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
November 9, 2009
Cons:
broke out terrible first two months of use. very dry, flaky and sore. I had to use lotion it was so dry. Stopped working 10 months later.
I think my acne is caused by hormones, and although this seemed to help, it longer does. I have had this with other products. They work in the beginning. So much that people ask what I've been using, but eventually my skin goes back to before. I am trying a different approach this time, through diet. No more topicals for me.
November 5, 2009
Pros:
Clears acne! (Smooths out wrinkles for older folks)
Cons:
Leaves my face severely dry and flaky
I've used this product since last year (mid October `08) for my severe cystic acne. It ended up taking a little over 2 months for my face to clear. Ever since then I've used it 1 to 2 times a week and then I completely stopped using it in February `09. My face started to break out once again in August. So bottom line, try not to get lazy with this product! (I was left with some minor scars)
November 5, 2009
Pros:
Works on stubborn acne when other products don't
Cons:
Severe initial breakout; too harsh for fair/sensitive skin
Use with caution! Retin-A Micro 0.04% cleared up my stubborn bacne when nothing else (BP, salicylic acid, antibiotic pills and topicals) would. I didn't notice an initial breakout on the back, maybe because I couldn't see it, or because it was winter and I didn't care. I'm still using it and my back is crystal clear! Woo-hoo! There is some itching but it can be helped with moisturizer. I tried it on my face and boy was that a mistake. I have very fair and sensitive skin, and it made my face very red, scaly, and bumpy. I gave up at the 7-week point. It may have worked if I'd stuck with it, but it wasn't worth it in my opinion. The initial breakout was too severe on the face. It turned my mild acne into a red-hot mess. I barely recognized myself and cried every day.
November 4, 2009
Pros:
Smoother skin. Whiteheads dry out quicker.
Cons:
Oily and flaky skin
I am 32 years old and have only recentlly been refererred to a dermatologist after over 15 years of moderate to severe acne.
I requested to try this product before they put me on Accutane. Unfortunately this product does not work for me. Although I have some good days and the whiteheads I do get dry out and clear up quicker, most days I still have on average 5 - 10 whiteheads. My next course of action is Accutane....
November 1, 2009
Pros:
-eventually clears up most acne
-less oily skin, skin regularizes
-softens and smooths skin, clearer texture
Cons:
-takes 2-3 months for it to really start working
-at first, causes painful cystic acne
-leaves a bunch of scars :(
Definitely use this product if you have the patience. I used coverup so it didn't effect my self-esteem too much, it was just annoying to see all the acne scars left from the cystic acne that Retin A gave me the first month or so. After a while, however, my skin really started to improve--the overall quality along with the acne. Just remember to regularly apply it but only enough to cover a thin layer on your face. The only big con is the acne scarring, but that will eventually go away. It's worth the clear skin.
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%)
November 1, 2009
Pros:
Its been 3 months---way fewer pimples, texture of skin improved a lot (my skin is less oily now than before). I seriously doubt any other commercial acne treatment product can give me the same results! I got a prescription through my doctor.
Cons:
MINOR irritations the first 3 weeks, flakiness with some redness... but it seriously didn't look any worse than my pimples. Use jojoba oil as a moisturizer.
I wanted to share my positive experience with Retin A because initially I was so discouraged by the reviews and I was afraid to try it. I posted my experience on the message board. [link edited out] I've tried so many things within my budget and nothing has worked as consistently and long-lasting as Retin A. Every other product I've tried has always worked initially, but then slowly over time, the effects of the products wear off. I think Jojoba oil is a wonderful buffer to the irritations you get with Retin A. I have really sensitive skin that turns red easily. Just be smart and stay out of the sun when your starting this product and skip a day if your skin overly irritated. I don't really recommend using other acne products while your doing this because I didn't and I think it would add to the irritation. Be patient for the results! For way more details, read my post.
October 29, 2009
Pros:
the retin A really does work. after applying it in at night, i would wake up with a really really greasy face, but after washing my face it would stay dry for a few hours
Cons:
takes a couple weeks before it starts working, made my face sunburned everday (had to apply sunblock everyday), and smells bad in the beginning
it helped my acne a little bit, drying my face up
But never really cleared up all my acne
October 28, 2009
Pros:
didnt use it long enough to find out
Cons:
Angelina Jolie LIP!!!
I was prescribed this by ny new Dermotologist. I waited till the weekend to take this & good thing I did. I did as the directions told me to do since I was supposed 2 take it every nite. & when I awoke the next morning my top lip was swallon.and its day 2 and it still looks the same. & to top my day off my doctor isnt in his office!
October 27, 2009
Pros:
None.
Cons:
Worsened breakouts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Painful!
Extreme dryness!
This stuff was horrible!! I dont have a lot of acne.. and it gave me TONS! I brokeout soo bad.. the worst I ever have!! It burned when I put it on.. felt like i was peeling off my skin.. seriously. I know there is a purging period... but i gave it over a month and my self esteem couldnt handle it anymore. I couldnt even wear makeup properly because my skin was soo dry... I still have scars from it.
Pros:
worked for a while...