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
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5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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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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May 9, 2011

Pros:

Great at fading marks
Renews the skin, awesome glow

Cons:

Did not help prevent new acne from emerging
Extreme flakiness and dryness of skin
Initial breakout due to purging of skin

It was great at fading marks by gently peeling off the old, damaged skin. However, the peeling and flaking process is really difficult to manage (almost as bad as dealing with the acne itself). I couldn't apply makeup without my skin peeling off underneath. I couldn't even brush my fingers against my face without a bunch of flakes coming off. The new skin underneath was perfect though. It did nothing for preventing new pimples, just helped peel them off quicker. I would much rather use adapalene gel- it is a synthetic retinoid and FAR less intense as tretinoin. If your acne is under control and you just want to get rid of marks then this is your best bet. However, be prepared to deal with intense flakiness.
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May 8, 2011

Pros:

Lightens scars
Clears Skin
Company offers a rebate form (pay no more than $20 for prescription)

Cons:

Peeling
Dryness
Sensitivity to sunlight

I use Retin-A at night and Duac in the morning. It has really helped clear up my skin and fade scars. It does make your skin really dry, and you start to peel, but this usually goes away within a week. I got a drug rash from this stuff on my chest and back, but it cleared up quickly with hydrocortisone cream. I would recommend Retin-A, but I'm not sure how much it can do for people with deep scarring. I only have surface scars, and it clears those up really well.
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May 6, 2011

Pros:

Evened out skin tone
Cleared a lot of the acne
Starting to fade scars and wrinkles
Pore size has become smaller
Less white and black heads

Cons:

Mild skin dryness and peeling
Initial breakout

I am getting married in 4 months and went to the Derm to see if there was anything I could do to improve my complexion for the wedding. I have been applying clindamycin (spelling) in the morning and trentinoin .025 at night. I had a pretty bad initial breakout around 2.5 weeks and almost gave up, thank goodness I didnt! My skin hasn't looked this good in a long time! I cant wait to see the improvements over the next few months! I gave the product a 4 as the dryness and mild peeling doesn't make it perfect.
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May 6, 2011

Pros:

Eventually made my face clear.
Made skin smoother.

Cons:

Very harsh.
Painful to go in the sun while using it.
Face was red and sensitive the entire time.
Burned my face pretty bad.

Tretinoin burned my face badly for about 2 weeks but after the burn healed my acne scars peeled off with it so it helped but not before putting me through pain and suffering.
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May 4, 2011

Pros:

none. you may exchange your acne issue for hormone problems, cancer, DNA damage.

Cons:

TOXIC SLUDGE masquerading as an "Acne Cream" ! cancer-causing additives in it-certain ingredients have been banned in most countries PLEASE READ THE INGREDIENTS BEFORE DECIDING TO USE THIS PRODUCT !

This is TOXIC SLUDGE. This Pharmaceutical company has no conscience when formulating this-Read the ingredients ! IT contains Cancer-causing additiveslike BHT : FROM WIKI: Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), also known as butylhydroxytoluene, is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) organic compound that is primarily used as an additive in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil,[2] and embalming fluid. Retin A also contains:methyl methacrylate( I took this right off the box) Read below what the warnings say about this chemical : The Dangers of Methyl Mecthacrylate What You Can Do To Prevent Exposure What is Methyl Methacrylate? Methyl Methacrylate, (or MMA) is a liquid monomer banned for use in the nail industry by the Food and Drug Administration. MMA was used largely in the early 70's as an inexpensive substitute for conventional acrylic liquid. It was banned due to the severe poisonous reactions it caused in customers and nail techs. Where can I get more information? You can contact the Food and Drug Administration at (800) 270-8869, or look up the FDA web page at www.FDA.gov
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May 3, 2011

Pros:

None found in my experience.

Cons:

Very long IB.
Does not help.
Creates red marks.
Very oily skin.
Very drying also - peeling, etc.

Taken with Doxycline for a school term (10 weeks). Absolutely Pathetic. Turned light-moderate acne into moderate-severe acne. IB is horrible and lasts for many months. Now on Accutane.
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May 3, 2011

Pros:

-Clears Skin
-Makes Skin Smooth
-Reduces Wrinkles/Fine Lines
-Clears Existing Pimples within 2 days
-Removes Scars & Dead Skin Cells
-Tube Lasts A While, Dont Need To Use Excessive Amounts of Product

Cons:

-Causes Initial Peeling
-May Cause an Inital Breakout Because it Pulls All of The Bacteria & Dead Skin Out of The Pores at Once.

This product is ABSOLUTELY amazing, I realize I've only been using it for 3 weeks, but before i bagn using it I had a bad breakout of like 5 cystic pimples in the same week on top of a few whiteheads, I went to the dermatologist and he put me on Solodyn pills, tretin-x cream and Aczone gel. The combination of all of these things have cleared my face up almost instantly. I couldnt believe how quickly the cysts went away and although I had a fe more whiteheads initially show up, they went away within 2 days. I can already see a noticable difference in my scars, they are less red and new pretty skin is forming beneath the old scars. I am so happy! I did not really expirience the initial breakout many people said they expirienced from this and i think its due to the fact that i am on the solodyn antibacterial pills. Tretine-x is a lower dosage of retin-a so it is less harsh on the skin and i did not expirience any burning or severe peeling. The aczone gel is very refreshing and makes my skin glow. I am EXTREMELY happy with all these products and would highly highly recommend them! I want to be a dermatologist someday, I know how devastating it is to have acne, When i breakout i dont want to see my boyfriend, go to class, or be seen in public at all I just want to hide. Its time to take control of acne and stop letting it control you, we only have one life and we should enjoy it and not have to worry about being ashamed of our faces. You are beautiful and there is a cure for every type of acne. What works for me may not work for you, but itd worth a try! In the end you will find the proper solution it is really just a matter of trial and error. For years I tried proactiv, benzoykle perozide, neutrogena, pronexin, salacylic acid, sulfur masks! EVERYTHING!!! but finally i found something that works perfectly with my skin and you will too! Just remember you are a beautiful person inside AND out!!! :)
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May 2, 2011

Pros:

none

Cons:

Made my skin peel very badly.
Very irritating.
Did not clear skin.
Made skin break out.

This product was one of the worst acne products I have ever used. I have very severe acne, and this product made it even worse. So bad, that I had to swich dermatologists because the doctor that prescribed this denied that there was any relativity of the negitive effects and the Retina. The new Dermatologist that I saw was appalled that the previous doctor acted like that and did not take the severity of the reaction seriously. She put me on a steroid to help reverse the reaction. This was a very bad product for me, but everyone is different and there are many people that this product works wonders for.
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April 29, 2011

Pros:

nothing for me

Cons:

serve break out
dry skin
depression from all the bumps
swollen face full of cysts

i used retin-a since jan. by march my face was unbearable to look at. before i started using it i used Differin which did nothing. My acne was mild but enough to get a rx from march until today my face is covered in cysts. i had cysts before but one at a time. i went to the derm today and got 12 cortisone shots in my face. i read everyone else's review and they said they had an IB but it didnt last 2 months like mine. now i'm going on accutane which i'm scared to do but i think i had a bad reaction to the retin-a. now i have to deal with all the scars left behind. yay me! :[
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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