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.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 11, 2010
Cons:
Dried up skin like no other. Lips were chapped and skin was red. Once stopped, your acne might come back, like mine did.
Definitely worth giving a shot. I recommend however to be on it as long as you can, because once you stop, your acne might come back.
August 7, 2010
Pros:
- clears skin up pretty fast depending on the severity of your acne
- skin becomes alot smoother
- skin becomes firmer
- skin glows
- works pretty fast in comparison to oral medications- i think it's because it's topical and apparently this medication is absorbed into your blood stream
- plumps up your skin
Cons:
- dries skin out like nothing else
- dryness is pretty bad for the the first few weeks/ months (its different for each individual)
- can take a while to work for some users
- It doesn't cure acne, acne may come back after you come of this
I am currently using Retin A (gel) 0.025%. I have been using this medication for around 6 months now. I live in the UK so it's easy to get this medication on prescription - either free if you are eligible, or for around £6.00. Other reviewers have described the initial break out period. Personally, I didn't have the initial break out, my skin never got any worse when I began using this, so I think it really depends on each individual user. Weeks 1-2
For me, this started to dry up my skin within the first few weeks and it continued for around 2 months. The dryness was very severe, and no amount of moisturiser/ oils etc was fixing this. This was probably the worst side effect,make up looks awful on, my skin became red and it peeled constantly. I hated going out. However, I wanted rid of my acne, so I persisted. At the same time, in the first few weeks I did see some improvement in my skin. Now for some users, it's going to take longer than a few weeks but my acne is light to moderate. Month 2
My skin had significantly improved by now. I still have dryness, although it's alot less severe. It's easier to use make up now, providing I prep my skin with a good moisturiser in advance. My skin is also glowing and its smoother. Month 4 onwards
So it's been around 6 months now and my skin has improved significantly. Again, I still get dryness from time to time but for the most part my skin is clear and I'm much more confident about it. Final Thoughts
Some reviewers gave up on this because it didn't work for them, all I can say about that is that if you are prepared to try this then STICK with it. After 2 months, you should see some difference if not a big difference. The dryness is definitely off-putting, but I try to think of it this way- if your skin is shedding, then so are your marks and I should mention it does lighten marks. If yor skin is dry or quite sensitive, then try the cream version instead.
August 6, 2010
Pros:
May get rid of acne after a couple months
Cons:
Redness, peeling, burning, itching.
Made acne worse.
I used retin a micro .04% and it was the worst thing ever. My skin was at its absolute worse after week 7
August 6, 2010
Pros:
*good long term solution to acne
*Smooths out skin texture
*fades marks over time
*doesn't dry out skin if used correctly
Cons:
*will irritate at first
*works slowly
*need to give its a few months to work (and to purge
I think the reason most ppl dont stick with retin-a is b/c it takes a long time to work - but I also think its a very good permanant solution. Problem is must use religiously for months and even as you purge & breakout - you can't mix with other acne products, only a gentle cleanser (purpose). I think that is where most ppl go wrong. I have been on Retin-a micro and tazorac several times during the past few years, the first time I went on my skin responded the best, I was also on minocycline & used as directed religiously for several months. But, do not wear in the sun, and if u spend alot of time outside in the winter too, you will get irritated from cold dry air. Only use once at night and only the little pea size amt they direct, any more will resuly in a very red flaky mess.
August 3, 2010
Pros:
Worked great for me as a teenager.
I like the idea that it might be good for wrinkles too.
No odor, easy to use.
Cons:
Problems with insurance - had to get verification from dr. I think this was to make sure it wasn't being prescribed for wrinkles.
Drying and peeling on initial use.
Maybe less effective on cystic acne.
I have used this product 3 times in my life. Each time it worked a little less effectively and I think that was due to the type of acne and the issues I was having at the time. When I was in high school this was an almost complete cure. I did have a lot of peeling and drying to start with but it was effective on my moderate acne (no cysts). As I have gotten older and my acne has transitioned to severe cystic and very much hormonally influenced, the effectiveness has dropped off. The last time I used it, almost 15 years after the first, there was no effect. So, I think this is definitely worth a try for mild to moderate acne.
