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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14.8%
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9.4%

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March 17, 2013

Pros:

I started out using 0.05% strength Tretinoin for about 6 weeks and started to see positive results. I did not notice any side effects so I switched to the 0.1% strength and I have not looked back since. This stuff has been an absolute miracle. I'm 24 and have struggled with acne since i was about 16. I've tried literally everything prescription and non-prescription (clindamyacin, adapalene, different BP's, salycilic, duac, sulfur treatments, monocycline, doxycycline, tea tree, etc.

Cons:

Mild flaky skin but easily manageable.

If you haven't responded to other prescriptions well and are nervous to try Accutane like I was, I would highly recommend giving this a try. I just wish I would have a long time ago.
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January 27, 2013

Pros:

Clears skin
Minimal pimples
Soft skin
Skin glows

Cons:

Makes skin dry
Expensive without prescription

This stuff WORKS! I struggled with acne for most of my young adult life and started using this with low expectations. My skin has NEVER looked better. It just takes time to work so STICK WITH IT!!!
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July 13, 2012

Pros:

Heals all types of acne (for me)
Prevents new acne
Slowly fades scars
Clears pores

Cons:

Very oily skin (but that's good!)
Takes a while to work
Need to be disciplined

I'm 31, half Asian/half Caucasian. Got bad adult acne in Feb 2012. Chin and jaw line were swollen and bumpy with deep painful cysts. Large bloody cysts on forehead. Cheeks exploded with deep painful bloody pimples. It was aggressive. Using since 6/1/2012: Tretinoin Cream 0.025% before bed I had no bad reactions. No burning, peeling, tingling, or redness. The tretinoin I'm using is the weakest prescription strength. It comes in a metal tube, it's off-white and has the consistency and slight odor of glue. The first couple weeks I still had the acne but no new ones were forming, skin was "shedding", it was painless and would wash off in the morning. Slowly, the acne cysts shrank and pimples dried up. Now, 6 weeks into it, all the acne is gone completely and the scars are starting to fade slightly. No more shedding, but skin gets oily very quickly. I used to use Biore pore strips frequently, like every couple weeks on my nose. Pores would just clog right up the next day. After 2 weeks of using the tretinoin, the pores would ooze all day long, but the oozing has slowed down and now my pores have shrunk considerably. Advice: You must wait for your skin to dry completely before applying the tretinoin (20-30 min) I don't know what Bas from Netherlands bought off the internet for $200 but it sounds like snake oil. Hair loss and tiredness, alcohol in it? Mine was prescribed from a doctor and it cost $47 for a tube that'll probably last 3 months. (insurance did not pay)
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March 27, 2012

Pros:

Leaves skin smooth
Lightens the redness of scars
Works over time

Cons:

Must use at night because if you go in the sun you will be burnt easily

Fairly expensive

Requires prescription

It helps with the scarring as it lightens and make it look less swollen. I also suspect it helps with the acne aswell as i used to use Epiduo aswell. So my treatment plan is: Doxycycline pills in the morning At night i wash my face with benzac wash Apply ReTrieve Cream straight after If a really painful or stubborn pimple arises i sometimes use betadine or just load heaps of epiduo on it. Bottomline : IT WORKS
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December 13, 2011

Pros:

Clear acne, prevent breakouts, get rid of old, dead skin and stimulate new growth (hence younger looking skin and glow), improve skin tone and texture, quickly fade dark spots and scars caused by post-acne hyperpigmentation

Cons:

Dry, redness, peeling

No matter your acne problem, it's at least worth a try. The version I use has added antibiotics. I use it inconsistently (the whole face) and for spot treatment as needed. For light to moderate acne or sensitive skin, start with no more than 0.05 and don't overuse it. More effective than Proactive.
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October 8, 2011

Pros:

-completely cleared my skin after several months
-didn't cause flakiness or redness
-didn't sting
-only had to apply at night

Cons:

-took several months to work (the effects were gradual)
-sun sensitivity
-expensive without co-pay ($250 every 3 months)

