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 6, 2011

Pros:

None for me personally.

Cons:

Developed severe chemical burn that has persisted for over a month since discontinuing the treatment.

I don't doubt that this is an amazing drug for most people, but I just want to post a word of caution for those with very sensitive skin. My doctor gave me samples, and I therefore I didn't have a package insert or know any of the precautions or side effects. I had no idea how harsh this drug was. I used only a TINY amount on an old acne scar. Even though I only used it a few times, I developed a SEVERE burn about an inch away from the acne scar. I am upset that the dermatologist never asked anything about my skin type, or gave me any instructions whatsoever. I stopped using the cream over a month ago, yet still have this terrible burn that doesn't want to heal. I went back to the doctor, and even he was stunned at how bad it was. He currently has me using a steroid regimen with hopes that this somehow brings it under control. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying this, but do be aware of it's harshness if you have very sensitive skin, and if you get samples, make sure to read how to use it properly in order to avoid unwanted side effects.
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November 11, 2011

Pros:

Skin felt smoother
Inexpensive with insurance

Cons:

Extreme redness
Horrible breakouts
Extreme dryness
Flakiness

My doctor recommend that I use Retin-A 0.025% to help clear my acne. He told me that it was the best thing to use and that it would be the "cure" I had been looking for. However, it wasn't. The cream irritated my face beyond belief and caused me to break out horribly (even in places where I never got acne before). My skin is very sensitive, though, so that's probably why I couldn't handle this treatment. What may not have work for me may work for another person. With that being said, though, I just can't recommend Retin-A.
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October 16, 2011

Pros:

helps heal scars quickly

Cons:

extremely dry, red, flakey skin
even cracked skin at times
expensive
prescription only

I have been using for 7 weeks and have seen no improvement. My skin is bright red, even after i wash it off and put lotion on in the morning. I read lots of reviews saying to wait it out, but honestly I can't go anywhere because of how terrible my skin looks from using this. It has made my acne even worse than before, because now do I not only have pimples, I have bright red flakey skin. There is no amount of makeup to even make my skin look half way decent. If you are thinking of trying retin a, I would consider using dan's regimine before ever using it.
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October 12, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Dried out my skin really bad
Feels too tight and dry, also sticky

I used it couple of weeks twice in my life and so far I hated it. It dried my skin very bad and gave me more breakouts. I will not use it again.
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October 11, 2011

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

WORST ACNE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE

I applaud those of you who can stick through the weeks of bad acne. I'm on week 4, and I'm discontinuing usage of my tretinoin .1% cream. My acne has NEVER been this bad in my entire 22 years. People say it takes up to 3 months, but how can I possibly have 3 months of bad acne??? It's incredibly embarassing that my teenage students have clearer skin than I do. I'm going back to the acne.org regimen. My acne wasn't even that bad before I started tretinoin. Bottom line: Use it if you can stand the worst acne of your life for at least 6 weeks.
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September 5, 2011

Pros:

Maybe starting working 3 months in?

Cons:

Broke me out TERRIBLY for 3 months straight. So bad on my forehead I cut myself bangs.

Before retin-a micro, I was doing okay just using BP but I really wanted something that would keep me consistently clear. Retin-a micro started breaking me out within the first week... I kept it up thinking intial break out but it lasted for around 3 months, until finally I seemed to start clearing up a little bit.. and then went on vacation to Hawaii and broke out teerribbly again (maybe due to the sun too?). I promptly stopped. And cleared up sort of using just bp... which is only moderately satisfying. Regardless, this product was an awful experience for me.
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July 24, 2011
I went to my doctor a few months ago and she offered to write me a prescription for my mild acne. I'm prone to acne on my back and a little on my face, so I thought it couldn't hurt to try something. I couldn't have been more wrong!!! She told me that after 10 weeks I should start to see some improvement. I went from mild acne to severe in a matter of weeks. My skin had never been worse! It was red, peeling, scabby, and a mess of bumps. I also had the problem like so many have that pimples popped up where I never put the medicine. I had only ever had a pimple on my chest maybe 5 times ever, and all of a sudden it was a red, blistered mess. Every time I scratched my back I would bleed and my face hurt just to move it. It got to the point where it was just better not to wear makeup because it just made my face look like it was flaking off. I seriously looked like one of those tacky Halloween masks on. It's been a few months and my skin still isn't back to normal. My face is scarred and still doesn't look great, but I can now at least cover it up a bit with some make up. My skin is more sensitive than I realized. So, if you're skin's really sensitive STAY AWAY FROM RETIN-A
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July 19, 2011

Pros:

cleared up acne for a few weeks

Cons:

took a few weeks for my face to get use to Retin A
Acne came back worse after stopping the medicine
Interfered with my bowel movements... did a number on my health

Don't use it! Retin A is harsh chemical and has other affects than just clearing your skin. Your body will thank you that you stayed away from it. TRY ZINC. Google "Zinc for Acne" or check out reviews on this website. It won't destroy your intestines & it was the only thing that worked to clear up my acne. Zinc is AMAZING for acne; especially hormonal acne. Retin-A is too harsh, isn't a long term answer and can cause your acne to flare up even worse once you stop using it.
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July 12, 2011

Pros:

Smooth skin

Cons:

- Constantly red face
- No change in acne
- Massive increase in grease levels
- When stopped, massive cystic outbreaks

I tried Retin-A for persistant moderate acne, which has been ongoing for 15 years, more than half my life. It didn`t work. I was incredibly patient, as I knew to expect initial outbreak, burning etc: I used it every other night, weakest strength, to start with, and my skin went red and greasy with no change to spots (unless you count that they were deeper and harder). I did this for 3 months, and my skin was constantly red and I was getting sores, so I stopped. As soon as I stopped, it went bonkers: my whole face erupted in acne. I waited a month or two for my skin to calm down, and then thought I`d try again, even slower. Used it every THREE nights, and same: red skin, no change in acne. My skin got redder and the texture changed: yes, it was "smooth" and glassy, but it also coated itself in grease within 1/2 an hour and I had to wipe it every hour because it was so heavy I could feel it. After another 4 months I stopped, and the same thing happened: within a week of stopping I got the worst cystic acne of my life. Literally hundreds of red, pus filled spots on every inch of my skin. The derm says now that my skin doesn`t tolerate Retin=a, and it lowers my skin`s defence barrier. It took all the top layers of my skin off, and left them open to all sorts of bacteria which my skin wasn`t strong enough to fend off. As soon as I stop using it, my skin - which has been totally hammered by such a strong product - is exposed to bacteria, infections etc, and every single pore becomes swollen and disgusting and acne-fied. Not for me. Wish it was but no: worse thing I ever put on my face.
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July 3, 2011

Pros:

none

Cons:

chemical peel
red, really red
huge zits
burned
left my scars pink

terrible product, in the first 3 weeks my skin was looking like i had a chemical peel, i almost wasn't able to go to prom in my dress due to this product, i will never use again glad i stopped before it got even worse, it ruined my skin
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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