I used Nexret 0.1%, better known as Retin A Micro in the US market. Love this product. Has worked excellently for my acne (mostly comedones) and also has remarkably reduced my pore size. My skin also looks brighter. This product has also helped with my post acne pigmentation marks. A sunblock is a must with this product and since I am sunblock fan since my teens, I had no laziness issues slathering a sunblock evevry 2hours. The side effects are there but nothing happened to me that I could not deal with. No pain no gain!!

I've been using Retin-A for several months now and I'm amazed. I've had acne for 10+ years. I didn't have any luck treating it until I started using Proactive along with birth control (Ortho-Cyclen). For a few years, that seemed to have solved all my acne worries. Unfortunately, my skin started to revert back to its teenager days. My dermatologist recommended that I use Retin-A and for a few months, an oral antibiotic (doxycycline). After I came off the antibiotics, my skin broke out again (but nothing compared to before). I kept using the Retin-A and now, about 3 months later, my skin is almost clear! I still get very small pimples but these go away in a day or two. My skin continues to dry out and flake. This is probably the most annoying side effect by far. I also find that it gets worse if I forget to use it for more than two days. So, invest in a really good moisturizer. If you just started using Retin-A, I really recommend that you bear through it for a few months. It does give you amazing-looking skin but you have to be patient!!!

It was nearing the ending of summer and I was desperate to rid myself of my pimples & blackeads before school started. I came by Retin-A coincidentally from my sister, before then I had never heard of it. And, being an ignorant loaf, decided on the first night to load it on like spot treatment... That was singularly one of the most horrible skin care decision I ever made. The next day, I litterally woke up to my whole face shedding like crazy! I was also red and irritated like hell. Of course I stopped using it immediately. It took my face 2 days to heal from all the burning, flaking, and irritation it wrought upon my poor face. My pimples were still there, however it did make my face a little brighter, something Dan's BP didn't do. That's when I decided to smart up and actually read(I don't know what I was thinking before... Geez) about what I put on my face. So yes, it turns out retin-A is amazing an does all these cool things to your skin by pushing out all those dead cells(which causes the flaking) and can be used as an anti-aging cream. But I also read about the horrible purging period, and all the irritation, flakiness, and general depression people went through before their faces got better. Was I really going to go through all of that torture? But I wanted my face to improve forever, right?? I live in Southern Cali, what if my face burns like crazy??? Well, I absolutely did not want to go through any of that "purging" period at all, I had school and I can honestly say I'd rather not bask in the humiliation it wrought me. But I still wanted to try Retin-A, since I had a lot of hyperpigmentation, which it had proven to lighten, and due to all of its rave reviews. So the only solution was to go SLOW. Now I know many of the reviewers have used this about 10+ months before anything got better, but I can say that that my skin positively improved with retin-A cream 0.04% within 2 months. I am also on tetracycline(hormones) and spironolactone(oil control), but retin-A had been the defining factor to having almost cleared 99% of my acne and scar/hyperpigmentation. My hypothesis is that what causes the purging period is how irritated and flaky your skin is, which causes more pimples and horror. It is also because retinoids HIGHLY POTENT, so your skin is definitely not used to it. The trick, I found, is to go slow, and to heavily moisturize. I used to have incredibly oily skin, but I brought that under control with spironolactone. Some of you might have problems with really oily skin if you don't moisturize properly when using this!! So my regimen to avoiding the purging period was: 1. Wash face(I use some generic liquid lather) 2. Wait 10-20 mins 3. Every other day ONLY AT NIGHT: Heavy moisturizer 2-3 drops jojoba oil Pea-sized amount of retin-A cream 0.04% I mix all of those on before putting it on my face gently. In the mornings I use a moisturizer with at least 30 SPF and 1 drop of jojoba oil(too much makes me shiny) before putting on my make up if I'm gojng out. I also moisturize daily with either a heavy moisturizer or jojoba oil or a mixture of the two. Now I've read that retin-A is less effective if not put directly on your dry skin, but take into consideration that this stuff is SUPER STRONG, and you will notice the difference either way! Also always use it at night, because sunlight decays its effectiveness. I initally thought using this while goin to school everyday would suck, but my skin is flake-free, irritation-free, and brighter than ever! My pores have also gotten subtly smaller, and my blackheads have greatly lessened out. I do get some dry spots and redness when I'm careless with moisturizing/sunblock, but this stuff really, really works. If you find the right way to use it that suits your needs, it WILL improve your acne. Acne: moderate to sever