August 1, 2010
Pros:
It is immediately effective in clearing up the acne. i had very bad acne (worst he has seen, so said my doctor), i was able to see a difference in less than 2 weeks
you can feel it working
Cons:
there weren't any for me. well maybe it is a little dry but you have to just moistuirize, moisturize, moisturize.
It is great, great, great. It completely changed my life. I was such a recluse because my face was so HORRIBLE. All the doctors told me i was one of the worst cases they had ever seen. And they were amazed after just one month how much better my skin felt. It is so smooth, and soft. I LOVE IT. IT CHANGED MY LIFE. YOU WILL LOVE IT TOO.
July 31, 2010
Pros:
-Helped clear pimples quickly
Cons:
-Dryed out skin
-Made skin a little red
-Made skin more prone to sunburn
I used it as a spot treatment and all over, it overall had a good effect but dryed out my skin. It also got a little worse before getting better.
July 29, 2010
Pros:
- skin is more firm
- a few less pimples
- more color
Cons:
- makes my skin super oily
- have random "dry" patches
Ive only been using it a few days so far and not much has happened. My skin hasnt become painfully dry or sensitive yet, but im still waiting for it to happen. Im also waiting for the initial outbreak to happen. So far my pimples have been going down a little but i do not want to jinx anything :P
I do not know what to rate it yet because i just started. I will repost again after a few weeks or so.
July 29, 2010
Pros:
Smoothens, clears skin. Evens out tone of the skin. Heals breakouts, scars quickly. Clears blackheads (especially clogged pores on the nose). Enlarged ugly pores (in my case on the nose again, dissapear) Sun spots visibly fade away.
Cons:
NONE, REALLY. Only if not used as recommended: redness, flaking (easily taken care of by good moisturizer), mild irritation. All of these subside after discontinuation of use for 3 to 5 days, depending on severity.
I swear by this product! It has done amazing job in improving my overall skin condition. I am not a severe acne sufferer I must say. I have quite good skin, although a bit on a sensitive side, with occasional breakouts in a T zone and slightly enlarged pores on the nose which tend to clog and inflame from time to time. I have dry/combination or dry/delicate to normal type of skin (to use Clinique's terminology).The first week of use I really didn't notice anything going on on my face. No side effects, no improvement either. Although reading many reviews on here and elswehere, and thus being very well informed, I stupidly decided to put on more then just the pea sized amount that I had used so far. How utterly stupid of me. Around the 10th day of use my face turned really red and irritated, dry as hell and started flaking in such manner that I had to slather on moisturizer even during a day at work in my airconditioned office.Anyhow, after this mild set back I just simply took a few days off. I dont remember how many exactly but I just waited untill all those side effects dissapear. I think it might have taken about a week or so and I can tell you my skin after that week never looked better! It was Flawless! All the redness and irritation subsided and I just started applying Retin A 0,5 again, religiously following the pea sized amount rule. Never ever putting more, avoiding close to eyes areas and I am happier than ever. This product is really a miracle when used as recommended. Never overdo it! Applying more does not mean better or faster results! Trust me. Follow the instructions and you'll be fine. (Unless of course you are alergic to vitamin A).I am sticking to my Retina A 0,5 regimen, and intend to use it for the rest of my life! Since I am in about 6th week of use (including the break) I am still waiting for the fine lines to start dessapearing. But my skin is so smooth and glowing already that I have no doubt these antiwrinkle effects will arrive eventua
July 23, 2010
Pros:
clear skin
better skin
helps prevent wrinkles
Cons:
sun/wind sensitive
I had terrible, large painful cystics on my chin, for years. Usually several at a time, almost never a clear day. After starting Retin A Micro .04 and going 100% gluten free and dairy free I'm acne free of almost 1 year. I also added zinc, taurine and saw palmetto supplements. In less than 2 months, I was able to go out in public without shuttering from embarresssment. I can't believe the transformation. My skin has healed the scars well, tool. My last 2 zits came from accidental gluten ingestion. 2 zits in 6 months! They came within 24 hours of the gluten (O SHOOT! THOSE CHIPS ARE WHEAT!) and disappeared within 4 days. I usually apply the retin A at night but for those 2 pop ups, I spot applied retin A on them in the morning, too and stayed inside all day. I wash with cetaphil, use no foundation, and use jojoba oil for moisture when needed. Good luck to you!
Pros:
Definitely cleared up my skin, but patience is key. Worked well to fade old scars.