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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:
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May 24, 2008
Cons:
My cheeks before using the product were almost completely clear but now have whiteheads in many places. I am hoping that since my forehead went through the purging stage that that is what my cheeks/chin are going through and stick it out.
For only using the product for two weeks I am starting to get through the purging period and hopefully after that my skin will be a lot better! I will come back in a few more weeks to update on how it is going. Overall I am happy with the improvement on my forehead and hopefully the improvement everywhere else will come soon.
May 15, 2008
Pros:
Reduction of acne scarring on some parts of my skin
Cons:
Massive breakout, peeling and dryness
I used to have 1 or 2 pimples at a time, then started using this (.025 strength). At first, there was peeling and redness, but the acne subsided to the point that I went a whole week without even one pimple. Then, after using it for 6 weeks, BOOM! I have the worst break-out of my life. I just counted 39 pimples on my face. This is worse than anything I could have imagined. But, the pimples are all rather superficial, not deep in the skin, and some of them are flat already (2 days post break-out). It looks like they'll heal quickly. Although I am in acne hell right now, it seems like it must be working because this is clearly a "purge" stage. There are a few areas of skin where I don't have acne, and I definitely see a difference in that skin (i.e., clearer and a reduction of discoloration and past scarring). I'm gonna hang in there and hope that this will pass.
February 7, 2008
Pros:
clear, smooth & glowing skin
blemishes die real quick
improves skin texture (even if u have bad one)
Cons:
hypersensitivity to rays(sun,lamp etc)
initial breakouts were bad
dry/red skin during early usage
I've been using retin-a gel 0.01% for nearly 7.5 months and for what I can say, this is a thing ppl out there should give a try. It has cleared 98% of my acne (i used to have really bad acne).
The thing is, u really need to follow the given instructions. Use a little of this gel to cover entire face, use mild non-medicated facial wash and don't forget your sunscreen (this apply to u guys). I strongly recommended Cetaphil for cleansing purpose and sunscreen from Sunsense (an Australian brand). This sunscreen has a matt finish, oil & fragrance free, and most importantly doesn't break me out even if i reapply it during the mid day.
One more thing, u might went through really hard time while using this gel (i.e bad breakouts). But please, just stay where you were. As for me, the satisfactory result was only come at the fifth month. ==> In the case where your skin really red/dry etc, reduce the frequency of usage.
January 29, 2008
Pros:
Exfoliates alittle, good for some spot treatments
Cons:
Dry, flaky skin , redness
Works alittle for me but not good enough, i still breakout. Do not put alot because u will have dry skin the next day u wake up and it is not pleasant. Alittle goes a long way and apply every other day because it gets too dry even for people wit oily skin
August 30, 2007
Pros:
It really works!!!
Cons:
None
Although most people say their skin became quite dry/irritated to start with, i never noticed any dryness, redness or irritation. In the first 2 weeks my skin seemed to be getting worse but after that...no more spots. I have been using it for 2 months now and had a spot last week (not bad, one spot in two months- i used to have spots all the time). If you do get spots, however, this dries them really quickly which is always a bonus!!!
April 30, 2007
Pros:
Gets rid of past scars (minor to moderate)
Cons:
i guess price if you don't have insurance
Make sure you get RETINA-MICRO this stuff works miracles and is the only thing that is healing my scars in fact 2-3 more weeks and i will be FULLY CLEAR. i'm on my 3rd tube and loving it. its really cheap for me since my parents insurance covers most of it 20 dollars is all i pay :)
April 16, 2007
Fantastic results. I have had acne and am now at an age where some wrinkles are developing too. My skin hasn't looked this good in 10 years. I did not have the burning or drying side effects many have discussed on this forum because I think my derm has a winning routine. 1.) in the morning cleanse with a mild product like Cetaphil. Wait 20 minutes and then apply this great product called AQUA GLYCOLIC. It moisturizes and sloughs off the dead skin. Your skin will feel fantastic. I also use a mild moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. 2.) p.m. routine is to cleanse with the Cetaphil and then wait 20 minutes before applying retin a. 3.) After you wait apply a nice moisturizer like Oil of olay (nothing fancy) 4.) If you are having dryness or some wrinkles around your eyes apply Stri vectin eye cream.
This routine has changed my skin completely. I think I have a good combination of products and the Aquaglycolic product is really a fantastic addition
March 8, 2007
Pros:
Clears acne like nothing else I've ever used, diminishes scarring, has anti-aging effects as well, easy to use
Cons:
you need a prescription to get it (which annoys me), you must use it consistently over a period of time to get results
Retin A has been a miracle for me. When I use it consistently (every night), I do not get a SINGLE pimple anywhere on my face. The only times when I break out are when I slip up and forget to apply it. I had a lot of redness, peeling and irritation for the first 3 weeks, but I am SO glad I stuck with it. Now I don't even need an extra moisturizer, my skin has adapted really well. I would recommend using the gel formulation rather than the cream, the cream contains some irritating ingredients that can make breakouts worse if you're sensitive to them. I have used Retin-A for over a year and I now have normal skin.
January 14, 2007
Pros:
works
Cons:
same effect as differin, but with more redness and burning
I stepped up to Retin A after using differin for a few months, hoping to see more results. But even though my acne didn't get any worse, I had to deal with a red, painful face which was never an issue for me when I was on differin. After using Retin A for 2 months, I realised it was getting me nowhere and gave my face a medication break for 2 weeks, using only manuka honey as a face mask ( I really recommend this). Then I went back on differin and my face improved. I have recently found out about LIZ Earle organic face products' manuka honey face mask and together with differin ( and loads of aerobic exercise in the gym), my skin has never been better.
August 16, 2017
Strong, works fine
I have a higher dose prescription for this, and have been using it nearly every night for 4 months. It initially dries your skin out very badly, and then within a few days the pimples are pretty much gone. However, I found that after a month or so it stopped working and was pretty much pointless. I wouldn't recommend it for those who have moderate to severe acne.
Pros:
I have been using this procut for about two weeks and I haves seen slow improvement. My forehead used to have bumps everywhere but now has subsidedto two pimples and a few very tiny bumps.