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Side Effects
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.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 9, 2018
Definitely helps!
I've been using Tretinoin .025 for about 3-4 months now. I haven't been consistently using it every night. Maybe 3 nights a week and other nights as a spot treatment.
But I must say, this cream is a little wonder cream isn't it. Although I still get pimples on my face, this cream helps them dissolve into nothing after 1 or 2 days and nothing is left behind. The size of my pimples have been substantially smaller. And my scarring has cleared up a lot. Over all my complexion just looks a whole lots clearer and smoother. The reason I'm only giving this 3 stars is because is doesn't actually stop acne from coming - so far. So let's see what happens. I'll still continue to use it. Would anybody recommend I go to .05? Is that stronger?
Peace and love to all my beautiful little acne angels xxxxxx
April 29, 2017
Tretinoin has prevented my acne from worsening but not much else
I have been using tretinoin on and off since 6th grade. I have only used 0.025% and while it has prevented my skin from getting much worse, it hasn't actually helped get rid of my acne. I am now a high school freshman and I think I'll give accutane a whack after trying every product under the sun.
May 26, 2016
12 weeks on retin a
I've been using Retin-A (generic brand tretinoin) for around 12 weeks now. I don't want to sound pessimistic but I don't know what to do anymore. I only really break out right smack dab between my eyes and above my eyebrows, but for the past few months I am still left with pimples and pih left over from pimples that are super stubborn and won't go away. I've become very discouraged because I thought 12 weeks was when I would see improvement, but I haven't. In need of advice and encouragement... I only use once every other day right before I go to sleep, always at least 30 minutes after I have dried my face from showering. I just can't look people in the eyes because all I can think about is them staring at the mess all around my eyes. I hope to continue retin-a but I'm scared it won't be worth it
May 28, 2016
Maybe you should start using it everyday now.
May 31, 2016
I have started using it everyday but I know it's too soon to know if it's really improving. If anything though, I'm just breaking out even more. I want to continue but it's been 3 months with no improvement. I feel stuck.
June 4, 2016
Are you using the cream or the gel? What strengh?
June 12, 2016
I am using the cream, .025%
June 11, 2015
It takes time (and trials), but it does work
For context: I'm 17 and have had moderate acne since I was 13. I tried everything OTC and nothing really worked. Last year, I went to a dermatologist and tried several different combinations (Epiduo + Doxycycline, Acanya + Doxycycline, etc) and finally, Acanya and Tretin-X (0.0375% tretinoin). That combination worked and I was the most clear I'd ever been since I started getting acne. My dermatologist then suggested I move to a stronger tretinoin (Retin-A Micro in 0.08% formulation) and that worked just as well, but also helped with my oiliness. I had a lapse in treatment (Tretin-X was discontinued, I couldn't find Retin-A Micro in that formulation, and I had no time to really follow my routine), but even some application overnight worked. I'm restarting with Aczone and Retin-A, but the lesson is: It takes time, but it will work.
April 7, 2015
not for sensitive and dry skin
im 16 i've been on this treatment for 2 year but I stopped using this after two day because I got a rash on my face it was red and it hurt really bad. DON'T GET RETIN-A!!!!!!
May 27, 2015
You've been on this treatment for two years, but stopped using it after two days? Your math does not compute. And yea it does hurt, like a MOFOBITCH. But then you look really awesome. I mean if you stick it out. Don't ruin this for other people because you candle handle it.
October 18, 2016
the other person who commented doesn't get it..this stuff destroys people's faces..maybe not everyone..maybe not even most people...but for some
It does..by leaving a negative review, it is not "ruining it for other people because you can't handle it" , it is saving other people from making the same mistake.
That comment is utterly ridiculous, besides the fact that that, yea, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense that you got a rash after two years..but I still agree that retin a can be a nightmare for certain people
February 1, 2015
Product used: Atralin (Tretinoin (.05%) Gel)
Against acne or pro acne ?
This prescribed gel , i supposed it was created to treat acne. But...it seems to me that actually makes it worst.
First thing...you're not supposed to apply this thing during daylight or near any kind of light. You have to transform yourself into a vampire and use this only before going to sleep. The next day, week, weeks and one month your face is going to be the same. Or worst, in my case. Remember ....don't apply it during the day, your skin is going to turn very red, on top of your acne.
I understand that before it gets better, it gets worst. Well with this thing the ''better'' part never comes. Does it clog the pores ? Possible. It's very oily and if you have acne you're not supposed to apply any oily, greasy things on your face. This thing is based on Vitamin E. The worst thing to apply on your acne. Swallow Vitamin E, works for acne, but don't apply it to your face.
In 2-3 days it dries existing spots, but you will get more because this gel ''takes all the bacteria on the surface in order to clear everything''. My dermatologist told me that. Save your money and your time.
June 25, 2014
Read this study before you take Tretinoin
This stuff does work, but I wanted to share this study so that if you decide to take Tretinoin, you'll be making that decision with your eyes wide open regarding the risks. There have been studies done that link these topical retinoids to internal cancers and increased mortality rates. Here's one: [link edited out] Granted, the connections still need to be explored in more depth, but given the huge profitability of this product for drug companies, I wouldn't be surprised if they are working hard to prevent further research into the potential hazards of Tretinoin.
March 5, 2013
Cons:
Dry skin
Rash developed.
The sad thing is about retin a for me at least is that it has cleared my face 100%.... And it's been clear for a few months, but I've recently started to develop a rash around my mouth. It's so devastating! I finally found something that works and I have to quit using it. But I highly recommend this product for people.
February 15, 2013
Pros:
It really does stop acne. When everything else failed, this worked.
Cons:
Pimples will come to the surface at first. There is peeling and redness.
I will be staying on retin A microl
December 2, 2012
Pros:
It clears acne & lightens scars. It is an effective treatment for wrinkles.
Cons:
It really dries your skin out in the beginning.
Stick with it, it will work.
Pros:
Clears skin after a few months.