Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1969 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
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.
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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October 10, 2009
I've been using it for about 8 months, and at first it was awful, then began to clear, now I think I still have about a million comedones... wtf?
October 10, 2009

Pros:

Helps fade dark spots

Cons:

Even on very oily skin such as mine I still experienced extreme dryness and peeling. I also developed acne in places i had never had it before (chin and around nose).

The dark spots i had on my skin prior to using this product have been clearing up. But now I have new ones due to the new breakouts (and me picking) and I am very self-conscious. Hopefully these will clear with time. Moisturizer with suncreen is a must throughout the day unless you enjoy walking around looking like a scaly mess.
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October 9, 2009

Pros:

I can tell that some scars are fading and the redness is much less severe.

Cons:

It's hard to be patient... i've been using it for almost 4 weeks.

The jury is still out. From what i've heard it takes several months for the medication to work. I feel like it is slowly improving. I am going to stick with it because i am experiencing all the symptoms everyone talks about. In the first few weeks your skin seems to get worse... hopefully i will experience the benefits after a few more weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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October 8, 2009

Pros:

This medicine helps to improve breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne. Clearing of the face happens nearly immediately and is truly noticeable in those with more severe acne.

Cons:

EXTREMELY DRYING, skin peeling, bleaching of pillowcase

I have had moderate acne since I was 11, and am now 20. I took Clindamycin from the time I was 11 until 14 and that worked pretty well. Throughout high school, my face stayed clear without treatment, but about 2 years ago when I entered college, my acne began to get worse again on my cheeks and chin. I was put on Tretinoin about 2 months ago, and overall it has been working very well so far, but the dryness is starting to become a big problem as the weather gets colder and the air dryer.
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October 6, 2009

Pros:

Clears skin pretty well.

Cons:

Bad breakouts in the beginning. Makes skin extremely dry! Acne may come back.

I've had acne since i was 11 years old, severe acne, so i finally go to the doctor when i was 16 years old. Patiently, every single day I used Retin-A Micro Pump in .01% ... I didn't have any bad initial break outs... but it took a WHILE! So you really HAVE to be patient with it! Well my skin CLEARED UP! and i was happy! i felt good without make up etc etc etc...i'm almost going to be 18 now... ... and i have naturally EXTREMELY oily skin, well now it is EXTREMELY DRY... REALLY REALLY dry... and well... i'm on Retin A again, cuz i'm breaking out AGAIN. i hope it works!
October 5, 2009

Pros:

clears acne and makes face look more youthful nd sexy like sik people from donny like kairous with flawless skin of course

Cons:

dries ur skin outt makes it irritated typical white peoples reactions to creams of course!! lmao

of course all the people who comment r from america nd the uk lmao i havent seen a post from brazil r argentina case they all have sik skin aaha nah this product wor well bt its important to eat healtily nd no coffee
October 2, 2009

Pros:

Improve skin appearance, reduces inflammation, prevents additional pimples, heals scarring and dries up existing pimples

Cons:

Incredibly drying, need to wait 30 minutes after washing face to apply, takes a long time (8 weeks) to work 100%, need to wear sunscreen daily, cant use moisturizer at night

I have had moderate acne my entire life, but it became severe on my cheeks, jawline and chin after I went off birth control in my late twenties. This product does take a long time to work and it is drying but at only 4 weeks in, I see improvement in my skin's texture already. My pimples are far fewer and my scars are healing. I am so happy i tried this product and look forward to seeing it work even better in the next few weeks. Stick with it!
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October 2, 2009

Pros:

Face is clearing up, not fiully, still a little scarring/darker spots from past acne, but havnt had and cysic acne since i started using it almost a month ago.

Cons:

At first it dries your face A LOT so dr recomended using it once every 3 days for a week then 1 every two days for a week then everyday for the rest to avoid the extra dryness. also it seemed like it stopped working but i just kept with it

This product is not a strong acne medication but it works without all the scary side effects. if you are using this i recommend that to get rid of acne, oilyness, blackheads, etc, wash your face day and night with a simple bar soap (I used a regular Dove Bar Soap), and dry face, at night apply the cream and try not to use any moisturizer. I use Olay classic fragrence but i only used it probably three times because it seems like it causes breakouts. I say avoid moisturizer and avoid special facewash because all the chemicals in the wash is just going to cause more breakouts. Also you should visit your dr they will prob recommend you to take a light antibiotic like i did and they wont ask a ton of questions and its safe the one i have doesnt have any side effects which is nice.
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October 1, 2009

Pros:

This cream works very well on my acne for few 2 weeks,it really clear-up my scar (minimize) and help in exfoliating.

Cons:

The cream has make my face even worst after the 2 weeks it drawbacks itching,stinging,scaling, and anything that make your face turn to cystic type.

Now my face are worsen from day to day. It does not make any diff but only cause harm than good. It's not suitable for most people as it contains very strong peeling agent that scarring your face. now that I have very low self-esteem caused of this product. I will never use it again.
September 30, 2009

Pros:

Works so well, with time! took about 2 months of using it regularly for it to really take away my acne. Also improved past acne scars, and overall appearance of skin. Easy to use, only needs to be applied once a day.

Cons:

Takes atleast 1 to 2 months to really see improvement. Acne will get slightly worst when you first start using it.

I've had really bad acne on my forhead, chin, and around my mouth for 10 years, and this is the first product that has really improved my acne. I have been using this product for about two and a half months now, and I have not had one pimple in about a month. I also wear makeup almost everyday. This is the first time in 10 years that I don't have a pimple on my face and I am just extremely happy. Yes, it takes time to work, but it is so worth it. I've tried many things over the years, and this is the only thing that works for me.
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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.

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.