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
December 11, 2009
Cons:
At first it causes extreme dryness, sometimes burning.
This product helped me and my skin change completely. Before using it, I thought I had light acne and would use OTC washes and creams. When I began to wake up with a new pimple every morning & my skin began to scar, I knew it was time to go to a dermatologist. So I went and it turns out I had moderate-severe acne and the scarring/redness needed antibiotics. So I was put on doxycycline, 5% benzoyl peroxide wash, and tretinoin cream .05%. At first, I broke out more because it brings all your blackheads and pimples to the surface, then I peeled and had very dry skin for a few weeks. Finally, after about 5 weeks, I had no new pimples and the scars were disappearing fast. Just use it right and it WILL work for you. Only apply a small amount at night before bed, AT LEAST 30 minutes after cleansing the affected area. Also remember to moisturize in the morning and during the day, but not right before or after applying tretinoin, that will only interfere with the medicine.
December 8, 2009
Pros:
i really like this product but my skin is so sensitive and iam scare . after i stop this sh*t. to live houles in my skin texture.
Cons:
iam try my best but its burning peeling. un counfortable. agresive. ans nervous because you dont know if is working or is damaging your face.
i really recomend to use alittle bit. because i try to put alot and it come worst. alittle. so its not that burning. i recomendes depend your skin......
December 4, 2009
Pros:
Began to clear up my back/chest acne after a month.
Cheaper than other options.
Cons:
Never even touched my facial acne.
Severe headaches.
Problems focusing my eyes.
If you have mild acne it might work for you, but it didn't do much for me. My chest and back acne, as stated under Pros, began to clear up after about a month.
If I had been able to stay on it longer, maybe my face would have cleared up. I started to have pretty nasty headaches after about 2 weeks on the drugs, did some reading and found that's a "normal" side effect. But as a migraine sufferer I don't want "extra" headaches.
I also wasn't crazy about the idea of using an antibiotic for my acne. I wasn't pleased with it.
December 4, 2009
Pros:
Decreases acne. Makes skin more taut. Fades hyperpigmentation and sunspots. Reduces lines. (Ran out of room in 'bottom line' -- but I picked up the generic, Reacel-A .05%, in Playa del Carmen on vacay in March for $8!!)
Cons:
IB. Sensitivity.
I was about to list dryness & peeling in the cons, but it's not a con IMO. It means it's working & stimulating growth of new cells. The IB is a bit frustrating & mine was a few big ones, but A LOT of little bumps under the surface that took a while to eventually come out as whiteheads. You need to use this appropriately & routinely to see results -- meaning, you can't just use it here & there to see a substantial difference. Suggestion to limit flakes: After you cleanse @ night, let face dry & apply moisturizer. (I use Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer w/ SPF 15). Let it dry a few minutes, then apply a very small amount of Retin-A to the affected areas. A little goes a long way, trust me! In the morning, you will be dry & flaky. In order to reduce this, you need to gently exfoliate w/ a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) on a Buff Puff or similar sponge. Afterwards, let your face dry completely & apply the moisturizer. Having one with SPF is very important bc of the 'new' skin & sensitivity.
December 3, 2009
Pros:
works great for acne and over all skin appearence.
Cons:
first month I had rashes and peeling and, my face looked worse before it got better.
This is a product you need to stick too. At first you will get red and peel like crazy. Your number of pimples will increase and you will be tempted to quick. DON'T BE A QUITTER this product will change your life. After a month you will notice that if you get a pimple it will be smaller and go away quicker. After two months you will notice you hardly ever get pimples and your face will have an overall nice glow to it. After three months your face will look like a porcilin. People complement me on my skin all the time and they just assume it is genetics. Little did they know to obtain my "new skin" I had to go through many ups and downs with a miricle product called: Retin A Note: Use sunscrean, wait 20 minute after you wash your face to apply, dont pop your pimples bc your skin will be thinner, if your face gets irritated skip a day or two and only use a pea sized amount!! Less is more with this product. Stick to it and you will be happy you did!
December 3, 2009
Pros:
got rid of a scar by burning the layer of flesh off
Cons:
severe peeling, burning, felt terrible and was afraid to go to school
I used this 3 times when i went to school I was peely and I couldn't use anything to help me and of course pimply too
December 2, 2009
Pros:
It really works and I have tried quite a few products. ProActive being one of the many and it sucked.
Cons:
My acne def got worse before it got better
Retin-A is wonderful, I am 24/F never had acne in my life until about four months ago. I used ProActive and saw no results what so ever!!!! I began using the Retin-A around three weeks ago and I have seen huge improvement!!!!!!!!!!
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!
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
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.
Pros:
- It definitely works great, but you must use it right
- Only needs to be applied once a day
- A single tube goes a long way