changed my skin completely. I think I have a good combination of products and the Aquaglycolic product is really a fantastic addition
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March 8, 2007

Pros:

Clears acne like nothing else I've ever used, diminishes scarring, has anti-aging effects as well, easy to use

Cons:

you need a prescription to get it (which annoys me), you must use it consistently over a period of time to get results

Retin A has been a miracle for me. When I use it consistently (every night), I do not get a SINGLE pimple anywhere on my face. The only times when I break out are when I slip up and forget to apply it. I had a lot of redness, peeling and irritation for the first 3 weeks, but I am SO glad I stuck with it. Now I don't even need an extra moisturizer, my skin has adapted really well. I would recommend using the gel formulation rather than the cream, the cream contains some irritating ingredients that can make breakouts worse if you're sensitive to them. I have used Retin-A for over a year and I now have normal skin.
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

I have been breaking out since I was 13, and I am 24 now. I used this when I was in high school and never used it everyday like required. Now that I use it every night I don't have any acne problem at all. (knock on wood)

Cons:

The initial breakout sucks, but you can handle it. I'd rather have a short period of time breaking out, instead of over 10 years of breaking out from not using this product on a nightly basis.

The only reason I went to this website is to let people know to stick with using this on a regular basis. Whatever instructions are given by this medication and by your dermatologist LISTEN. I could have stopped acne in it's tracks years ago if I would have just followed the directions, and not freaked out when I started the initial break out. People compliment my skin all of the time, and I love my skin as well for the first time in years!!!!!! I do take Yasmin, and use only Cetaphil and Neutrogena products.
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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