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
September 5, 2014
What should I do?
I started using this on 29th August. This is my second week and I'm breaking out like crazy. It's very itchy. I feel like giving up. I feel like crying whenever I feel my face with the back of my hand. I'm worried that the breakout will get worse since I have a graduation ceremony to attend on 15th October. What should I do? Stop using it or continue with it? What's going to happen if I stop using it? Can I use anything that can calm my skin (breakout) down? How long is this breakout going to last if I continue using it? Please let me know. Thank you.
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August 8, 2014
Tretinoin but be patient
Only cream that will actually work but may take a few months but will be worth it. I used tretinoin a few times and quit because I thought it was aggravating my acne but I now know that it gets all the bad gunk out first and brings the next skin cells up to the surface. I used this for about a month before taking accutane and haven't experienced an initial breakout so far( on day 9) .... Be patient
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December 19, 2013
Requires patience

Pros:

Evens skin tone
Removes closed comedones
Acne heals faster

Cons:

Takes a long time to work
Causes skin to be flakey and dry
Can be irritating for those with sensitive skin

This is a review specifically for Retin-A Micro. For years I had been trying to get rid of closed comedones on my forehead area that just never seemed to go away. I was prescribed Retin-A Micro by my dermatologist. At first I found it to be irritating (I have very sensitive skin) and it make my skin dry and flakey. I decided to use it every two days instead. After about 3 months, I noticed that the closed comedones were turning into blackheads....I wasn't sure if that was progress or not, but continued using the product nonetheless. I would say it took a good 6 months before I saw any good results. Now, I hardly have any closed comedones (whiteheads) left. You have to be patient, but it does work.
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November 25, 2013
couldn't quite stick it out

Cons:

causes more breakouts
irritated/flakey skin for a few weeks

After about 3 months of suffering terrible breakouts after I started this gel, I decided I just couldn't do it anymore. I was getting deep, painful pimples that were leaving scars and I wasn't seeing improvement anytime soon.
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July 31, 2013
Good so far..

Pros:

my face is soft
scarring beginning to fade

Cons:

initial breakout
dryness
peeling

i'm 15 and i have mild acne, mostly acne scarring on my cheeks and sometimes medium sided pimples on my forehead. i went to the doctor and she prescribed me the Tretinoin Cream in 0.025%. after reading many of these reviews, i was nervous for the initial breakout to be bad. After a few days, it made me flake and dry and it was a very uncomfortable dryness. I had to skip a night of usage because it was so dry. because of this, i bought a clean & clear moisturizer and i use Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes in the morning, it really helped with the dryness and the peeling on my face, i really recommend using these products. It has been 12 days of use and i do see an improvement in my skin, although when my skin started getting dry i got a few breakouts on my forehead which are mostly flat now, so i think i'm passing the initial breakout period which means this medication is working fast. my face currently is very soft and i see a good improvement. Also, before i apply the tretinoin, i wash my face with clean & clear morning burst (wait 20-30 minutes of course) then apply and go to sleep. I highly recommend the products i mentioned in this and i will make an update in a few weeks.
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April 23, 2013

Pros:

great for anti-aging, great for shrinking pores, great for clearing regular acne but doesn't stop boils nor deep acne. Not until I started using Dan's regimen. Every night I apply his wash, wait 5 min, apply his benzyl, wait 15 min, apply 2 pumps of his moisturizer, wait 1 hour then apply Retin-A. My skin has not looked this good since I was 19. I started to get boils in my 20's I am 41now. Last 2 years my boils had to be injected with cortisone monthly. Derm wanted me to use acutane.

Cons:

It doesn't work well on it's own. I tried it with glycolic and also with salicylic acid but I kept getting huge boils that would have to be injected with cortisone.

I love Dan's regimen with RetinA. The retinA gives me a great peel to keep my pores tight and my skin looking bright and youthful. Dan's regimin and products stop acne in it's tracks and prevents new boils. This combo is amazing for my skin. Not sure if a lot of others could handle these two together as they are both very strong but my skin is flawless using both together. And the moisturizer is perfect although I do glob it on but it works amazingly well.
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March 27, 2013

Pros:

Works great!
Hasn't caused any peeling or flaking.
Generic brand is inexpensive.

Cons:

None

I've only been using Tretinoin 0.05% for about a couple weeks. My dermatologist gave me the cream months ago but I was really hesitant using to use because of the possible side effects. In my case I dont break out on my face, my breakouts usually occur on my jawline and my neck. So when I finally decided to use tretinoin I was at awe how it completely changed my skin's texture. In my case I didn't have a initial break out which most do. My derm did admit that when one first begins using tretinoin they usually breakout the first week. But not in my case! Stay positive and make it a routine and you should be fine. Because clear skin is on the way :)
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March 20, 2013

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

skin sensetive to light

Ive had acne for 20 years! 3 years ago I got tired of hidding from the world and tried this. The first year my skin was the worst its ever been. My skin usually had about 20-30 pimples and was filled with dark spots. Now, my skin is still imperfect but its so much better. I only have 2-3 small pimples and less dark spots but there are still alot of them. Im still hideous but i feel ok leaving the house now.
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February 19, 2013

Pros:

Works

Cons:

Takes a little bit of time to work, but eventually you'll see results.

So Retin-A is pretty much the cream version of Accutane. I've been on Retin A for a while now and I really like it. I'm on the strongest dosage now and my skin has been clear for a while now. This, paired with Cetaphil Derma Control, has done wonders for my skin. I also take minocyclin for that pesky under the skin acne. You just got to give it time. I'm reading these reviews about people who are unhappy with their results. You really just got to be patient and keep it up. Trust me, I've been there. The wait is worth it.
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February 14, 2013

Pros:

too early to tell

Cons:

I'm starting to break out bad ...I'm in the third week

I'm on tretinoin cream 0.025% and clindamycin pledgets ...I'm on my third week of using them and I'm starting to break out bad....I've been crying about it and I just want to give up already because I've suffered with acne for a little less than 10 years. I'm 22 and my acne has gotten worse when I started going to college. I just graduated and I still have acne and lots of scars. I'm going to stick with it because I've been through hell and back with my acne so one more trip won't kill me!
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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.

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.