Acne.org ProductsResults
Side Effects
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.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
December 4, 2009
Cons:
Never even touched my facial acne.
Severe headaches.
Problems focusing my eyes.
If you have mild acne it might work for you, but it didn't do much for me. My chest and back acne, as stated under Pros, began to clear up after about a month.
If I had been able to stay on it longer, maybe my face would have cleared up. I started to have pretty nasty headaches after about 2 weeks on the drugs, did some reading and found that's a "normal" side effect. But as a migraine sufferer I don't want "extra" headaches.
I also wasn't crazy about the idea of using an antibiotic for my acne. I wasn't pleased with it.
September 30, 2009
Pros:
Works so well, with time! took about 2 months of using it regularly for it to really take away my acne. Also improved past acne scars, and overall appearance of skin. Easy to use, only needs to be applied once a day.
Cons:
Takes atleast 1 to 2 months to really see improvement. Acne will get slightly worst when you first start using it.
I've had really bad acne on my forhead, chin, and around my mouth for 10 years, and this is the first product that has really improved my acne. I have been using this product for about two and a half months now, and I have not had one pimple in about a month. I also wear makeup almost everyday. This is the first time in 10 years that I don't have a pimple on my face and I am just extremely happy. Yes, it takes time to work, but it is so worth it. I've tried many things over the years, and this is the only thing that works for me.
August 31, 2009
Pros:
Works Somewhat, Smoother skin, not so much for scars but helped the active acne somewhat.
Cons:
doesn't do miracles for my scars, idk
The above review is for RETIN-A MICRO .10% , which is what I'm on right now. Before this I was on non brand tretinoin gel 0.01.% (like retin-a) and it was absolutely amazingggg! scars faded, no new acne, best skin I've ever had!!! Then my doctor randomly changed the prescription without consulting me. Needless to say, I'm going to get my old prescription before I go back to boarding school. So here's my word to the wise: Don't think that just because it's the micro it will work better, don't think that a higher percentage it'll give you better results-same goes for the brand.
August 29, 2009
Pros:
Clears face, evens skin tone, diminishes the looks of scarring and other imperfections on my face
Cons:
Skin is a little flaky and irritated at times. I made the mistake of putting it to close to the corners of my mouth and it got really dry and painful. Now ive put lots of chapstick on and I am feeling fine. Skin is less and less dry.
I started this product because I was having acne breakouts as a side effect of my medications I am on. After first couple days of use (applied twice daily) I noticed my acne drying up quite quick, skin was dry and red but manageable. I haven't really noticed a "breakout" but I have noticed like maybe two pimples have appeared just underneath my chin...I think beause initially I was not applying the cream there. Now that I have been applying cream all over entire face, I have noticed no more breakouts.
I bought a mild exfoliating pad from the makeup section in Walmart...I exfoliate my face with it once a day to remove dead skin and it works amazing. I've been on this retinol-a for about two weeks and several people have commented on how great my face is looking!
just endure it for the first while...I have tried EVERYTHIN on the market for acne, even total body cleansing and RETINOL-A is the only thing that is working!! Retinol cost 25.00 but my insurance paid 80% of that. Good
June 12, 2009
Pros:
Quick healing
Cons:
Initial breakout, dry skin
When I started using this product, it was the first time I truly felt like I could live my life without having to worry about my acne. I was so pumped, and though I've read the bad reviews about the initial breakout, I promised myself I would stick with it. And I did. When I thought it was the worst it could get, it got even worse. I thought it was healing, it was purging. All those pimples plus the dry skin just made it worse. But I stuck with it. And I believe that finally, after nearly 3 1/2 months, I am noticing a significant difference in the quality of my skin. I am still breaking out slightly,from the real deep stuff, but the scars and such are healing so quickly, its as if they were never there. And the dark spots and scars from past pimples are finally fading! My skin is smoother and the quantity of bumps under my skin is def going down.And soon, hopefully this summer or before school starts again, I can walk out of the house, proudly without make-up.
June 7, 2009
Pros:
It works after about a month.
