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
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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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
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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 1, 2009

Pros:

I got this product on friday, put it on that night, and woke up with
a HUGE bump on my forehead! Im hoping this is part of the initial
breakout, cus i REALLY want to get it over with quick.

Cons:

(The above could also be considered bad)

Well, this product is supposed to get the crap (yes your acne is crap) out of your face, and so far i hope it is doing that for me. Haven't tried it on my back though... (im using the .04%)
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October 10, 2009
I've been using it for about 8 months, and at first it was awful, then began to clear, now I think I still have about a million comedones... wtf?
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September 30, 2009

Pros:

It cleared up my skin in the beinning. I think I am in thr breakout stage now though.

Cons:

Makes skin really dry and oily. If you don't use lotion, it will be really bad. Right now my skin is a lot worse then when I started using it.

I am going to keep using it because I know it usually takes about 2-3 months to work. Hopefully my skin will improve! Because right now my skin is dry, oily, and pretty bad. I read lots of reviews before using it, and decided to try it. It will take a while but don't give up on it.
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September 19, 2009

Pros:

Slightly faded some marks left from other acne products.

Cons:

Makes acne worst. Dries and causes peeling in the skin. It also allows the pigmentation of your fae to get darker unless you use a moisterizer with SPF 40 by neutrogena. The pimples, nodules get bigger and gradually take a very long time to shrink.

I have been using the product for 4 weeks now and it causes my skin to peel and dry out it also creates more pimples and painful nodules underneath the skin that don't go away. ( it been 4 weeks and its still on my face along with some other new ones). Don't get it you will be very disappointed you wasted your time, money and energy on a product that boost your confidence even lower.
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September 13, 2009

Pros:

None yet

Cons:

It seems like my acne has gotten worse.

UNsure of this product
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August 25, 2009

Pros:

reduced my acne by 50%

Cons:

makes your skin oily itchy and irritated

I used this for 14 months in combination with a prascion sulfur wash and it reduced my acne by about 50% so it did something, but it didn't solve my problem. It made my face much oilier, red and irritated. I'm also not a big fan of the fact that it increases skin cancer risk if you happen to accidentally get some sun exposure. I wouldn't recommend it.
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August 14, 2009

Pros:

-Did clear up eventually
-Helped me for a year
-Skin was smoothe

Cons:

-Made my skin sooooo oily and dry at the same time
-Eventually stopped working
-Expensive

I started using the atralin, trentoin gel in october of last year. I had really bad skin, and really wanted this to work. For the first 1.5 months , my skin was TERRIBLE. like peeling and red and scabby and not any amount of makeup would cover it up. Then, until about april, my skin was on and off. Sometimes it would look great and other times it would be terrible. Then, from april through mid june my skin was GREAT! I had barely any zitds, but i still had to wear a lot of foundation because it left my skin blotchy and uneven. Then sadly, by the end of june, it seemed to stop working. I started breaking out pretty bad and my skin was oily ontop, and i was not happy. I was also on the Klaron gel, and doxycylcine, ad i think they all just stopped working. So, i went off everything, and switched to carleys clear and smooth, and im starting to see my skin improve! But people out there on retin-a, give it time, and it will work, but eventually its gonna stop, but its good for a year or so!
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August 2, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

used it over night: when i woke up my skin was very oily, then i washed my face and my skin was flaky and sensitive

i used it for almost a year and saw no difference. i still had a ton of black and white heads.
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4 user(s) found this helpful

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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