I had terrible, large painful cystics on my chin, for years. Usually several at a time, almost never a clear day. After starting Retin A Micro .04 and going 100% gluten free and dairy free I'm acne free of almost 1 year. I also added zinc, taurine and saw palmetto supplements. In less than 2 months, I was able to go out in public without shuttering from embarresssment. I can't believe the transformation. My skin has healed the scars well, tool. My last 2 zits came from accidental gluten ingestion. 2 zits in 6 months! They came within 24 hours of the gluten (O SHOOT! THOSE CHIPS ARE WHEAT!) and disappeared within 4 days. I usually apply the retin A at night but for those 2 pop ups, I spot applied retin A on them in the morning, too and stayed inside all day. I wash with cetaphil, use no foundation, and use jojoba oil for moisture when needed. Good luck to you!

At 19 years old my flawless skin became a nightmare. I had pretty severe cystic acne on my jawline and broke out on blackheads and whiteheads everywhere. I went to my doc and he prescribed me retin-a. I was skeptical because I'd heard terrible things about the IB from retin-a, but I started to use it that night. The first week showed no difference, but weeks 2-7 were pretty bad. Nonetheless, those weeks went by rather quickly and my skin started clearing up. Now at just over 5 months, my skin looks AMAZING! I have no active acne, blackheads or whiteheads and my scars have all faded. My skin has a glow to it, kind of like after you spent the day in the sun, but without the tan, or skin damage. My pores look much smaller. My advice to everyone is to get this product and stick with it for AT LEAST 3 months. Retin-a is the best thing that has ever happened to my skin.

My dermatologist prescribed 0.1 Retin A cream and told me to use it every third night until my face adjusted to it. After a month or so I started using it every other night. I still only apply it every other night. I've been on it for two years and the only time I break out is when I'm dumb enough to stop using it regularly. I initially had very dry skin around my mouth & nose for the first couple of weeks & my skin broke out for the first month. I not only broke out with red angry pimples but I also had a great deal of blackheads. The blackheads are from all the dead skin. My dermatologist told me I would breakout & that it would take at least a couple of months before my skin cleared up so I was mentally prepared. For me the peeling was worse than the breakouts because you can't cover up dry, peeling skin with makeup. The purging/peeling phase is rough but so worth it to not have a lifetime of breakouts. You don't need another acne products, in fact using other products will just irritate the skin. I was advised to buy a pack of wash clothes so that I could use a fresh cloth to wash/exfoliate my face twice a day. I find that drinking lots of water & getting plenty of sleep also helps. Make sure to wait 30 minutes after washing your face before apply the Retin A & only use a pea-size amount of cream. It is also important to adjust your moisturizer as well as the frequency of the Retin A cream application with the changing of the seasons. I  have to use a rich face cream & apply the Retin A cream on every third night during the winter months or else I  dry out. As my Derm says "listen to your skin." Using this has changed my skin. Not only did it clear my cystic acne but it also got rid of the lines around my mouth & on my forehead. People think I've gotten Botox

I started using 0.5% Retin A in March of this year, my skin was terible. I had cystic acne, large pores oily skin; my skin was tender to touch because of my pimples. So I saw my Dr. and she prescribed 0.5% Retin A, and oral and topical antibotics. 9 mos later I can not belive how good my skin looks. My doctor told me to wait it out because the results would be amazing (she herself stated she has been using retin A for 5 yrs). I don't have to wear make up unless I want to, just some spf 30 and I'm good. With my insurance it cost $10.00 and I am just finishing my first tube.