Cons:
Dries out skin really bad, so make sure that you use a moisterizer
Honestly, I have a ridiculous supply of acne medication. Now, I only use Retin-A at night and wash my face in the morning with a bar of soap. Probably 300 dollers worth of medication spent at Clinique and Neutrogena and clean and clear, none of it made better. Benzol Perioxide is my worst enemy, besides making my skin flaky, it also just makes my zits turn into cysts. Retin-A just made your zits that were deep down, come up to the surface. After that, it is clear skin forever! I have been using it for over a year, and I am quite satisfied. I use .04 and it really works. I only had moderate acne though. My friend had severe and shes been using it for two months on .1 and her skin is really smooth. I am really happy for her and myself, I would definitely recommend it, and you should keep an open mind when using it.
January 31, 2009
Pros:
Clears old pimples, new pimples don't last as long
Helps reduce the appearance of previous scars
Cons:
None for me (however, everyone's skin is different)
I've tried many OTC products to control my acne. Some worked, but eventually the acne came back, at times worse than before. So, finally I decided to see a dermatologist. She prescribed Retin-A-Micro in addition to doxycycline. So far, I'm about a month into using it. I started slow, applying it once every other night, and two weeks later, began applying it every night. I can't say that I that my acne got worse (lucky me, right?) but I could see improvement within the first two weeks. I used to have a somewhat redish face before starting and slowly I could see that the redness is fading. I'm still getting new pimples, but they don't last very long (about 2 days). I haven't experienced any flaking at all since using it. I have oily skin and plus I apply a moisturizer before applying the Retin-A-Micro, so that might have something to do with it. Also, I suggest that sunscreen be used, especially if you combine it with tetracycline. (since both of the meds increase sun sensitivity).
October 18, 2008
Pros:
acne heals faster.no active pimples. great skin complexion. completely 'solved' my terrible acne problems.
Cons:
dry skin. redness. take some time (probably long time) for us to see the result. initial breakouts were quite terrible. sunblock is a must.
I have been using Retin-A gel 0.01% for almost 1.5 years, and this prescription is a miracle. It has done a wonderful job of 'curing' or 'controlling' my terrible acne problem I had. It took some time (even very long time) for us to see the result, but i have to say, it was all worth it. I mean, its ok for us to wait for 6 months, before we see the beneficial result, rather than spending 6 more years trying other crappy products. I'm saying this because I had acne for 8 years and this is the only stuff that helps.
Some tips that I want to share:
1) use sunblock everyday, otherwise u'll get burned
2) be gentle to your skin - avoid harsh cleanser, cetaphil is the best.
3) avoid excessive exposure to strong wind as it may dry and burn your skin too. Making it look awful.
4) keep your skin regiment products simple - a cleanser, a sunblock and a tube of retin-a. Enough.
5) be patient, keep your hands away from touching your face.
I hope you guys will find a success. 'Te
October 7, 2008
Pros:
beautiful even consistant skin, breaksouts are rare and don't last long, no more blackheads
Cons:
First few weeks are hard with redness and peeling.
I used tretinoin for a year then got pregnant and quit use. Wow, did I ever see a change in my skin and it wasn't just pregnancy. This keeps the blackheads away and my skin glowed. As soon as I quit breastfeeding I was right back on it. I went and got a face peel from my dr. to jumpstart the cream. Been back on it for 3 months and the peeling wasn't as bad this time. I use it everynight, I use alot of it and I put it all the way down on my chest.
July 4, 2008
Pros:
- most of acne is gone
- skin feels smooth and soft
- very cheap
Cons:
-makes my skin pink or sometimes red
I KNOW THIS REVIEW IS LONG BUT READ IT! This product for the first 2 weeks did make my acne worst but my facial acne isnt that bad anyway so i didnt mind that. After about 5 weeks my skin looked flawless and i was in love with the product. After about 8 weeks my skin was clear but redish pink. im still using but dont know if i should i mean like my face is red!! always wear sunscreen. overall its pretty good my only problem is im red. It great for post acne marks too. If you have body acne then this is amazing. The best thing for body acne out thier!!!!!!!!
Pros:
Began to clear up my back/chest acne after a month.
Cheaper than other options.