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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December 13, 2007

Pros:

Fades old acne marks. Fewer blackheads. Skin resurfaced.

Cons:

Week 2-6 of treatment is the worst time. Tons of pimples. Peeling and Flaking. Skin is ultra-sensitive.

I'm in week 7 of my treatment and the bulk of my acne is just now starting to disappear. Week 2-6 was pure hell. My skin feels so much better now, and it's looking healthy and glowing. I'm using Retin-A .025 cream.
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December 12, 2007

Pros:

Totally resurfaces your skin. Starts to get rid of pigmentation and acne scars. Pimples heal faster. Skin looks fresh.

Cons:

Your skin gets worse before it gets better. Definitely. Dont expect overnight success. The first two weeks you will look awful. Pimples everywhere, as it pushes up the gunk, and your face is bright red and peeling.

I use Retin-A Micro .04%. After 2 or so weeks, it starts to get better. Not full effects, but you can tell. Just crawl into a hole for a few weeks, its worth it. I havent reached full effects yet, but I can tell things are starting to shape up. Its a little weird how smooth your skin is, makes it harder to wear makeup. So just dont, until your skin heals up. Bottom line, stick with it. Good things come to those who wait.
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December 8, 2007

Pros:

very effective, side effects disappear after 3 or 4 weeks

Cons:

redness and dryness at first

I noticed improvement after two weeks on this product in conjunction with Duac. At first, the product made my skin red and it peeled slightly. I used Cetaphil moisturizer to lessen the peeling. The redness was not that bad, it looked like I had a mild sunburn. After about three weeks, these side effects subsided. I experience a mild break out around week four, with just a few bumps on my chin and a small fine breakout around my nose. Around week six, I noticed a drastic improvement in my skin. Please be patient with this product. It may take up to eight weeks to fully work and breaking out around week three or four is just a sign that the medication is working by expelling the acne lurking underneath the skin. I think using this product while also using Duac in the morning helped to increase the effectiveness. I was using Duac alone for a while, and the results were okay. However,using Duac and Retin A micro is definitely more effective for me than using either alone.
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November 25, 2007

Pros:

affordible, easy to apply

Cons:

a little drying at first, by prescription only

I use Retin-A MICRO (.1%) (this is for acne) its time released so you don't have to WAIT after washing your face, just simply pat dry and apply. I love it because I only have to apply it once a day (at night) DO NOT WEAR OUT IN THE SUN AND NEVER APPLY TO ANY AREAS BELOW YOUR JAW AND NEVER USE ANY OTHER ACNE TREATMENT IN COMBINATION WITH RETIN-A MICRO...these tips are key. follow their directions ([link removed]), use a moisturizer during the day no matter what the weather is. I've been using this product for 3 weeks and have little irritation, somedays my skin looks better than others (due to my bad habit of touching, poking and picking, which I am trying to control). I believe this medication will actual work for me, unlike the million others I've tried). For one, its so simple to use and thats important and two I've seen a some improvement which will keep me motivated. I wish you all luck in your quest to cure your skin.
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October 28, 2007

Pros:

Basically this is Retin-A. So, clears the acne and works on fine lines and wrinkles as well.

Cons:

Use at night only - this product makes you SUN SENSITIVE!!! You do not want to go out in any sunlight, or you could get blotchy skin.

I can't use it every night or else I'll get too dry. Down side is that sometimes I just totally forget to use it. I need to get a calendar in my bathroom, or devise some way to remember to use it 2 or 3x week. I think I would see even better results if I were more consistent. Main thing that i cannot say enough is to ONLY USE IT AT NIGHT, and not 2x daily. I do photo-facials (laser) on my face; and the nurses at the clinic are SO SERIOUS about that. It will cause blotching and spots because it makes you so sun sensitive. PLEASE ASK YOUR DR ABOUT THAT BEFORE YOU START! with a Rx, and coverage it costs me $10 for each tube.
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October 20, 2007

Pros:

smoother skin, less lesions and cysts.

Cons:

burning sensation when put on, like rubbing alcohol. acne gets worse before better.

Give it time, be consistent, and this stuff works.
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October 18, 2007

Pros:

ive been using this product along with DUAC for the past 7 1/2 weeks, i have seen little improvement. my pimples have reduced in size but i still have alittle bit left, and i have a lot of acne scars.

Cons:

makes your face look really red, i feel like i have to avoid the sun.

i hope this works for acne scars too because i have soooo many.
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October 10, 2007

Pros:

Skin has started to really clear up - pores are becoming smaller and i definitely have a glow.

Cons:

Still the odd breakout, but this is to be expected in the 1st few weeks. The gel leaves a layer on the skin that will flake off so i only use it at night. As predicted, skin is a little sore in the first few days. Can't use it with Benzyl Peroxide.

Definitely worth trying - i've had moderate acne for about 20 years now (i'm a 33 yr old woman) and although i've used products successfully before this, there have always been worse side effects (Dianette: loss of libido, Benzyl Peroxide: skin sensitivity and bleaching everything in sight). The good thing about Retin A (i'm using the 0.025% gel) is that it clears it from the inside out, and once it kicks in, you really look youthful and lose lots of those horrible visible pores that we all hate. Only a few weeks in, so still have some breakouts, but will check in again after a few months. ALso cheap to get on prescription in the UK.
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September 27, 2007

Pros:

Exfoliates skin, creates a "glow," keeps pores clear so blemishes can't form as easily.

Cons:

applying too much can cause dryness and peeling/flaking. must be careful not to apply to delicate skin. very expensive unless your insurance gives good Rx coverage for name brands.

I've used Retin-A Micro for over a year and it is by far the best acne product for my skin type. Of course, not all acne medications work the same for everyone. My family doctor recommended it to me, saying that the medicine forces your skin cells to turn over more quickly, freeing your pores of the debris that contributes to acne. I had trouble with it at first, and found that it caused a lot of dryness, especially around my nose and mouth. It took a few weeks to figure out how much I needed to use and to use a very gentle moisturizer along with the medicine. It is expensive and there is no generic ($100+). I didn't have the best prescription coverage for a while, and was paying $50+ for a while. I still felt it was worth EVERY cent -- the results are wonderful for me. I just changed insurance and I'm waiting for my new cards -- I am out of Retin-A Micro and I can't wait to get a refill. It makes a huge difference.
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September 20, 2007

Pros:

Keeps my skin quite clear, stops pimples before they develop AND it will keep wrinkles under control as I age.

Cons:

Can cause redness & flaking, but I just use less or skip a day and it clears up.

I have been using tretinoin products since I was 15 (25 years). It didn't completely eliminate my teenage acne, but it made a huge difference. Now at age 40, people hear that I use acne medication and ask 'why' since I don't have any pimples. But if my prescription runs out, after a few days I start to see pimples and am reminded why I keep using the medication. I now use Retisol-A, which has sunscreen built in, so I use it in the mornings. My dermatologist says now I get a dual benefit as prescription-level Retin-A products are the only clinically-proven wrinkle reducer. (over-the-counter products are so dilute they don't make a difference)
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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