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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April 30, 2008

Pros:

works fast
minimizes the size of bumps
makes my white heads smaller

Cons:

i have to use a whole lot of moisturizer to keep my face moist and not dry

i have had this for about two weeks and i hadnt experienced the breakout yet but my skin has gotten better and there is barely any acne on my face. mostly scars now. i got it prescribed to me during a check up from my doctor. its way better than proactiv FOR SURE and i also use cetaphil in the morning my dad paid 10 dollars for two tubes with insurance
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April 23, 2008

Pros:

Fades scars, new acne heals quickly, makes skin more radiant since you are shedding skin at a more rapid pace than usual - no need to exfoliate

Cons:

Takes a long time to work. The process of purging your skin can be really discouraging.

I am using Retin A in combination with Minocycline and Duac for about 3 months now. The first 2 months were pretty horrible. Tons of new breakouts, scars, and dry skin which was impossible to cover up with makeup so I had to go out just like that. Was ready to give up on it and yell at my doctor but about 2 weeks ago, I stopped having breakouts all together. Maybe it was being on vacation, being in the sun and sweating a lot that helped but since then, I have been clear. Scars are fading and the cystic acne I had has slowly moved to the surface so no more bumps when I touch my face. It took about 10-11 weeks for this to really show results, but now that it finally has, I'm really happy. Just stick with it!
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April 16, 2008

Pros:

Clears acne like crazzzzzzzzzzy!

Cons:

Peels skin like mad

I am in high school, but i dont use it, a friend does. I'm looking towards using it. My friends skin peels loads, and big flakes come off, but a few months of usage can last years without acne. She has been using it for 2 weeks, and there is already a massive inprovement aroud her cheeks and hairline. I suffer from fairly bad acne, and so does she, but it is well worth a go! People do ask her if she has been on holiday though! It peels the skin to get right to deep spots. We both suffer from massivly deep spots right under the skin that stay for months at a tome without getting a head. I would reccomend it seriously, because your sin cant get used to this stuff like other creams. You need to try it if you want baby skin!
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April 7, 2008

Pros:

helps clear my skin and makes my skin feel soft.

Cons:

dry skin.

i would recommend this cream as it does help cure acne.However, patience is key.It's irritating for the first 5 weeks but you get used to it.Don't give up!
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

IT WORKS! I have awful acne with the black spots and some scaring. I am an Afircan American who has been looking for a product for the longest. Its been 3 weeks and already my skin is soft and the spots are fading. I can look in the mirror.

Cons:

Drying. Thats it and if you have white heads they will began to pop out.

It takes time but don't give up. This stuff does begin to work. I can't wait until its been a year.
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April 3, 2008

Pros:

Clears up skin, leaves skin feeling baby soft, reduces acne scars, discoloration, etc. This product, used at night, along with Benzaclin/Duac (I've used both)in the morning, was my saving grace.

Cons:

It leaves skin sensitive so you need to treat it well. When you first begin using the Retin A, REMEMBER, it will get worse before it gets better. DO NOT give up, it took me a good 4-5 months to see true results. You will peel, itch, etc. apply lotion

Patience is key and don't give up on it. This product has truly been my savior after years of battling acne. My skin is now 97% break out free.
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April 3, 2008

Pros:

Makes my skin feel soft and Smells good!

Cons:

Initial Break-Out is a bummer, but no pain to gain. Been using 0.025% cream on face and 0.01% gel on back for 4 weeks. FYI-using 10% BP Wash for back. No noticeable improvement on face & small red bumps (rash-like) occassionally on back.

I like the way my skin feels when I use this product. It does not over-dry & really feels like it's working deep below the skin to bring back that soft baby skin. I've only been using it for 4 weeks so I don't know the full effects. The rash on my back I also don't know for sure the cause...I may be leaving the BP wash on too long for it's very strong and only supposed to be left on for 30 seconds. I've use Clindamycin, Sodium sulfacetamide & Duac which is a mix of BP & Clindamycin in the past. I hated the Clindamycin for it felt like glue on my skin and I felt like it was making my acne worse. The Sodium sulfacetamide worked well in combination with Minocycline; however, the sulfur smell got to me. Whooo...stinky. Plus, one of my friends was allergic to sulfur. The minocycline I believe gave me stomach problems. The Duac wasn't bad - it was less gluey feeling than plain old clindamycin, but it smelled kinda salty tarty to my sensitive sniffer.
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April 1, 2008

Pros:

Eventually clears skin completely. No blackheads, whiteheads or ugly red spots. Skin looks like a 10 year old girl's! Can even go out without make-up. If a spot begins to surface it is gone by the next morning when the gel is used overnight...

Cons:

AWFUL for the first 9 weeks of using it! Skin got so much worse before it got better... Felt ashamed of my appearance for the first time in my life. Try this out starting at the beginning of the holidays. Use DDF suncream and mineral foundation.

Ok... I have had problem skin since the age of 12 (I am now 21). I have tried antibiotics (topical and oral), millions of creams and even dianette (v strong contraceptive pill supposed to make acne better). Spots have made my life hell - staying at a friend or a boyfriend's house and secretly doing your make-up in the bathroom so they don't see your spots is no fun at all... Retin-A at first made my acne much, MUCH worse. I even cried it was so bad. My skin peeled and my forehead, then chin, then cheeks started coming out in big ugly spots... BUT, after about 6 weeks I started to see an imporvement. After 9 weeks I could look in the mirror and be happy. At 11 weeks there were no spots left and the scars were fading. My skin was smooth for the first time in 9 years. Advice: PLEASE STICK AT THIS. Don't start in the middle of the college term, like I did. Try it during the holidays. By the time you go back you will look beautiful. Use the gel consistently. Once every eve. Good luc
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March 29, 2008

Pros:

clears skin

Cons:

works very slow

to start, if you dont have patience this product really iusnt for you. the normal ime table for this product is initial breakout in the forst 2 weeks, progress in weeks 3-6, and results after 7. dont go buy that, everyone on here stresses patience it took about 5 months for my skin to get clear. i kept breaking out all along while on this treatment but know after the 5th month im so happy i stuck with it, u will be too
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March 26, 2008

Pros:

I can see it working already

Cons:

Initial breakout is scary as hell, dryness (wearing make up over it especially power make up like mineral make up will show it)

This is my third week using the 0.01% gel and my initial breakout is subsiding. I see some pimples disappearing already. My biggest issue is my forehead which is covered with tiny little whitehead bumps. But I can see already that they are starting to clear. Dear Lord, the initial breakout was scary(first 2 weeks). I couldn't bare to see my face in the mirror but I kept going because everybody on here said that it would do that and my doc also said that. I will post on the progress
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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