This is my very first review about any type of acne medication. I probably shouldn't since I am only a little 2 months into using the Tretinoin 0.025 cream, but I want to anyways. I will be straight up. The initial break out sucks. I am a very outgoing person and this breakout is making me just want to stay home and cry. It is hard to look in the mirror honestly. But I keep thinking to myself that all of the bad stuff under my skin is just being brought to the surface to be taken care of. I am not going to give up. I am sick of having acne ruin my life so I am going to take care of it. I am very determined and have faith that my skin will eventually get used to this cream and my skin will FINALLY clear up. I am not a quitter and even though I really want to give up on it, I refuse to. So to all those who may be in the same position as me, please don't give up! We can do this. And if this medication is making you feel ugly, do not let it. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. :) Good luck, xoxo.

This is my 3rd week on this regimen and I'm completely frustrated. I know that the product is working because all the impurities that is has drawn out disappear within 2-4 days. The surrounding skin is AMAZING in comparison to day 1 on this, so I know it's doing it's magic. I have read for some it takes as long as 6+ months to reap the full benefits. It may seem like a long time, but otherwise you'd still be breaking out doing nothing proactive about it. I say give it a go if you're as desperate as I am. What's another few months of zits? They'll be gone and take away the little reminders with them :) BTW I am 23, have super fair, oily, and sensitive skin, dark blonde hair, and hazel eyes... strange combo I know. I blame genetics. Oh, it's already gotten rid of about half a dozen scars, the kind that look like you've poked a needle in your skin or something. Also, when I used to tug at my damaged skin it looked crepey(sp)? Now it looks like it's a lot more plump and ALIVE. Ahh, I'm stoked to see how my face will look at the end of this tube :)

