Acne.org Products
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
July 14, 2009
Cons:
After using it for a long time (like 1-2 years) acne developed resistance to it and I have to switch to another product.
I used Tretinoin Cream 0.1% by applying a thin film on my problem areas at night, and in the morning I would apply a thin film of Clindamycin gel. It took about 3 weeks to see results, but eventually all my acne went away. I was clear for a period of 1-2 years, but then my face started building a resistance to the medication, and the acne came back. I find that with these prescription medications, they will work for about 1-2 years and then they stop working, so I have to switch from one to the other. All these dermatologist prescribed medications do work, but they do not cure acne. They just temporarily mask it. You have to use them on a consistent basis every day, or your acne will come back. Right now, I have stopped taking all these and I am trying natural methods such as taking probiotics and fiber supplements to see if I can get to the root of the problem.
July 6, 2009
Pros:
-Clears up acne, reduces scars, makes skin smooth and soft due to fast cell turnover
-One tube lasts a long time (approx 3.5-4 months)
-You will see a quick initial improvement in the first week
Cons:
-Takes patience to see full results (8-12 weeks until noticeable improvement)
-Acne worsening period sucks around weeks 3-7 so be prepared.
-Extremely dry/flaky skin for the first month or so until body adjusts to product.
First of all if you have only been using this product for a few weeks and write a bad review- you are really missing out. Okay so it's a slow climb to improvement, but trust me STICK WITH THIS PRODUCT. It is supposed to worsen before it gets better (it even says it on the package) because it is a high cell turnover from Vitamin A- this brings all the bacteria to the surface of your skin. It is all worth it around weeks 8-12. My skin is acne free for once in my life. It is brighter and smoother and I don't have to be self conscious anymore. You only need a little dab every night. Your skin will dry out initially so be ready to pair it with a moisturizer and try not to wear makeup during that time (it will be pretty impossible to anyways). I have tried it all from proactiv to birth control etc. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. It really has helped me get my confidence and great skin back. I don't even need to wear makeup!
June 26, 2009
Pros:
lightens complexion, clears up acne slowly, slowly but surely gets rid of acne scars, smothens complexion
Cons:
causes irritation and skin flaking
it really works well after REGULAR use, but the key is to continue using it.
May 29, 2009
Pros:
none this thing sucks, im going back to stievemycin; i thought retina a would help get rid of my redness but it did no such thing.
Cons:
i am sooo angry, i went through weeks of my face peeling and having dry and flaky skin, which you cannot cover up with makeup. having to sleep every night with a mask of moisturizer, all for NOTHING.
This product is awful, would not recommend to anyone with problem acne, because it only made me break out more. and i mean ALOT more. im throwning away my tube in case i get tempted and think hmmm maybe it wasnt so bad.
May 13, 2009
Pros:
I use Retin-A with Hydroquinone for my scars and I love it but I only use it at night to limit the drying effects.
Cons:
You have to make sure you only target areas that are affected or it will dry out the unaffected areas, which suck. Also hydroquinone is supposed to be dangerous so read up on it before you decide to take it.
Works great if you have acne and scars, you just need to give it some time. Once a week I steam my face with a bowl of hot water with the two creams on and it takes off the top layer of your skin. After a few times doing that, your skin will glow and you will notice a different. Just make sure you use a good sunscreen and moisturizer. It work best doing that.
April 24, 2009
Pros:
Getting rid of my wrinkles, and clearing up
Cons:
A lot of dryness and peeling around the mouth and chin area
The trentinion was working really well for about the first month but this week has been brutal! I'm pretty sure my skin will look a lot obetter again within a day or two (I'M HOPING) I stopped using my salycilic face wash because I think it's just irritating with all of the peeling that's going on and I just bought Cetaphil daily moisturizer and face wash. Hopefully I see fantastic results with my face in the next couple of weeks.
April 4, 2009
Pros:
it reall smoothed my skin, it usually looks like snadpaper because of my comedonal acne...but it really improved.ALOT,evens skin tone, less wrinkles..reduces breakouts..
Cons:
redness, dryness, peeling, burning..
The key to get good results from this product is to only use it at night...and for the 1st week put it on sparingly..then after the 1st week (I) put it on generously on the effective areas, nose forhead...but try not to put any on the parts that never breakout and are drying out..good luck
March 23, 2009
Pros:
Greatly improves, acne, whiteheads, blackheads, helps smooth raised acne scars, lightens brown spots
Cons:
Takes patience; acne initially somewhat worsens, peeling, sensitivity, dryness, redness. Skin will adjust after 2-3 months.
The only product that has markedly helped my skin in a lifetime of teen and adult acne and I'm in my early 60s. Dilute with aloe vera gel for first month of use and start with low strength 0.01% tretinoin gel. Use Rx topical antibiotics during the initial breakout period. Stop treatment for a day or so if skin gets too dry or irritated. Use very mild cleanser such as Cetaphil. Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid liquid in AM will remove most flaking but wait until your skin has adjusted to the tretinoin before trying this.
March 14, 2009
Pros:
Easy to apply (as compared to a 5 step system), long lasting results, good for anti-aging
Cons:
Dry flaky skin
Ok I have something to share. I've used Retin-a and Differin on and off for years and even though they worked I eventually stopped because I couldn't handle the peeling and dry skin. For everyone else who has the issue I have a great recommendation. I purchased a new lotion from my dermatologist to use with retin-a and the results are spectacular! Aloe-Cort creme used with retin-a (1/3 retin-a, 2/3 aloe cort) has been a savior. Paired together you get all of the positive results of retin-a, but none of the dryness and flaking! I highly recommend it!
March 12, 2009
Pros:
long lasting effect
Cons:
takes some time to achieve the desired effect but once it clears up, it stays clear a long time
I've had acne since i was thirteen. I've been to more than 10 dermatologists and has been through all sorts of treatment known to dermatology and has used more than a dozen acne medications. I learned that religious use of tretinoin with a sunscreen has the most long lasting and durable effect. and it helps slow down aging, too. Be patient guys and you'll see results soon
Pros:
Used in conjunction with Clindamycin, it cleared up all my pimples.