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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March 20, 2013

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

skin sensetive to light

Ive had acne for 20 years! 3 years ago I got tired of hidding from the world and tried this. The first year my skin was the worst its ever been. My skin usually had about 20-30 pimples and was filled with dark spots. Now, my skin is still imperfect but its so much better. I only have 2-3 small pimples and less dark spots but there are still alot of them. Im still hideous but i feel ok leaving the house now.
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January 20, 2013

Pros:

I've not been on it long enough.

Cons:

More acne
Dryness
Redness
Flakiness

I have been using the Tretinoin cream .025% for about 5 weeks now.. About a week ago I was going to completely give up on this product (due to the horrible breakout that is normal). After coming to this website I have to decided to stick with it. Everyone seems to give awesome results after using it for a few months. I'm hoping to start seeing some awesome results!
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January 19, 2013

Pros:

* Works on cysts, Nodules, pustles, and papules fairly quickly.
* Small Whiteheads are typically gone overnight
* Acne scars look much better

Cons:

* Can be irrating
* Dry skin flakes
* Doesn't realy work on blackheads.
* Intial Breakout

I love Rentin A micro. My skin looks so much better and my forehead is almost completly clear. Some of the pores on my cheeks appear smaller and my skin isn't nearly as oily. The only bad thing is most of my blackheads won't go away and it gets really frustrating. If you are going to use Retin A micro, use a super gentle cleanser ( I love cetaphil), a nice toner ( clean & clear deep cleaning toner for senstive skin is nice) and a fantastic mostriser ( Clean & Clear's dual action one is amazing. It makes my skin ways softer and and I haven't gotten as many small whiteheads)
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January 9, 2013

Pros:

-causes peeling
-fades scars fast

Cons:

-the peeling is bad initially but stops after 2 weeks

i've tried every cream out there and for the first time i have hope i can finally get my adult acne under control. dont give up
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January 7, 2013

Pros:

Helps healing
Decreases healing time
Improves skin's clarity

Cons:

Lots of peeling which causes breakouts
Long adjustment period

I have had some serious initial breakouts with this which has made it difficult to stick with. The only saving grace is that everything heals really quickly and nicely. Once the initial period (~6 weeks) is completed, everything should settle down. I can't wait to get there!!
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December 22, 2012

Pros:

Smoother skin
Lightens scars
Helped with cystic/nodule acne

Cons:

Makes face REALLY oily
Flaking skin
Redness
Sensitive skin, tightness
Canker sores, easily cut mouth

Been using Retin-A Micro combined w/ minocycline for 3 months and my skin finally calmed down about 2 weeks ago. About a month in II was having really bad flaking around my mouth and getting canker sores. When it was warm I was using 3-4 oil blotting sheets a day with flaky skin to boot. I've scaled back application to every other night and use a moisturizer w/ salicylic acid & my face has been clear of cystic acne for several weeks and the redness is subsiding finally! Jaw and cheek area acne.
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November 25, 2012

Pros:

Fades Scars
Brighter complexion
Reduces hyper-pigmentation

Cons:

For me it wasn't a cure, just an aid in my regime

I was prescribed Retin- A to be used in conjuction with Dalacin T around a year ago... and was given a course of antibiotics. The first weeks were horrible, I remember having a serious emotional breakdown when I found that nothing could cover my acne, scars, flaking, peeling, hurt skin. It was absolutely terrible but I remember the doctor saying that it would get better. During this time my skin flaked so much, I jokingly referred to it as "dandruff of the face" But alongside this I saw that my previously terrible scarred skin was healing... which I couldnt have been more thrilled about. I used all three of the products the doctor prescribed for around two-three months after which I noticed that I just wasnt breaking out anymore, all of the gunk underneath the skin had been extracted I guess. So I stopped using it because my doctor said I didnt have to anymore. I was so incredibly happy and I though that it was over... but I was sorely wrong. Around 8 months later my acne returned (i started using anti-biotics again and got a new perscription of retin-a) This worked for around four months and then stopped and I began breaking out horribly again. I have come to realize that my breakouts are hormonal... so any treatment I use on my skin will make no difference in keeping me clear. The point of telling this story is to just state that theres an internal root cause of my acne so Retin-A will never be a miracle cure. It does however do an amazing job helping to fade the scars from previous breakouts... it really can transform a face in two weeks when used consistently. I find the weeks I don't break out my skin can be virtually scar free when I use this... but it is harsh so some days I mix just a tiny amount with my moisturiser... also it thins skin so I've found sometimes when I've accidentally scratched myself It has made me bleed when I have been using it for a long period of time. All in all though... this has helped me while I've struggled with acne.
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November 25, 2012

Pros:

It has reduced my acne
It is even helping a bit with the marks
My pores have shrunk

Cons:

Makes my skin very dry and flaky
makes my skin itchy at times
experienced redness at times

I have only used this product for like almost three weeks. I am seeing some good results, it is working. I guess I just have to be more patient and STOP PICKING ON MY SKIN! I am still breaking out tho..and I have more breakouts on my jaw line now..but I guess its getting everything to the surface and then treating it....
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November 12, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up acne on chest completely
Cleared face
Glowing skin
Better texture

Cons:

Smells bad
Too much can make skin flaky, and irritated
Interacts with other face washes and medications
Reddens face and makes me more prone to blushing

You have to use this product consistently and as directed. Wait 20 mins after washing your face before applying. Use a mild face wash with an exfoliation. I use St Ives, apricot scrub for sensitive skin, it's cheap and gentle. I had no initial breakout. I was afraid this would happen and it kept me from trying it for a long time. I didnt want additional scars. I'm really glad I finally tried it! I saw results in about 2 weeks! It hasn't really helped with hyper pigmentation... But overall it has cleared up my face dramatically. I now only get a few pimples on my chin vs. whiteheads, and pimples everywhere that where painful. My chest is completely clear, but a shade redder than before. I think it's worth the trade off. If you are curious about this product and have bad acne it def. worth a try. I'm not nearly as self conscious anymore. I tried everything else. Medications and natural remedies. This had worked the best.
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November 4, 2012

Pros:

None right now, to early in treatment!

Cons:

-skin peels HARDCORE, especially around scars
-oily but dry skin
-supposed to break out?

This summer my acne became unbearable. I refused to leave the house. So finally my mom took me to the derm, and he put my on .025 every 3 days, since I'm a redhead at high altitude. He also put my on clydamicn lotion, which is a miracle in a bottle, and I also stated to take zinc. At the time, my skin is peeling really bad so it makes it hard to wear foundation. My skin has improved tremendously, but I think it's from the zinc and the lotion. Acne is a long process, don't give up! Everyone complains about a Horrible initial breakout, but I just had a Jew more black heads. Either way, I'll update once treatment is over.
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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