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
21.3%
2
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1
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March 17, 2013

Pros:

I started out using 0.05% strength Tretinoin for about 6 weeks and started to see positive results. I did not notice any side effects so I switched to the 0.1% strength and I have not looked back since. This stuff has been an absolute miracle. I'm 24 and have struggled with acne since i was about 16. I've tried literally everything prescription and non-prescription (clindamyacin, adapalene, different BP's, salycilic, duac, sulfur treatments, monocycline, doxycycline, tea tree, etc.

Cons:

Mild flaky skin but easily manageable.

If you haven't responded to other prescriptions well and are nervous to try Accutane like I was, I would highly recommend giving this a try. I just wish I would have a long time ago.
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March 5, 2013

Pros:

Clears skin after a few months.

Cons:

Dry skin
Rash developed.

The sad thing is about retin a for me at least is that it has cleared my face 100%.... And it's been clear for a few months, but I've recently started to develop a rash around my mouth. It's so devastating! I finally found something that works and I have to quit using it. But I highly recommend this product for people.
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February 19, 2013

Pros:

Works

Cons:

Takes a little bit of time to work, but eventually you'll see results.

So Retin-A is pretty much the cream version of Accutane. I've been on Retin A for a while now and I really like it. I'm on the strongest dosage now and my skin has been clear for a while now. This, paired with Cetaphil Derma Control, has done wonders for my skin. I also take minocyclin for that pesky under the skin acne. You just got to give it time. I'm reading these reviews about people who are unhappy with their results. You really just got to be patient and keep it up. Trust me, I've been there. The wait is worth it.
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February 15, 2013

Pros:

It really does stop acne. When everything else failed, this worked.

Cons:

Pimples will come to the surface at first. There is peeling and redness.

I will be staying on retin A microl
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January 29, 2013

Pros:

Smooths out skin's texture.
Provides consistent acne fighting results.
Eliminates blackheads.
Calms the appearance of redness.
Fades dark spots.

Cons:

Requires patience (cannot stress this enough).
Flakiness due to cell turnover.
Redness.
Tenderness.
Sensitivity to the sun.

I have been on Retin-A for about a year and a half and let me tell you, it really works! I had normal pimples here and there during my early to late teens. At around 20 to 21 I noticed my acne getting worse. Cysts began forming underneath my skin and it became painful. That's when I first saw a dermatologist. I began using Retin-A in the 0.1% strength and within days saw improvement. One and a half years later and I continue to use it religiously. It works wonders but the key is consistency.
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January 27, 2013

Pros:

Clears skin
Minimal pimples
Soft skin
Skin glows

Cons:

Makes skin dry
Expensive without prescription

This stuff WORKS! I struggled with acne for most of my young adult life and started using this with low expectations. My skin has NEVER looked better. It just takes time to work so STICK WITH IT!!!
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January 21, 2013

Pros:

This product has really changed my skin, not only has it boosted my confidence by it has healed my acne so quickly. When my dermatologist first recommended retina-micro .1% I was extremly nervous and terrified that my skin would peel like crazy and the initial breakout would be awful. When I first tried it I did get pretty dry skin and it was slightly painful, but after about a month of using this product I never had an initial breakout.. just results! he majority of my acne is gone and the acne

Cons:

can be drying

Amazing product and keep with it, even it your skin is dry you will see results
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January 17, 2013
This is my second review. My last one was on 23 Jul 2012. My face has been 100% clear all the way from my last review to today. Last time I didn't have enough space for my daily routine, so here I go: AM 1. Wash face w/ St. Ives Makeup Remover & Facial Cleanser 2. Apply clindamycin gel 3. Wait 20 min 4. Apply a tiny pea size of tretinoin 0.01% 5. Apply Physiogel AI cream (massage gently) 6. Apply makeup PM Step 1 to 4 Sleep! I also have AMTS (Auto Microneedle Therapy System) once a month for about 5 months now and my scars are now fading.. almost 60% now.
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January 16, 2013

Pros:

Smoother skin
Fades scars
Bye bye black heads
Fades lines

Cons:

Flaky skin

I'm on 8 weeks, I wrote a review in December. I'm so ecstatic to say I just about have CLEAR skin! My confidence is up, I had 3 dates last weekend, I'm more upbeat to start my day! Some things that worked for me. I mix 1 pea drop of retin a with 3 pumps of cerave pm face lotion every night after letting my skin relax from washing (good old ponds cold cream, massage onto dry skin for a min and then gently remove with warm water And wash cloth). When applying the retin a/lotion mix I work from my neck up and keep it away from mouth, corners of nose, and eyes/eyebrows. Once every day in the am I will use my clarisonic to help lift away dead skin. I do the believe this treatment has lifted all the clogged pores and dead skin and now I'm just in the process of watching my scars disappear. Good luck everyone, don't give up on retin a and be VERY gentle to your skin! I also began using smashbox BB cream which my healing skin loves!
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December 14, 2012

Pros:

Smoother skin, faster healing, makeup go ones better

Cons:

Flaking, dry skin

I have been using the .1 for 3 weeks now. I am 29 and started developing moderate jawline acne after ditching birth control. My mom and aunts use this for wrinkles so I grabbed an almost empty tube in a desperate attempt for clear skin. My goodness, I do believe its working! ADVICE, stay away from harsh cleansers. The first week I used nothing but my ponds cold creme and things were okay. I got daring and busted out my clarisonic with neutrogena naturals cleanser. That was a mistake! After a breakout I'm back to ponds and my skin is much happier. Fingers crossed for clear skin!
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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