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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May 28, 2008

Pros:

clears up acne very well except for a few spots. keeps acne under control for the most part.

Cons:

break out at first and make sure you don't pick them because they leave scars. dry skin and i am outside a lot so being sensitive to the sun was bad.

this is a very good medication. if you're patient and keep with it, it most likely will clear up the acne. you definitely need moisturizer and face cleaner. use a real natural face cleaner that won't dry it out because your face will be dry enough already. i highly recommend this.
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May 24, 2008

Pros:

I have been using this procut for about two weeks and I haves seen slow improvement. My forehead used to have bumps everywhere but now has subsidedto two pimples and a few very tiny bumps.

Cons:

My cheeks before using the product were almost completely clear but now have whiteheads in many places. I am hoping that since my forehead went through the purging stage that that is what my cheeks/chin are going through and stick it out.

For only using the product for two weeks I am starting to get through the purging period and hopefully after that my skin will be a lot better! I will come back in a few more weeks to update on how it is going. Overall I am happy with the improvement on my forehead and hopefully the improvement everywhere else will come soon.
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

Skin has an overall healthier, fresher appearance. It's less oily in the morning. Pores are much more refined. Insurance covers costs.

Cons:

I still get breakouts. Especially after I wear makeup. The next morning my face is aweful!!!
Acne tends to turn into deep purple spots that go away after a long time.

Better Overall condition, No more deep cysts, but lots of nasty whiteheads on my cheeks. I've been using it for about 3 months (Everything i've read says real improvement happens after a year), I'm going to keep using it, but am going to try pairing it w/ an oral antibiotic.
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May 15, 2008

Pros:

Reduction of acne scarring on some parts of my skin

Cons:

Massive breakout, peeling and dryness

I used to have 1 or 2 pimples at a time, then started using this (.025 strength). At first, there was peeling and redness, but the acne subsided to the point that I went a whole week without even one pimple. Then, after using it for 6 weeks, BOOM! I have the worst break-out of my life. I just counted 39 pimples on my face. This is worse than anything I could have imagined. But, the pimples are all rather superficial, not deep in the skin, and some of them are flat already (2 days post break-out). It looks like they'll heal quickly. Although I am in acne hell right now, it seems like it must be working because this is clearly a "purge" stage. There are a few areas of skin where I don't have acne, and I definitely see a difference in that skin (i.e., clearer and a reduction of discoloration and past scarring). I'm gonna hang in there and hope that this will pass.
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May 12, 2008

Pros:

Heals scars and gets rid of a zit within a few days

Cons:

A little pealing at first but that just means your skin is adjusting to it. during the first few weeks your skin could take on a blush after you apply it or after you wash face. However, this is normal. Let your skin adjust to it.

This medicine works deep within the skin and takes time which means that as hard as it is to be patient, you must give it time. The peeling and redness won't last forever and can be minimized so maybe begin by using it every other night at first like I did. Once your skin adjusts, maybe begin using it every night. I have only used this product for about a month and I do not get much pealing or redness anymore and my scars are healing nicely. Remember: if you have scars, don't expect instant results. Scars take so much time to heal but the retin A will speed up the healing because it increases cellular turnover-that's why it may peel at first.
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May 11, 2008

Pros:

after about 2 months of using retin-a my skin is beeeaaauuutiful!!! very clear, very smooth

Cons:

takes about 2 months to work, in those 2 months expect dry, flaky, sensitive skin. it's totally worth it. but....it doesnt really do much to prevent abscesses/cysts, which i still get from time to time

great great great! but i still wish there was a magical treatment to prevent / remove cysts without severe marking/scarring
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May 10, 2008

Pros:

Taking a long time to work but it really does help. It takes time and it is slow improvement but I would say that 5 weeks later I am 75% clearer than I was.

Cons:

Dry skin and SENSITIVE skin. If I am in the sun for 20 minutes my face hurts. Slow progress which gets frustrating.

Stick with it. Well worth the patience.
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May 10, 2008

Pros:

Builds collagen over time to prevent and repair aging, keeps my pores clear, and after a year of use the texture of my skin is very smooth.

Cons:

Expensive without insurance, takes a long time to work so requires patience.

Folks, you have to give it more than a month to work. I didn't start seeing results (well, other than peeling and redness) until 8 weeks and it took 6 months to see a difference in skin texture (softening of scars, etc). You must use a good sunscreen with this as it makes your skin more susceptible to damage when you first start using it. Also, the cream formulation is in a pore clogging base, so you want to consider the gel for acne uses. Bottom line: I intend to keep using this forever.
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May 7, 2008

Pros:

Finally something that works! My skin is so much fresher now I am out of the purging stage. Blackheads mostly gone and my cystic acne no-longer about. It works!! I have used for 4 months.

Cons:

Initial 2 months - peeling and breakouts. Feels like it is not working but it is. Even on the dark days it is worth the wait.

I am so much happier and confident. Best of all is the sense that I can expect my skin to behave rather than dreading the next morning waking up and feeling new lumps. I am sure you all know that feeling. Also good reason to use strong sun factor and keep those wrinkles at bay. I can now be vain!! Do not give up.
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May 1, 2008

Pros:

cheap with insurance

Cons:

Flaky, dry skin and apparently takes long to work

OKay. So far I've been using Retina along with Benzamycin gel for about 4 weeks and I have yet to see results. The 1st week my skin was alright, then during the 2nd week, I had a minor breakout on one side of my face. Kept using it and I've gotten a few new pimples on my chin and forehead, but still not on the other side of my face. I've decided to use it for at least another month and I'll let ya'll know if I see a difference. (started at the beginning of this month, will reply at end of may) Wish me good luck ;P
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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