Tretinoin
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Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

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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.

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3.5
1649
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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December 1, 2009

Pros:

smoother skin
more even tone

Cons:

horrible IB
did not reduce acne
slight burning sensation for the first 2-3 weeks

I know I should have stuck with this product longer - but I gave it a full two months. Initially I was very hopeful, and I did notice that my skin that did not have blemishes actually became smoother and softer. However, neither the number of pimples nor their severity decreased. The initial breakout was bad (for me). I went from mild/moderate acne to what I would consider moderate/severe. It has only been in the last few days that it started to tone down again, back to what my "original" state was. Overall, I'm sure this is a good product for many people, but just not for me. It's on to Accutane!
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December 1, 2009

Pros:

it works on acne and black marks,but not scars and wink-lies

Cons:

is it afforability not relly does it work agreebillity to get the acne away form your face yes

'it's ok
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November 30, 2009

Pros:

after all of the bad stages your skin looks amazing

Cons:

burning sensation, peeling, dry skin at first

I love this stuff. My skin looks and feels incredible, I can't believe it. This is the clearest my skin has been in about four or five years, and I am very pleased. I don't have a single zit on my face. When I first started using Retin-a, my skin reacted pretty badly to it. I got a slight tingly, burning sensation, and I went through a lot of different stages of peeling on-and-off for a long time--I really wanted to stop using it because of this, but I assure you that the end result is totally worth it.
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November 30, 2009

Pros:

fewer breakouts (especially cystic)
scars seem to fade faster (I mean sometimes I just can't resist popping!)

Cons:

it did dry out my skin pretty bad the first few weeks

I was prescribed this product (.05%) with minocycline for pretty regular cystic acne breakouts. The first few weeks I was really dry, but then I would just not use it for a night and use a facial scrub and lotion in the morning. Now (a month later) my skin is clearer and my old acne scars are fading quickly.
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November 29, 2009

Pros:

it will clear up most acne.

Cons:

it made my face extremely dry.

it will clear up most acne, but your face will become painfully dry and tight. i used eucerin lotion while on this product, but my face was too dry to be helped. it also smells pretty bad.
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November 26, 2009

Pros:

I love retin-a its been a life saver!!!!! Ive been using .1% for about 3 months now and all my acne is disappearing and the scaring is now slowly fading!!! I couldnt be more happy with my complection now!!

Cons:

So far none

I would recommend anyone to try it out and give it a shot, what do u have to lose except acne!! :-)
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November 25, 2009

Pros:

really and truely clears up the skin on face, chest and back! reduces scars, smooths skin out and has make my sun damage forehead wrinkles disappear!!! magic!

Cons:

drying, can sting; especially in cracks near nose and on spots / broken skin, makes me redder than usual!!!

I think the bottom line here is no pain no gain. All acne treatments work by drying the skin, so this is unavoidable, though this topical did dry my skin more than the many others I have tried. If I dare to go a night without using, I sometime wake up with a spot, so I have to be comitted. Drying and can be painful but incredibly affective, I found it better than a course of Roaccutane I tried years ago, with far less severe side affects. Try it
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November 19, 2009

Pros:

cleared up my skin

Cons:

it showed result in 5 days or may be less

it works fine
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November 15, 2009

Pros:

clears skin, helps acne scars

Cons:

drys skin to a point that was unimaginable to me before

I love retin A, but it is intensely drying. I do use retin A .1 micro, which is the strongest one, but I have very oily skin and it still dries my skin like I've never seen before. I love this stuff, but it can be a pain in the butt.
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November 13, 2009

Pros:

clears my skin really fast

Cons:

very ard ,flacky ,itchy skin after a few uses

ive been using this product for about a week .It burns a little but it eventually goes away. My skin started to clear up the 2nd day of use. Now on the 6th day my face is getting more pimples. This is because it terminates by lifting them out. Dont pick at your face while using this product . It may leave tragic scars
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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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website