Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Works about the same as the other two topical retinoids, tazarotene and adapalene, and lands in the middle of those two when it comes to side effects. Should provide partial clearing, but comes with sensitivity when you first start using it. It probably won’t be a total game changer but it should help reduce acne.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 26, 2009

Pros:

cleared my acne within a week

Cons:

face was peeling and dry despite measures of putting moisturizer

it's the best thing I've used since none of the over the counter products worked. I even tried Pro-Activ, but that made my skin worse. Now, I can touch my face and be proud that it's smooth like a baby's butt and blemishes are going away. I have one or two pimples, but it's not noticeable. I'm so glad my friend introduce me to this stuff!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 2, 2008

Pros:

Less and less break outs as time goes by (and its only the 4th week). I've tried proactiv, and all those other systems, but they don't work as well as Retin A.

Cons:

It takes time to start seeing results, but these results last longer (and I hope it does). It dried up my skin a lot when I began, but now I'm used to it and I can use it every night. Costly too...

Retin A is very effective in treating Acne. It takes a lot of patience, but it's definitely worth using. At last, I've found an answer to my acne problem. But...it requires a prescription from a doctor...
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 2, 2008

Pros:

Works well.You will seriously have no acne in 3 months.Smooth skin. Heals scars and shrinks pores.

Cons:

You will break out for about 2-3 months or so and obviously feel horrible. Dry skin very badly. You should use Cetaphil no b.p. or s.a.. You can't really go in the sun unless you want a red sunburned face.

Use it, it works.. I had BAD acne and now I'm completely clear.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 14, 2008

Pros:

Fades scars, smooths out skin's surface, pushes blackheads out of skin

Cons:

can make skin dry, red, and peely, DO NOT use with benzoyl peroxide (BURNT my skin off!!)

I've been using the .1% cream and my skin looks smoother but I've been getting some breakouts in my chin and mouth area. I had been using benzoyl peroxide during the day and the retin-A at night, but my skin was on fire, so im just sticking with the cream. The only bad side effect is the peeling, esp. around the lips. It can take months for this stuff to work...
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 4, 2008

Pros:

my skin looks great

Cons:

takes a few months for it to kick in.

i will continue to use the product as many plastic surgeons recommend it to treat aging/wrinkles.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 31, 2008

Pros:

No more acne!!

Cons:

Takes a really long time to work, and makes your face really dry.

This stuff takes a really long time to work, but after the time it's amazing. I use it twice a day and no more acne!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 13, 2008

Pros:

hopeful that tons will come

Cons:

Peeling in the beginning, increased breakout in new places, breakout areas more red than before, acne scabs

Between week one and two I noticed a lot of peeling, especially above my lip under my nose. I got the cream too close to my lips as well and both sides cracked which was extremely uncomfortable (they healed though--and I didn't make that mistake again.) My skin definitely got worse around week three, then it cleared up to almost perfect, I was feeling a lot better about it, until the middle of week four---big break out! So depressing. I've read that between weeks three and six it's normal to break out a lot more, i'm on day 26 and just praying I'll be clear by the end of week six. I've noticed, however, that other than places where I am broken out, my skin looks really good! I know that's kind of weird to say, but I've noticed a lot smoother tighter skin, and my freckles are decreasing, just white pure pretty looking skin. I hope the rest of my face gets on board soon.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 22, 2008

Pros:

Gets Rid Of Acne And Takes Away Acne Scars

Cons:

Breaks Out When You First Use It (I got like 5 new pimples but they left like in 3 days) Sensitive Skin And Easily Burned

I say use it clears up face takes away scars you may break out one but who cares it gets better i have been using it for 2 weeks and my face looks 10 times better really improved
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 23, 2008

Pros:

Pimples, bumps are gone
Wrinkles fading
Skin pores and texture improved

Cons:

Dryness
It takes too long to start working`

I am 45 years old, and had a problem with acne and bumps and large pores in my teens that returned at age 40. I tried many, many things, and finally mentioned this to the dermatologist. I have been using the generic tretinoin 0.25% for over 3 months and hope I never have to go without it.Aside from some chronic peeling on my chin (I now avoid this are with the cream, or use it less there), I cannot believe the difference in my skin. The bumps all over are gone, once in a while I do get a stray pimple, but nothing like before. I am very pleased, and with only a 10.00 copay, and the additional benefit of wrinkle reduction, I am getting a huge bargain.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 11, 2008

Pros:

after about 2 months of using retin-a my skin is beeeaaauuutiful!!! very clear, very smooth

Cons:

takes about 2 months to work, in those 2 months expect dry, flaky, sensitive skin. it's totally worth it. but....it doesnt really do much to prevent abscesses/cysts, which i still get from time to time

great great great! but i still wish there was a magical treatment to prevent / remove cysts without severe marking/scarring
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.

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.