I got this from my dermatologist along with Oracea, an extended release form of doxycycline. Over a period of three months, my skin gradually cleared, with several breakouts where my pores were being cleared. I highly recommend going to the dermatologist and not relying on over-the-counter solutions, if you can afford it - and this is coming from someone who swore by many OTCs for years.
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August 8, 2011

Pros:

Clears Skin
Shrinks Pores
No Toxic Side Effects

Cons:

Hard to put a pea size amount all over face
Initial Breakout
Takes a bit of time to really see results

I was on Retin-A Micro a long time ago back in high school and it made me break out intensely until i got fed up and stopped using it and just used a benzoyl peroxide wash. I got clear and stayed clear for a sum amount of years but started breaking out again at 20 and kept at it. I ordered this product online and the first day putti ng it, no real results. Second day was the coolest thing (to me). My face looked "broken out" but what really happened was all of my acne had surfaced and whatever was arleady on my face was exfoliated into white heads, a cyst i had for a couple days even shrunk half its size! Anyways i washed my face and got redness and then just ignored it and in time i got more acne here and there but overall, once every clog in their is surfaced and ur sebacious glands shrink up, its clear skin for life :)
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May 13, 2011

Pros:

Fades red marks

Cons:

-I suspect that it continuously caused more acne for me
-Redness
-Initial "purge" of acne never subsided

I was prescribed a combination of tretinoin 0.025% cream and finacea gel in mid to late February. I experienced an initial purge of acne a couple weeks into the regimen. I went on a vacation in early march, and due to sun exposure I felt it necessary to cut back on the use of the creams during my trip. After I got back from the trip, I have been using both since about March 16th (today is May 12th). My dermatologist told me it may take up to 6 weeks to begin seeing results. Well it's been over 6 weeks, even after my trip, and I'm continuing to get new acne on a very regular basis. I had virtually no acne before I started this regimen, only redmarks that didn't want to fade away. I quit using both creams two days ago and immediately my face is less red, and I haven't had a breakout since. I honestly believe my skin is naturally healthier without the use of these creams. I'm going to use this website's recommendation of BP regimen, because in the past my skin has done well with BP. This website has provided me with more information than any dermatologist has.
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March 26, 2011

Pros:

-IT Works .
- very easy to use
- insurance covers it
- it would also do a little for scars. and smooths out complexion.

Cons:

-expensive without insurance but one tube last about 3 months
- works slowly
-dryness
-not 100 percent effective
- Got initial breakout the first month but it subsided with time.


-

It didn't work for cysts that well but i was about 80 to 90 percent clear all year and there were even instances where i was clear all the way. but my graduation is this year so i insisted my doctor to prescribe me antibiotics along with retina to clear me up totally. btw if u dont get cysts then this alone would be the best thing.
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March 19, 2011

Pros:

Reducing pores, fading sun spots, and treating and preventing fine lines

Cons:

Does make your skin look worse before it gets better.

My story... I had a couple of sun spots show up right on the apple of my right cheek. I have others, but the location of these really bothered me. So I went to my Derm who performed Erbium Yag laser treatment just to the 3 spots on my cheek on 2/7/11. I'm happy to report the spots are gone! Still pink from the laser though. So anyway... My derm also prescribed .025% Retin A to help fade other spots and prevent new ones from forming. I started using it on 2/28/11 every 3rd night to begin, last week I bumped up to every other night. I was getting some flaking mainly on the cheek that was treated with the laser and had an initial breakout (been acne free for years) but this is all improving now. My routine... Wash my face with Cerave Hydrating cleanser, apply Cerave PM lotion immediately after washing, wait 30 mins and apply the retin A. I am already starting to see some improvement in the pores on the sides of my nose that were noticeably large. In the morning I wash again with my cleanser and put on the Cerave AM lotion with SPF 30. I have also tried Cetaphil cleanser, nutragena extra gentle and purpose. I find the Cerave really helps to reduce the side effects of the Retin A. So far I am still having some flaking, but I'm starting to see improvement in my skin already, so I will continue to use the Retin A :) Don't give up!! You have to push through the initial weeks of your skin looking worse and then it will get better.
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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