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
December 9, 2011

Pros:

-treats cystic acne
-clears up scars
-evens out complexion
-shrinks pores
-affordable

Cons:

-made skin zombie dry and flaky for first two months
-made acne worst for first month
-occasionally burns when putting moisturizer on

This, in combination with Yaz birth control, has FINALLY cleared my skin. I know it is tough, but be patient!
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November 21, 2011

Pros:

Prevents minor acne
fades scars

Cons:

extremely drying- I cannot wear make up for about a week after using this 0.025% retin A gel as the make up just sticks to the dry areas and looks awful.
Didn't find it helped with cystic acne. but definitely helped with small spots.

I would recommend this product as it definitely does the job, however, I definitely wouldn't use it if you are planning to cover the skin with make up, for me it was at least a week before the dryness went and I could wear make up.
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October 16, 2011

Pros:

helps heal scars quickly

Cons:

extremely dry, red, flakey skin
even cracked skin at times
expensive
prescription only

I have been using for 7 weeks and have seen no improvement. My skin is bright red, even after i wash it off and put lotion on in the morning. I read lots of reviews saying to wait it out, but honestly I can't go anywhere because of how terrible my skin looks from using this. It has made my acne even worse than before, because now do I not only have pimples, I have bright red flakey skin. There is no amount of makeup to even make my skin look half way decent. If you are thinking of trying retin a, I would consider using dan's regimine before ever using it.
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September 24, 2011

Pros:

*Cleared a lot of of my acne
*Easily applied
*Works if you give it time

Cons:

*Redness and some peeling
*Your skin gets used to the product, so if you don't use it one night, you break out

I've been using Retin A for almost two months now and almost all of my acne is gone. Sure my skin was irritated at times, but the results are worth it. Only use Retin A once, right before you go to bed. My skin care routine was use Logona Mint Cleansing Foam twice a day, use Retin A once at night, and after I applied Retina A to use Dermalogica's Active Moist. Make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of water a day and taking multi-vitamins help. Once I didn't use Retin A one night, and my skin did break out around my forehead. I do know that once I stop Retin A that I will break out and have to find something new, but at the moment this product works for me.
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July 17, 2011

Pros:

I think I've been using this for the past 2 years or so and I'm happy it worked out for me. Now, I am slowly getting out of the acne phase but I still get pimples now and then and use this. My Forehead is very oily and I'll will use this when ever a pimple pops up. I try my best to keep my skin clean to prevent outbrakes but I still get them even when I use this. Maybe I'm not cleaning my face good enough? Not sure. But I'm happy with retin-a and I'm afraid to try something else.

Cons:

Dry skin/ Skin Peels

Good, cheap and effective. It seems like this medication has improved my skin in many ways. It now looks smoth and soft. I still get pimples now and then and just apply some of this right on the pimple and it works. Also, when ever i get a pimple there are black spots left behind. This will clear them out very well but it will take some weeks to see resutls.
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November 6, 2010

Pros:

- Dries up spots quickly
- Makes skin smoother
- Reduces red marks more quickly

Cons:

- Flaking and burning
- Sever redness on sensitive skin
- Hair loss

This is just a word of caution about this product. It does do what it says on the tube, and having used it every day for 6 weeks I noticed a definite difference in my acne. It also seemed to help prevent it. But... I also get some eczema, and I noticed that this caused new dry patches on my face. Worst of all, this has made my scalp so dry that my hair is thinning quite seriously. I have read that occasionally people get this side effect with vit A derived products, and I have had to stop using it because I don't want to go bald... So use with caution, especially if you are prone to dry skin conditions.
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April 19, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up my face!
Sooths skin

Cons:

a lot of money

My doctor gave me this with a perscription and it worked after a few weeks. NOTE: I didn't pay for this, the insurance covered it.
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December 18, 2009

Pros:

skin seems smoother and more firm

Cons:

dry and flaky, a pretty bad initial breakout

Im using this product along with a round of doxycycline to hopefully get rid of everything. Im breaking out for the first time at 19 and it's pretty frustrating. I was unaware that this medication made you break out worse at first WHICH IT DOES! My face is way worse than before, but im hopeful that it will eventually be clear completely. Stick with it, im sure its doing its job
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October 23, 2009

Pros:

Cheap

Cons:

Worsened acne, peeling, sun sensitivity, itchy.

I went to the doctor in July because I had about five pimples. Now I have over thirty. I waited 9 weeks for it to work and it never did. My face is much worse now. I now have to do damage control.
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October 9, 2009

Pros:

I can tell that some scars are fading and the redness is much less severe.

Cons:

It's hard to be patient... i've been using it for almost 4 weeks.

The jury is still out. From what i've heard it takes several months for the medication to work. I feel like it is slowly improving. I am going to stick with it because i am experiencing all the symptoms everyone talks about. In the first few weeks your skin seems to get worse... hopefully i will experience the benefits after a few more weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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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.