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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22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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September 24, 2011

Pros:

*Cleared a lot of of my acne
*Easily applied
*Works if you give it time

Cons:

*Redness and some peeling
*Your skin gets used to the product, so if you don't use it one night, you break out

I've been using Retin A for almost two months now and almost all of my acne is gone. Sure my skin was irritated at times, but the results are worth it. Only use Retin A once, right before you go to bed. My skin care routine was use Logona Mint Cleansing Foam twice a day, use Retin A once at night, and after I applied Retina A to use Dermalogica's Active Moist. Make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of water a day and taking multi-vitamins help. Once I didn't use Retin A one night, and my skin did break out around my forehead. I do know that once I stop Retin A that I will break out and have to find something new, but at the moment this product works for me.
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September 21, 2011

Pros:

Fewer Blackheads

Cons:

Makes Skin Peely
Doesn't get rid of all whiteheads/cysts, so you're left with peely zits.
Prescription
Expensive

I've had lifelong acne. I took Accutane at the age of 16 in '97 and at the age of 28 in '09. Accutane worked better for me the first time...I attribute this to the fact that the second time I took it, I took the generic (which studies show is less effective). Anyhoo, I had leftover problems after my second round of Tane, and was put on Retin-A as soon as I got off. I didn't have an IB b/c I'd already had it with the Tane (Tane is the internal form...Isotretinoin). However, my acne came back, and the Retin-A didn't seem to be doing much except reducing blackheads. The Retin-A Micro did seem to work better than the generic Tretinoin, but it still didn't do me much good. I stopped using it about a month ago, and began using an over-the counter Retinol product. My skin is MUCH better...I think for me, maybe, the Retin-A was too harsh and caused more acne, whereas the Retinol is not as strong, and doesn't irritate my skin causing more acne.
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September 20, 2011

Pros:

Easily applied
Only once a day

Cons:

still haven't seen results

I'm 16 and I've been using this product since mid-May after i got a really bad breakout. -The initial breakout was from week 2-4ish and wasn't bad for me. -At around mid-July my acne was really clearing up and i thought i'd finally have clear skin like my peers. - Unfortunately in mid August i began getting really deep and red pimples on my jaw and lower cheeks, and i pick at them so their pretty scarred. -But I plan on waiting it out, some people say it can take 9 months to see results
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September 11, 2011

Pros:

*Applies on Smoothly
*Dries Quick
*Only once before bedtime
*Works if you give it time

Cons:

*Smell is like rubbing alcohol
*Takes a while to see major results
*Have to wait 20-30 min after washing face to apply
*Bad Initial Breakout

My doctor prescribed this for me. I have been on this stuff for 1 month, 22 days. I have the gel form, 0.025%. I wash my face with Anti-Bacterial Cetaphil Soap (Bar form works better because it makes a better lather) Anyways after i read all of the reviews on here I have told myself it will take a while to work. Let me tell you, the first few weeks were hell. Heres a little Timeline of what happened * 1st Week- Nothing really. The first couple mornings after the night i applied this stuff my face looked shiny and some skin was peeling but it didn't hurt a bit, a little redness and that's about it. *2nd, 3rd, 4th Week- Start of the Initial breakout. Your face will become itchy, red, some peeling will occur, and your acne will come back stronger than ever. Dont worry tho. All you need to do is wash your face the morning of and use a light moisturizer. This is the hardest part about sticking to Retin-A (Tretinoin) Keep with it, after the Initial breakout is over your skin will go smooth sailing from there. 5th Week- By this time some/most of my acne has gone and cleared up, especially on my cheeks and temple area and forehead. By now your skin may or may not be used to or adjusted to Retin-A. Keep going!!!! 6th Week- More acne has cleared up, acne scars have faded BIG time. My face doesnt seem as red. about 70% of my acne has been erased and all that is left is some scaring. But Retin-A is known for treating scars as well. (At least thats what I heard) The "Bottom Line" is I have given up on many products. The Initial Breakout is the worst and will make you want to give up, but fighting through that is a HUGE achievement. Once you get through that you will start to notice major changes...Give this stuff time. It even says on the directions that results will start to be seen 6-12 weeks of using Tretinoin. So Stick with it. Another thing I have been doing is drinking a lot of water. A liter a day. My skin is clearing up big time. Be gen
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September 9, 2011

Pros:

Difference is not yet noticeable.

Cons:

After 4 days of continuous use, the skin around eyes started burning even though I do not apply near eyes
Acne seems a lot better in the morning but charm goes away as soon as I wash my face

I have been using this since about a few days. I am still not sure if it is causing any difference with my acne. I have some cystic acne and I sometimes just pop them which might be why it is not getting better. Also area around my eyes seem very sensitive and they were puffed up this morning with a burning sensation even though I apply no where close to the eyes. I strictly stick to just the cheeks and the forehead.
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September 8, 2011

Pros:

Smooth skin
unblocked stubborn blocked pores (very slowly though)
controls oiliness++
Cheap! (get a perscription from your doc and purchase online from Alldaychemist).

