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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March 26, 2008

Pros:

So far, it has clear my pimples

Cons:

SCARES, DRYNESS, & REDNESS

I am not sure how well it is working since I am using DUAC as well. It seems to be getting worse, but I guess that is how it works.
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March 20, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of pimples, keeps them from coming back

Cons:

Lots of redness, initial breakouts, takes forever to work, dry skin

I started using Retin-A Micro four months ago. At first I was skeptical, there were days where I thought my acne would never get better (I had severe cystic acne) It had been possible to get an Accutane perscription but I didn't want to try that quite yet, so I told my derm to put me on Retin-A and some Doxycycline. Initial Breakouts were terrible, my skin got worse then it had ever been. However, and I cannot stress this enough, just STICK with it. If you have the self discipline to use it everynight, your acne will get better. In fact, if it gets worse the first few weeks it's only a sign that the medicine is working. My severe forhead acne has all but dissapeared. I currently have about 3 or 4 new bumps, with an average of one new pimple showing up everyday. However, when you compare it to before (when I literally had about 25-30 pimpels on my head at one time) you can see how much of a difference Retin-A Micro has done. It changed my life.
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March 18, 2008

Pros:

Skintone/pigmentation scars seems to be looking more even. I haven't been on the medicine long enough to see a considerable difference in preventing acne, but the medicine seems to get rid of discolored skin from old scars very quickly.

Cons:

Unbelievable dryness on the face. It hurt to apply moisturizer and the medicine itself. Developed a rash on my neck from applying medicine to the jawline.

I am currently using Tretinoin cream 0.05% once a day at night. In the morning, I use Benzacline. I have mild acne and annoying cystic acne that affects my nose, temples, and jawline. When I first started, my skin was unbelievably dry and flaky. It was very painful. Since I've started using Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer, the discomfort has been reduced considerably. I apply a liberal amount in the morning after waiting for the benzacline to dry. Please make sure to let your face dry completely, about 10-20 mins before applying Tretinoin. I made the mistake of applying the cream when my face was not dry. My face was ok, but my neck got very irritated and itchy when I was lying in bed. It was so itchy I broke into a rash and I couldn't sleep. This went on for 2 days. I remedied this problem by waiting for my face to dry completely and by applying the medicine carefully to my jawline. Most notable improvement is that the skintone around my jawline is looking unbelievabl
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March 17, 2008

Pros:

cleared up my skin completely..hardly get a zit once in a month or so..no blackheads..skin keeps getn better by the day thru the peeling process

Cons:

peeling and redness..initial acne breakout

this is my 2nd post on this forum. i had posted a messg earlier some 3 months back..while i was happy with the results even back then i was skeptical that the medicine wud stop workin soon. i have been using generic retin-a cream for 6 months now and my skin hasnt looked this good in ages..i can get out of the house without wearin makeup and still feel confident (which is a big deal coz my face looked horrible esp during the first 7 weeks of using this medication). Its important to never put this medicine on a wet or damp face. I made this mistake during the 4th month and suddnly the +ve effects started to subside even though i did not experience irritation. Now i just wait for my face to dry for 2 mins before applying the cream. And yes, if you stay close to the sea as i do, its best to use the retin-a cream during winters and retin-a gel during summers..i also use lacto calamine to soothe the skin and as a sunscreen..workin wonders for skin and scars.i still peel somtimes but its ok
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March 13, 2008

Pros:

It works and fades marks

Cons:

dry itchy, burning skin..IT WILL get worse b4 it gets better

K..My last post was on March 2nd and i am now on my 4th week and my acne is almost gone..i have about 25% left. I am so exited bc they say it takes 12 weeks and my self confidence is already going up. people have 2 stick in there. my skin broke out sooo bad when i first started all of the acne has to come up. acne starts on the inside ans works its way out so plz dont get frustrated. my initial breakout what horrible and now...its soooo smooth...i luv it!!! and u have 2 be consistent. i use this everynight. and i wash my face with cetaphil anti-bacterial bar. at first i was washing with a salyicic(<-spelling)acid and it really made things worse so se something gentle and i think by the soap being anti-bacterial, that helps kill bacteria.
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March 11, 2008

Pros:

clears pimple really well

Cons:

takes weeks. skin gets worse first. doesn't seem to clear blackheads. leaves red after-marks (that fade). have to use at night. dries A LOT at first, so you HAVE to use moisturizer.

Works pretty well, and if your insurance covers it, it's free. definitely worth the trouble in the beginning, but not for everyone. If you have dry skin, definitely don't use. Normal, get a REALLY good moisturizer. Oily, totally worth it, but you should get a light moisturizer. Combo, don't use on the dry areas of your skin (e.g, corners of nose, around mouth.) I LIKE IT! haha
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March 9, 2008

Pros:

it reduced my acne forever

Cons:

left so many scars (pitted).. that wasnt there before applying retin a and benzoyl peroxide..

If i were you guys you should first try all the natural stuff before trying this harsh chemicals.. Now i speak to you to share my experience for other people to realized what you have before its like too late....
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March 6, 2008

Pros:

Helped to clear my acne a lot, removed a lot of my cystic acne and revealed smoother skin underneath

Cons:

Dryness, peeling, acne lesions under the skin become more prevalent but fade with time, sunburn, gets worse before it gets better

It's not a quick fix, requires time and patience but works really well for me. Apply on face with moisturizer 30 minutes after washing to avoid burning sensation. Use LOTS of sunscreen on your face. The results are worth it if you can stand the dryness and peeling for a few weeks. Best if used 2-3 times a week.
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February 25, 2008

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

none

I used to have bad acne. I tried everything. Then I switched to suki all natural products. the lemon gras cleanser,astringent and clay mask. I also stopped consuming dairy I no longer have acne!!!
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February 18, 2008

Pros:

Have started to see an improvement

Cons:

Severe worsening during initial application.

I am a 23 year old guy and i suffer from acne on my back which has made me uncomfortable over the years when swimming, on holiday or with the opposite sex. I have tried many treatments that havn't worked for me but my GP has just prescribed me RETIN-A which after a couple of weeks MIGHT, isay MIGHT be starting to work. After my initial few applications my skin became red, more spots appeared and my skin became very dry. Now after a few weeks the redness is beginning to fade and my skin seems to be clearer where my acne was bad. At this stage i will say that i recommend this product although i will see how i feel in a few more weeks.
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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