After thousands of dollars, derms, and years, FINALLY found a routine that works for me, and tretinoin is a necessary part. 7 mos ago I started using tretinoin 1%. My mom had used it and I knew how rough the start was - peeling, dry, sensitive, red- but was desperate, willing to stick through a few really bad months b/c I already feel terrible about my appearance so what's a few months feeling a little worse- I'll give it a last ditch, full on effort. Well, it was a REALLY rough few months, but I achieved my goal. Here's what worked for me. First, tretinoin. I jumped right in w/ the 1% (the strongest Rx, I think). IMPORTANT TIPS FOR STARTING T! - for the first while you'll want to use the gentlest cleanser possible - for me, PUPROSE. OTC, cheap, my derm recommended. She also told me to start using a cleanser with salicylic and glycolic acids in the AM when possible (but don't rush it). PAT skin dry, not rub, as it will be super sensitive soon. When using T(or any retinol product) know benzoyl peroxide and retinols counteract each other-don't use them at the same time of day. Also, give your face plenty of time to dry after washing and before applying T, because water increases the penetration of the T. Accoridngly a good moisturizer before T is critical- give it time to soak in esp in the beginning b/c T is so drying. Derm recommended CeraVe PM (OTC, $10). Use lotion liberally and T sparingly! Effect of T: first week, dry, no real change in acne. 3rd/4th, started getting much more acne, and very dry skin - I had to carry lotion to apply during the day. It was embarrassing - certain spots would get flaky during the day despite looking OK in the AM. Occasionally I would take a day or 2 off from T for this, especially if I had an important day coming up. Use a pea size amount for the whole face - dab in quadrants, then rub in. Best to do this at night so you can get some of the dead skin off in the AM before work. For daytime lotion, my derm recommended Cetaphil for oily skin (even though my face was now dry). I put some in a little travel tube and carried it in my pocket. Sometimes used hydrocortisone. It was really rough until about the 12th week. Then I started noticing gradual but real improvement in the acne (dryness started improving around week 8). I would still get some acne occasionally but much less frequently and went away faster. Small tube was expensive - $50 or $70 - but I still have more than 1/2 the tube left after 7 mos. It takes only the tiniest amount. Also- derm is NOT KIDDING about sun. I went from being able to be outside in a Louisiana summer all day without getting burned (maybe a bit pinkish) to getting sunburned literally in 2 hours from 10-12 am, sitting in half-shade under a tree on a day I skipped the sunscreen/lotion. Don't skip the sunscreen, or you'll be in pain AND throw your whole routine off for several days! During this time I was also taking spironolactone. Started with 50mg/day in AM, then progressively upped to 100mg in am and 100mg in PM. W/ this, I noticed decreased oiliness in my hair and skin. I posted a review of my experience w/ spiro on that page... but in short, 1) do get your potassium levels checked as recommended by dr., esp if you're taking high doses and 2) it works wonders (at least for me) for monthly flare ups if I increase my dose the 3 days before and 4 days after my period starts 3) nice unexpected side effect, I wash my hair only once a week now, instead of e/o day- it's not oily, but not dry! Perfect. Even w the T and spiro (and BC, and morning/pm lotions/cleansers) I was still getting periodic cysts (small whitehead every 1-2 wks, a large one 1x/mo). I'd tried minacycline before (bactrim upset my stomach too badly) and the M helped, I always took full rx, but acne came back shortly after stopping. So I took an extra long course of M - 6 or 7 weeks. Finally total success. I have not had any acne for the past 2.5 months, even though I have been traveling and not great at keeping up my normal routine. NOTE: don't forget that antibiotics mess w/ intestinal bacteria! Take probiotics or eat yogurt w/ live cultures, etc. I neglected this twice and paid the price after meals including lots of veggies/fiber. Seriously important. So... for the past 2.5 months ZERO ACNE! Also overall much nicer complexion! Still have scars fading slowly , but my face doesn't get shiny in the middle of the day; neither is it too dry. Pores are much smaller (still a little visible on nose, but no blackheads. I can live with that!). SUCCESS. I still try to be vigilant. It was too long a road to backslide now, especially given how terrible the first few months were w/ acne and dryness. here is my current routine: AM: 1. wash face with skinceuticals LHA cleansing gel for oily / problematic skin (recommened by derm, OTC but I can't find in stores, have to order online. Expensive but worth it - derm stressed importance of LHAs / glycolic acids to help get rid of scars more quickly). 2. pat dry (new towel e/o day) 3. Apply a cream with benzyl peroxide, preferably also w LHA. My derm recommended Effaclar Duo - 5.5% BP, 0.4% microexfoliating LHA. OTC, 15-20$. HOWEVER also at one point to try to get rid of the last of the acne I switched this out for Rx erythromyzin / BP cream. This was effective and non-drying but expensive and HAS to be refrigerated. I'm back to the Effaclar duo which is sufficient. 4. Cetaphil SPF 30 lotion for oily skin; especially generous on drier areas. Give time to absorb *once I switched this out on my own for CeraVe am, but for some reason this did not mix well w/ the rest of my routine - flaky in day even if skin did not feel dry. Cetaphil is cheaper anyway, and derm recommended 5. Makeup - bare minerals, wash brushes at least 2x/month; use q-tips should any problematic areas occur - no double-dipping a potentially acne-bacteria-laden brush into concealer! Fortunately not a recent prob. 6. 100 mg of Spiro. Off to work. Stay well hydrated. Try not to touch face. Plan: Should cyst start to occur, immediately start mina. also, for 1 week. take w food but no dairy. PM: 1. Wash face (gently) with PURPOSE cleansing gel (OTC, very gentle, $5-10, can find at any CVS). * once every 2 weeks, I now use clarisonic sensitive head, and SKIP the T 3. Liberally apply CeraVe PM. Wait 10-15 mins 4. Thinnest possible layer of T 5. Switch pillow case frequently; wrap hair in satin hair scarf to prevent transfer of oil / product (my fave: littleblackscarf). Heard silk/satin pillow cases also idea (absorb less oil) but I don't use. 6. Take BC, also take spiro if 3 days +/- mense. This is prob the longest review ever on this site, but hopefully some of this info will be helpful to someone - adult acne can seem hopeless, and first months of T can be the PITS - and T may not be sufficient alone- but once you get to the other side, it's so worth it. Best of luck, everyone!