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
April 23, 2013
Cons:
It doesn't work well on it's own. I tried it with glycolic and also with salicylic acid but I kept getting huge boils that would have to be injected with cortisone.
I love Dan's regimen with RetinA. The retinA gives me a great peel to keep my pores tight and my skin looking bright and youthful. Dan's regimin and products stop acne in it's tracks and prevents new boils. This combo is amazing for my skin. Not sure if a lot of others could handle these two together as they are both very strong but my skin is flawless using both together. And the moisturizer is perfect although I do glob it on but it works amazingly well.
April 15, 2013
Pros:
Completely clears skin
Gives a fresh glow
Cheap
Cons:
Red face for first few months
Constantly dry skin
Initial breakout
Takes two months to start working
I've had spots since I was about 15. As I turned 18 they got worse and worse up to now (I'm 20). My derm recommended this cream and I was unsure at first. It brought out hundreds of little bumps that covered every area of my face. Each bump was a small pimple that the cream had brought up due to clogged pores. My problem is hormonal but the pill hasn't done much for me. Six weeks in and I was still spot ridden and scouring this website for some success stories. By week 8 I had a few less spots, week 9 less again, until finally I gradually noticed I was getting less and less until there were none! It was a miracle to me and I'm so happy I stuck it out. Now 7 months on and I get the occasional spot but that's fine with me! Please give it a proper go. I've never tried any topical as effective as this and I couldn't bare to part with it now.
April 6, 2013
Pros:
Over time, clears up skin.
Reduces daily oil build up on your face.
.05% is great for moderately oily skin.
Cons:
Is initially very drying.
Initial break out that lasts 3-4 weeks.
Causes sun-sensitivity due to thinning of the skin (so always wear sunscreen, even in Seattle!).
So this is my 3rd review of this cream. I wrote one about 10 weeks into my use of Tretinoin, and then a second after 6 months. I'm now at 1 year of using this medication and I could not be happier. Sticking with this medication is really difficult for the first 4-5 months, because you don't see immediate results and there is a lot of flaking. But don't be discouraged. I went from having lots of acne and comedones on my cheeks and chin, to having maybe 1-2 comedones develop every 2 weeks. Because this medicine thins your skin, any comedone is very easy to extract, if you do so gently. My dermatologist recommended only make-ups and face washes and face lotions that explicitly say "non-comedogenic" on them, and that has also made a big difference. I freely use lotions and sunscreens on my face in order to keep my skin healthy and moisturized, and because they are non-comedogenic they are very effective. Getting through the first months of Tretinoin was so difficult, but I would come back to this site every couple of days looking for success stories. They really kept me going, and I hope that you will read this account, and find the strength to keep going. It will pay off, and you will feel so confident and attractive. Acne is so emotionally painful, but it doesn't have to be anymore! SUPER IMPORTANT: wash your face at night (I use Cetaphil), wait 30 minutes for your skin to be completely dry, apply pea sized amount to affected area. Do not apply near nose or mouth, unless desperately necessary. This medicine will cause more burning/peeling and won't be as effective if you put it on while there is any moisture on your skin. Don't use it in the morning, it's a bit greasy and doesn't work well under make up. Just apply a moisturizer (I use CeraVe with SPF) in the morning and whatever non-comedogenic make-up you like, and go! Also, buy and use a Clairsonic, it is a bit expensive but it is great in the morning when you're washing your face... it will get the dr
March 30, 2013
Pros:
No more red acne, zits.
With time blackheads eventually get pushes out of the skin.
Cons:
My skin get oily when I use this.
Sensitivity to sunlight.
Here is my picture for 11/1/2012 [link removed] Here is my picture for 3/30/2013 [link removed] I have also started taking birth control in December and I have recently cut out drinking milk.
March 27, 2013
Pros:
Works great!
Hasn't caused any peeling or flaking.
Generic brand is inexpensive.
Cons:
None
I've only been using Tretinoin 0.05% for about a couple weeks. My dermatologist gave me the cream months ago but I was really hesitant using to use because of the possible side effects. In my case I dont break out on my face, my breakouts usually occur on my jawline and my neck. So when I finally decided to use tretinoin I was at awe how it completely changed my skin's texture. In my case I didn't have a initial break out which most do. My derm did admit that when one first begins using tretinoin they usually breakout the first week. But not in my case! Stay positive and make it a routine and you should be fine. Because clear skin is on the way :)
March 25, 2013
Pros:
Works wonders
Clear skin
Cons:
Takes awhile
dryness
Flaking
You need to know that everybody is different. Some people see results in 2 weeks. Others in 3 months. The first couple weeks are the worst. Your face is flaking. Breaking out even worse than before. and your skin is red splotchy. But thats how Retin a works it peels off layers of the skin , and helps fight breakouts. And bring up all the acne that was going to come up anyways. Thats why people start breaking out alot. But that just means its working. After 4 weeks i saw results. Never been more happy with my skin today
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.
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.
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.
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
Pros:
great for anti-aging, great for shrinking pores, great for clearing regular acne but doesn't stop boils nor deep acne. Not until I started using Dan's regimen. Every night I apply his wash, wait 5 min, apply his benzyl, wait 15 min, apply 2 pumps of his moisturizer, wait 1 hour then apply Retin-A. My skin has not looked this good since I was 19. I started to get boils in my 20's I am 41now. Last 2 years my boils had to be injected with cortisone monthly. Derm wanted me to use acutane.