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

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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September 7, 2009

Pros:

newer blemishes are smaller, they go away much faster. My skin's texture has improved.

Cons:

Dryness, redness, lots of peeling in the first few weeks. I've been using it about two months, and havent had the so callled "initial breakout" so we'll see.

Basically it takes all the junk out from underneath the skin. However, it severly irritated my skin the first week. BUT THEN, i mixed the Retin-a cream with the moisturizer, about a pea sized amount of moisturizer to half that amount of retin-a. Then, the irritation went away! Since i've been using it only two months i hope im past the initial breakout. When using this product, don't use too much and have a good moisturizer! It has helped my acne!
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September 6, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of scars, Brings pimple pus to the surface

Cons:

Brings pimple pus to the surface, causes sun sensitivity.

I am 14 going on 15. I have dry cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth, but super oily nose and between lip and nose. When I apply this to red pimples that dont have heads yet (not cysts), it brings the pus up to a head so that i can pop it and it'll heal faster. Also, when I apply this to scars with some moisturizer/lotion, the scar goes away quicker. It got rid of blackheads in my ears. If not used with moisturizer, your skin will be very dry. I occasionally get red zit like pumps on my thigh, and i use this to make it go away and heal succesfully. It doesn't really work on my other types of pimples on my face or back. A little progress on my chest.
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September 3, 2009

Pros:

Been using Retin-A for 10 yrs now and yes in the beginning it made my skin alot worse but after 3 weeks my skin was clear and has stayed that way since!! I absolutely love this stuff!!

Cons:

Took about 3 weeks before it started to work, it made me break out before it got better, and made me very sensitive to the sun!!

Im 38 years old and not only has it cleared up my acne but i have no wrinkles what so ever!! Everyone tells me I can pass for a 25 yr old person and not 38 NOW THATS GREAT !!! Wish I could post a pic of my before and after , ive come along way with my battle with acne :-)
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September 2, 2009

Pros:

Evens out skin out, helps to fade acne scars.

Cons:

Can cause extreme irritation in the beginning if not used appropriately.

I have very sensitive normal-dry skin which breaks out regularly. Tretinoin was recommended by my derm and she asked me to use pea size three times a week. After the first week my skin became severly dry and I had to use heavy moisturizer several times a day to bring it back to normal. I did not want to give up and started using the product again but this time half the pea size three times a week and I slowly increased the frequency. Now I use half the pea size every day and my face looks clear and lot more even. It is amazing how a little goes a long way. I have been using this product for a month now and I hope the condition further improves with continual use.
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August 31, 2009

Pros:

Works Somewhat, Smoother skin, not so much for scars but helped the active acne somewhat.

Cons:

doesn't do miracles for my scars, idk

The above review is for RETIN-A MICRO .10% , which is what I'm on right now. Before this I was on non brand tretinoin gel 0.01.% (like retin-a) and it was absolutely amazingggg! scars faded, no new acne, best skin I've ever had!!! Then my doctor randomly changed the prescription without consulting me. Needless to say, I'm going to get my old prescription before I go back to boarding school. So here's my word to the wise: Don't think that just because it's the micro it will work better, don't think that a higher percentage it'll give you better results-same goes for the brand.
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August 31, 2009

Pros:

clears existing breakouts, prevents new breakouts from forming, evens out skin tone, makes skin brighter, and makes skin less oily.

Cons:

skin peels slightly at first. can be taken care of by using a moisturing in the A.M.

I tried Retin-A a bit skeptically, expecting extreme dryness and redness. Sure, my skin was a little dry the first week, but i used Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (which is alcohol, oil, and soap free), and Purpose Lotion. This evened out the dryness and soon my skin became clear, bright, and much less shiny! I had tried both Differin and Benza-Clin before but neither worked.
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August 29, 2009

Pros:

Clears face, evens skin tone, diminishes the looks of scarring and other imperfections on my face

Cons:

Skin is a little flaky and irritated at times. I made the mistake of putting it to close to the corners of my mouth and it got really dry and painful. Now ive put lots of chapstick on and I am feeling fine. Skin is less and less dry.

I started this product because I was having acne breakouts as a side effect of my medications I am on. After first couple days of use (applied twice daily) I noticed my acne drying up quite quick, skin was dry and red but manageable. I haven't really noticed a "breakout" but I have noticed like maybe two pimples have appeared just underneath my chin...I think beause initially I was not applying the cream there. Now that I have been applying cream all over entire face, I have noticed no more breakouts. I bought a mild exfoliating pad from the makeup section in Walmart...I exfoliate my face with it once a day to remove dead skin and it works amazing. I've been on this retinol-a for about two weeks and several people have commented on how great my face is looking! just endure it for the first while...I have tried EVERYTHIN on the market for acne, even total body cleansing and RETINOL-A is the only thing that is working!! Retinol cost 25.00 but my insurance paid 80% of that. Good
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August 29, 2009

Pros:

Helps acne, fading post acne scars too.

Cons:

Makes skin blushy.

I've been using it for about 2 months, made me break out at first, but now everything is under control, my scars are fading. But my cheeks look blushy.
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August 28, 2009

Pros:

-helped improve acne tremendously
-helps with hyperpigmentation
-clears active acne fast

Cons:

-expensive without insurance (however, each tube lasts at least 3-4 months)
-didn't help me with excess oil
-still experience breakouts, especially during menstrual cycle

This product is amazing. I've been using it for 5 months now, and it took about 3 1/2 months to really notice a big improvement. It's the only thing that has consistently worked to help keep my acne under control. I've tried Benzoyl Peroxide, and it always worsens my hyperpigmentation, and I still would experience deep pimples. Though Retin-A has not completely cleared me (my skin is so oily, I'm pretty sure I'll break out here and there no matter what), I now only get a few pimples each week, whereas before I would get that many each day. A few weeks ago, I started using Oxy salicylic acid pads (2%) during the day. This is probably way too drying for most people, but my skin is so oily, it hasn't made me oilier, or break out more, or peel. This routine, in combination with St. Ives apricot scrub (2% salicylic acid), and a no-picking policy, has left my skin extremely smooth. Not to mention, it helps with fine lines and wrinkles.
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August 27, 2009

Pros:

Made skin smoother

Cons:

made me breakout for three months, made my face red and very oily

I would not recommend it. I had mild acne, was prescribed this and I broke out very badly. Lasted about 3 months and now I am on accutane but have scars and red marks from the breakout I suffered on retin-a
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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