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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Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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April 26, 2011

Pros:

Get rid of pimples quicker than other products
Fades hyperpigmintation i think
Helps with scarring too i think

Cons:

Dries out skin
Takes for ever to work
Makes skin uneven if you dont put it all over your face.

I bought this for 10 dollars since it is covered by insurance and before it i had not much acne just lots of hyperpigmintation and hypertrophic scarring and i have been using tretinoin 0.01 for a month now and im pretty sure its working. I got an initial breakout around the 2nd week and i think it lasted for about 2 weeks and now im starting to see better results. Im not getting pimples as much and my hyperpigminatation and hyper strophic scarring is fading i think. The weird thing is that the first week i started using it my skin looked pretty good, i thought the tretinoin was working really fast but i guess it has to get worse before it gets better. My doctor told me to wait at least 6 weeks for best results but i doubt it will work that fast maybe a few more months like everyone else on here. Hopefully by the second month my scars will fade, sucks i got acne about a year ago at age 18!! Wish i got it earlier like normal people when they were young.
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April 21, 2011

Pros:

reduces acne
soft skin
lightens acne marks
glowing skin

Cons:

acne may get worse before getting better

In the beginning of January, my acne had become moderately severe to severe. I went to a new dermatologist in the city I moved to and he prescribed me Aczone for the morning, Tretin-X for bedtime, Solodyn (monocycline 55mg) orally, Neutrogena fresh foaming facewash, and CeraVe (in the dermatologist's words, "If you must use a moisturizer, I recommend you use this"). I will begin this next part by saying that I am an inconsistent person when it comes to routines; however consistently, Tretin-X may have saved my life. I'm not sure which part of my new regimen made my acne severely, suicidally worse after 2 weeks, but it certainly did get worse. Stick with this miracle cream. It's a godsend after 2 months. I took photos and documented my routine or lack thereof in a journal and reflected on the last 3 collective months that I have spent on the medicines. I attribute much of the improvement to Tretin-X. My acne went from seas and oceans of cystic waves to purple ugly patches to... well, nothing. Nothing but a tiny prick of hyper-pigmentation. After wearing this at night (with a bit of CeraVe), I wake up glowing. My skin is soft, not peely, not flaky (after about a month), and perhaps it's my imagination, but more even toned. Especially now, after my acne seems to have subsided, the cream seems to be lightening my complexion and evening it out. I sincerely hope this review helps you stick with it through the rough parts.
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April 21, 2011

Pros:

Starting to clear
Brings stubborn ones to surface

Cons:

Dries out skin
Flaky
IB (Extremely bad)
Still have white head (early days though)

I started using this Tretinion 0.05% back in FEB but after the initial breakout, I freaked out and stopped using it. I had huge, massive ones and they just didn't want to pop. I was only using it for a week before I stopped. I discovered this website and started reading most reviews. I must say the reviews have helped me get back on it. One week back on it and I must admit that the stubborn ones are quickly finding their way to the surface. My skin is still very rough and bumpy at the moment but I expect that at early stages. Morning skin is flaky and has redness, I assume this is due to sensitive skin. Routine: At night,after washing face with gentle cleanser and I wait for 20 mins. Then I apply a small amount of the gel all over face and jawline (wait for 20 mins). Then wash off. Apply generous amount of moisturizer and go to bed. In the morning, wash face with gentle cleanser and moisturize daily. So far there are still are few stubborn ones (Cystic ones), skin is still blotchy, little bit itchy, dry, redness and scabby. Fingers crossed they these will all disappear in time. I can feel my face tightening up and some places are really feeling smooth. Any suggestions would be great.
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April 21, 2011

Pros:

-Clears acne 98%!!
-Clear black heads, whiteheads, comedones.. ect
-Heals my scars!!

Cons:

-Some what drying
-Can't be in sun...at all!! :[
-TOOK FOREVER!! 6 months... :(
-2 month outburst..

Wow this product has been the best ever! I live in California, and I'm an 18 year old Japanese boy who's been suffering EXTREME acne with so many clogged pores with clear comedones and black heads.. I used to use Japanese acne products.. but it didnt really do much for my face except get rid of the big pimples, not the small clear ones. and I've tried all sorts of acne products and lines for over 3 months of EACH product. Really nothing worked for me, proactive, exposed, natural treatments, lemon juice.. " even though ive been on the products for more than 5 months, nothing seemed to really work. now that i went to the dermatologist, she reccomended me retin-a. At first I was a little pissed because she told me that it would take 6 months to work.. and the first 2 months were HORRIBLE. :[ There was a huge outburst! But after the 3rd month my face seemed so much better, before ever single spot on my face had a little small comedone pimple, but now.. nothing!! This product really lightened all my acne scars, and this is finally my 8th month of use and I have absolutely no acne at all! Only minor scarring, but you can barely tell unless under a bright light. :] I got one large tube or retin-a for only 10 dollars since I have insurance.
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April 20, 2011

Pros:

effective
has anti wrinkle proporties
cheap

Cons:

it takes time and it works slowly

I live in iran,my derm recommended this for me and told me to use it not only for acne also to have a younger looking skin,its really effective,I use 0.05 percent as named locacid and it hydrates my skin! interesting but it really does.
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April 15, 2011

Pros:

clear skin
red marks gone
scars improved
no more cysts

Cons:

dry skin
takes a while to work

I joined this site just so I could write this review. Retin-A has made such a difference in my life and my confidence! My acne had gotten really bad with bumps everywhere and cysts around my jawline. I just turned 28 and I had mild acne growing up, but it had gotten horrible in the last couple of years. I tried all sorts of topical things and antibiotics but nothing was working. I started on .05, and experienced an initial breakout, but it wasn't so bad compared to what I already had. I was also taking minocycline at the time so that may have helped. I've moved up to .1% and it has made a huge difference. My skin mostly cleared up with the .05%, but the red marks weren't going away and with the switch to .1%, the red scars are going away and I'm sooooo happy! Try it.
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April 15, 2011

Pros:

makes skin glow
fades acne marks
smoother skin
evan complex

Cons:

takes months to works
skins gets worst first

i love this producct i went to the demertologist he put me on this it works u have to be patient it takes time its working deep inside your skin
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April 15, 2011

Pros:

Actually works
cleares up 90% acne

Cons:

Takes some time

I started using Retin-a about 8 weeks ago and until last week i didnt see any change but this week i have almost no acne on my face just scars left.Its amazing.Just give it time and dont give up.Be patient.It boosts up self esteem so much.Im gonna continue using it for 3 more months and hopefully never get acne as much as i used to.Only a person that went through a stage of acne will understand each others problem,i know how depressing it can be.Dont give up using this medicine and hopefully all of you will see the results.
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April 15, 2011

Pros:

Reduced pustules
Made skin less oily

Cons:

Didn't affect blackheads
Still have acne

I don't know I'll continue to use this for my acne. My derm prescribed Clinimyclin gel and retin-a 0.05. I was to try this or go on accutane which I don't want to for it's horror side effects. I don't know if my acne will go aay while using this, so if your derm says to try it do. It might help or it won't.
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April 14, 2011

Pros:

-better skin texture
-cleared up even the big, deep pimples
-feels light on your skin

Cons:

-took almost a full month to really get things to start to clear up
-mild burn sensation during second week of applicaiton
-cannot put lotion on top of product, will peel up and look like dry skin

you have to be patient, very patient. it took the full 5-6 weeks of consistent use (1-2x/day). It seemed like nothing was happening and then all of a sudden my skin cleared up. It's no completely blemish free but what remain are small and hardly noticable and i assume they will eventually go away too.
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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