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
August 28, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my forehead.
Makes skin smoother.

Cons:

Broke out the rest of my face. Worst acne ever on cheeks, chin, jaw-line. Horrible peeling around mouth, flaking off when I smiled. Incredible sensitivity to sunlight and even some gentle lotions.

I used Retin-A Mirco for about 2 months. For my forehead, it did exactly what it was supposed to do: it cleared up the bumps that had started forming on it. No irritation on my forehead, but MY FOREHEAD IS MUCH MORE OILY THAN THE REST OF MY FACE! If you have oily skin, I say give this a try. But, if you're like me and have normal to dry skin on the majority of your face, then be cautious. I have had acne since I was 14--I'm 27 now--and this stuff has caused the worst acne I have ever had. I hardly ever had acne on my right cheek and none of my jaw-line; now, it's like I opened a flood gate. It feels like I mildly burned my face, and it's still recovering. I went back to ProActive after the Retin-A, and the first few times I used it, it burned on my face for 20 minutes because my skin was ultra-sensitive due to the Retin-A. I still use Retin-A Micro on my forehead, but only every other day. Be careful!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 27, 2008

Pros:

has cleared my face of blackheads, any pimples, whiteheads, etc

Cons:

some peeling when using the product constantly

this medicine takes a few months 2 kick in but it does work. there is some peeling but i found out tht for me to use the medicine every other night instead of every night will stop the peeling or by putting a dab of moisturizer on ur skin in the morning. i really reccommend this medicine although there is some peeling. it is much much much better than ANYTHING u wld find over the counter (proactiv, facewash, etc.) give it a try, ull be very pleased
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 13, 2008

Pros:

Works

Cons:

Takes forever to work and its not cheap

Stick wit it
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 7, 2008

Pros:

clears acne within 3-5 months it takes patience.

Cons:

causes redness and peeling in the first 2-3 weeks of using it.

USE IT
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 28, 2008

Pros:

it worked for a week

Cons:

Didn't do anything to get rid of acne after a week

I have been on pretty much everything you can have and this was by far the least effective didn't cause brake out but didn't get rid of acne after a week maybe my skin got use to it?? it did however slightly!! flatten scars but not a dramatic difference
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 21, 2008

Pros:

it gets rid of pimples and gives you smoother skin

Cons:

it gets worse for about a week or two before it gets better. also i've been using it for about a year and a half and its begging to stop working as if i'm becoming amune to it.

it works really well for a long time but i dont think any kind of medication lasts forever.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 10, 2008

Pros:

Less fine lines and wrinkles, collagen production, normalization of the skin, less acne, improved texture

Cons:

Redness, peeling, flaking, irritation, increased acne for a period of time, it takes time to really start working it's magic

The stuff works. But with any product, it needs time to normalize the skin. This could take up to 40 days. But once you are there, you will notice all of the Pros listed above. It is a tried and true product. That is why it is still on the market and so widely used. with continued use your skin will normalize. That means it will create it's own moisture and decrease excess oily. Bottom Line: give it a chance and you will see improvements.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 5, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin, shrinks pores, fades post-acne marks

Cons:

Takes a lot of time to work, skin breaks out A LOT in the beginning, may make skin oily if using the cream, increases sun sensitivity

You need to be patient if you want this to work. It took about 5 months before my skin was clear, but after a year, i almost never get a pimple and my red marks are starting to fade. However, in the beginning my skin broke out like crazy, which is how it's supposed to work. Retin A pushes all of the comedones under your skin's surface up through your pores to clean them out. Please don't write a review on this product if you've only been using it for a few weeks or a month or so. You're just misleading others about a product that can actually help heal acne if used correctly and with patience. Everyone should talk with a doctor to see if Retin A will be best for them.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 23, 2008

Pros:

Skin feels smooth and soft after initial peeling. Noticable reduction in spots and pimples.

Cons:

Dry, itchy, flakey, burning sking. For the first week, the meds burned when applying moisterizer.

My mom recommended I use retin-A after it cleared her acne over 30 years ago. She has beautiful skin since. I have been battling acne for the past 12 years and this is the second product that have shown some results. The first product where I found results was created by a dermo that passed away. He was fantastic and a leader in the dermo field with over 60 years in practice. Once the initial peeling subsides and skin gets adjusted to the meds the results are fantastic. I just gently exfoliated the dry skin. The skin that is left is feeling baby smooth and clear. I use duac in the am and retin-a in the pm. I still get a few pimples however, they dissapear by the next morning without scaring or pain. I hope these results continue!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 4, 2008

Pros:

It will EVENTUALLY work takes btween 1-2 months to notice initial results

Cons:

Worsening of breakout period was pretty hardcore

I'm 22 yrs old and is set to graduate in June. I was fortunate enough to never had skin problems during my teen years, But about 5-6 months ago, I've experienced a never ending whitehead outbreak on my cheek bone areas. I tried diff. washes and OTC and non would work. I went to a derm and he prescribed me retin-a 0.1% at night and benzaclin in morning. The first 2-3 weeks, I didn't notice anything except for peeling, redness, and excessive dryness. Around weeks 4-7, your breakout will inevitably worsen. But towards the end of week 7 and onward, your skin will gradually get better and a difference will be noticed to the touch and sight. So like everyone else saids, justs tick with it. It's taking me almost 2 months to see satisfied results and I only had very mild acne, so the time table is different for everyone, but the process is the same.
This Was Helpful

4 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.