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 19, 2008

Pros:

Still waiting

Cons:

Waiting period is insane. Gets worse before getting better

So i've been using this stuff for about 2 months now. Still not seeing any results... very frustrating. Reading some of these reviews have given me hope, i will stick it out. 1 month left before college starts, 1 more month of hoping.
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

hopeful that tons will come

Cons:

Peeling in the beginning, increased breakout in new places, breakout areas more red than before, acne scabs

Between week one and two I noticed a lot of peeling, especially above my lip under my nose. I got the cream too close to my lips as well and both sides cracked which was extremely uncomfortable (they healed though--and I didn't make that mistake again.) My skin definitely got worse around week three, then it cleared up to almost perfect, I was feeling a lot better about it, until the middle of week four---big break out! So depressing. I've read that between weeks three and six it's normal to break out a lot more, i'm on day 26 and just praying I'll be clear by the end of week six. I've noticed, however, that other than places where I am broken out, my skin looks really good! I know that's kind of weird to say, but I've noticed a lot smoother tighter skin, and my freckles are decreasing, just white pure pretty looking skin. I hope the rest of my face gets on board soon.
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

works after like 15 weeks. does improve the size of your scars to make them very small and does smooth out bumpy imperfection on your skin such as my nose which has scars from picking and bumps from acne prone skin. i am clearer now than when i first

Cons:

you will get owned first 6weeks.
you better be on the right antibiotics or you will get super owned.
you get dry, mega red, pustules, and will gain some more pimples in other areas even if they dont have them yet :D.

Does work but takes a lot of time! first 2 weeks things were going smooth and i was like ok ok ty i didnt get pwnd like everyone says you will, after that i got a bunch a cystic-like acne, pustules up in my cheeks, acne in my jaw line which i never had, acne on my forehead which was acne prone but cleared up at that time and basicaly i didnt dodge the beginning pwnage lol. than i started taking the right antibiotic (first was doxycycline and than i took minocycline where minocycline save mah life) and than my postules immediately went down and my face was clearing up fast. (within 3 weeks of mino i was looking okay) the redness went down, the pustules went down, the ammt of more pimples a day went down, and now i just got blemishes f where acne used to be because thats how my skin reacts anyways.... it works! Without the right antibiotics for you and taking retin-A you will get owned LOL.i was super red, super messed up looking, and before retin a i had many whiteheads on my chee
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

clears acne within 3-5 months it takes patience.

Cons:

causes redness and peeling in the first 2-3 weeks of using it.

USE IT
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August 6, 2008

Pros:

People say it'll work.

Cons:

The burning is not my concern, but the flaking and redness of the skin are my main concerns. My skin is noticeably worse and makes me feel terrible. Makeup doesn't completely cover it up and might make it look worse if you're flaking.

I'm 23 years old and have never had a problem with my skin. I recently started getting very unnoticeable small bumps on my forehead and the doctor told me I had acne. Up until the day before taking my prescription, I was commented on how great my skin was, but I wanted to make it perfect. I've only been using this product for a week, but I thought I'd contribute to the reviews to let you all know to expect the same results as everyone else. My skin is definitely worse, very red, waxy/unhealthy looking, a lot more sensitive (and I don't go out in the sun), and is often flaking off. I read these reviews and did expect these results, so I intend to stick with this product for the recommended 6-8 weeks and will continue to update my progress. So far, it's doing what I expected and can only hope for the perfect skin I am looking for. As difficult as it might be to see your skin worsen, definitely stick with it because I have a feeling it'll definitely work.
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August 4, 2008

Pros:

face has improved significantly

Cons:

must use in conjuction with lotion and sunscreen to keep skin from flaking and turning bright red

i've used this product for about 10 days now. i am 27 and over the last year i have struggled with bothersome breakouts, uneven skin tone and dry skin on my face. i was originally put on doxycycline and clyndamicin and my face got significantly worse. now i am on benzoyl peroxide wash and retin a. you have to be patient with this medication. read other people's reviews; that is what i did and i've found that waiting after you wash your face to apply the retin a is better. also, mix a pea sized amount into your facial lotion and then apply. this helps to keep the flaking down. plus, i use a mild cleanser like cetaphil and alternate every other day until my skin gets accustomed to this medicine. i am really impressed with the results already. good luck.
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August 3, 2008

Pros:

This is working well for both my back and face, but not on its own (I use Finacea with it to help inflamed acne).

Cons:

Takes a long time to get skin used to it; first time I used Retin-A 0.04 percent was a disaster (DO NOT use more than a pea size for face, and don't spot treat)

Once I started being very careful about applying only a pea size amount and wearing sunscreen daily, this helped my acne when I used it with Finacea. I am now using the highest strength and am getting even better results, but I use even a little less than a pea size amount. I did get a small initial breakout when I switched strengths but the Finacea helps reduce the IB. Also, the higher strength seems to be helping red marks more. However, I really recommend starting with a lower strength and working up only if you aren't red and flaky (it hasn't caused redness or flakiness with me since I started the Finacea and used a smaller amount of Retin-A). Also, if you are breaking out a lot more from Retin-A, please call or see your doctor about it. He/she can tell if it's normal; if it's not, you might need something else with the Retin-A, like I did, or it might not be right for you. Better to check early on.
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

appears to make skin pinker and newer looking

Cons:

does make little yellow heads appear out of nowhere

Given this gel by the Derm who has good skin! She said that usualy doesnt make people break out in the first weeks - obviously doesnt read this board! After 2 wks exactly i started to get little yellow heads appearing and whilst they only stay a day or two they are annoying. GP put me on erythromycin to prevent any infection but I shall continue with the cream as I know from experience that Roaccutane makes you break out and then clears well.... this stuff does the same but as with most things if there is no pain then there is no gain.
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July 24, 2008

Pros:

it works to clear acne by exfoliating

Cons:

a lil bit drying

When I was in my early teens, Retin a did nothing for my moderatae-severe acne. Now in my early 30's, Retin a has totally cleared up my mild acne, and my skin looks great. What few shallow scars I had are starting to disappear. I have been using the .025 gel (creams of all kinds break out my skin) for almost a month now. I've had no breakouts. The Retin a improved my skin from the 1st night I used it. The secret is to start out just using it every other night-then when your skin is ready use it nightly.
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July 23, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne AND leaves you with a great complexion.

Cons:

Peeling and drying at first.

I almost didn't use it when I researched it on this sight because I panicked about the "initial" break out that everyone refers to but it's not unbearable and it truly works. Definitely use a small amount and wait until your face is COMPLETELY dry after washing it before you put the cream on. It takes a while to take effect..........be patient.
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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