Cons:

Redness
Burning (if you put on too much)
Flaking
Constant inflammed pimples (may be just me)
Need lots and lots of patience

I started using retin A gel in March 2011. I have played around a bit with my regimen and have just started to get some consistancy going. First 3 months was really bad, I was not working so I could handle staying at home during that time. I was experiencing a lot of red, angry pimples that would take a while to fade and being impatient I would sqeeze tham and make them worse, or else have the same pimple come back again and again. So I learned to control the picking habit, and limit it only to pimples which had surfaced. 4th month was really good, nice and calm skin, I thought, the dreaded initial breakout was over... boy was I wrong... 5th, 6th month... started getting more breakouts, these were different, they were very deep and very stubborn. So, this is almost the end of 6 month of using retin A. So far, most of my pores have cleared, there still remains some active buggers mainly on my cheeks, but they will hopefully fade too. Bottom Line: Don't expect miracles, this is serious stuff and its takes a loooong time. So, if you are not seeing results after 3 months, don't be surprised! I hope to stick with it another 6 months, if my acne is not under control by then, then i will quit. I hope to post another review 6 months later.
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September 7, 2011

Pros:

Smoother skin.
Healthy skin tone.
Fresh faced.
Confidence boost.
Could say alot more!

Cons:

The only thing that bothers me is how flakey my skin looks and kinda feels when using it. Slight 'stinging' sensation on newly sqeezed or hard, angry under the skin kind of Spots.

I havn't had Acne for a terribly long time. I'm a 13 year old girl now and when I started my Acne and treatment. I basically blame a cheap Face Mud Mask although my Mum thinks different. I used to have lovely skin and one day... POOF! I used to wake up depressed about going to School and would often cry over how ugly and self concious I felt. I didn't have the world of Money so treatments were minimal. I used 4 Hour spot cream from Clearasil and didn't see a change. It all just got to much and I demanded to see a Dermatologist but my Mum said it would cost too much. She took me to the local Doctors and he said I had slight Acne and told me it takes years to fully cure. He gave me Retin-A which I rub over my face (Minus cheeks) at night after a face wash. Can't really remember how long Iv'e been using it for but didn't think it was doing anthing but peel my skin at first. Absoulutly love this product and suggest any one to go to a Doctor and get it on Prescription like me. Don't feel like just because of a few spots and redness that you are any less of a person. Your beautiful no matter what, and youv'e got to start believing it! (I would also recomend a dab of Sudo-Creme on any redness) ;) Good luck Gorgeous, Charlotte <3
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September 5, 2011

Pros:

Maybe starting working 3 months in?

Cons:

Broke me out TERRIBLY for 3 months straight. So bad on my forehead I cut myself bangs.

Before retin-a micro, I was doing okay just using BP but I really wanted something that would keep me consistently clear. Retin-a micro started breaking me out within the first week... I kept it up thinking intial break out but it lasted for around 3 months, until finally I seemed to start clearing up a little bit.. and then went on vacation to Hawaii and broke out teerribbly again (maybe due to the sun too?). I promptly stopped. And cleared up sort of using just bp... which is only moderately satisfying. Regardless, this product was an awful experience for me.
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September 4, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up some bumps
Made my skin a bit smoother
Seems like its going to work
Cheap (only 19 dollars for 10 refills, in the bahamas things are more expensive so this is a good price)

Cons:

Initial Breakout
Have to be careful about the sun.

Im 15.. And Ive tried so many things that didnt work on my acne.. this is my second dermatologist. He gave me Retin-A 0.0025% to use AT NIGHT, Clindamycin Gel 39GM to use in the morning, Dianne 35 pill to take to regulate my hormones (I have hormonal acne) and some 5000 IU Vitamin D Pills. He says the vitamin a and d will work together to help the scars. My face hasnt been getting red or feeling worse or anything yet but my face has always been pretty immune to that stuff when it comes to acne products.. I guess its cause I live in the bahamas where the sun is blazing on your skin all the time so my skin is pretty used to it.. I know that my face is going to get worse, but Its gotten alot better so I know when it gets worse its ntohing I cant deal with... Ive dealt with it for years so I think I can deal for atleast 1 more month or so. Dont be scared to try it, If it drys your face use moisturizer with SPF in it, Its best just using it at night. Be smart!!! lol Ive used: Clearasil, Proactiv, MaxClarity, Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, St. Ives, some weird thing Clear somthing..... Facial Masks, Lemon Juice, Vitamin E and Honey, Doxycycline i think its spelled like that.. and one more thing he last dermatologist prescribed to me. NONE WORKED. But I feel as if this is going to work because my skin is already smoother (:
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September 4, 2011

Pros:

Soaks up oil
Depletes/erases whiteheads
Tightens skin
Smooth!

Cons:

Takes a long time!

I've been using this with for atleast 3 years, along with another topical (duac, etc). This is the only topical, along with Aczone (my current regimen) that I actually like putting on! Both are sheer and don't smell like bleach or other blahh stenches! But seriously, it's taken me a bit less than three years on this to find other products that accentuate it (currently Aczone, baking soda, Clean & Clear Oil-Free Facial Wash, and Doxycycline are doing the trick!) but of course, if you don't like being on an oral medication, I'd still recommend this because I swear it fights acne off- while you sleep, especially!
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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