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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3.4
1941
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
21.8%
4
32.3%
3
21.6%
2
14.8%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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January 20, 2013

Pros:

I've not been on it long enough.

Cons:

More acne
Dryness
Redness
Flakiness

I have been using the Tretinoin cream .025% for about 5 weeks now.. About a week ago I was going to completely give up on this product (due to the horrible breakout that is normal). After coming to this website I have to decided to stick with it. Everyone seems to give awesome results after using it for a few months. I'm hoping to start seeing some awesome 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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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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October 12, 2012

Pros:

-Incredibly fast acting
-Immediate evaporation
-Covered through Triax

Cons:

-Can burn like crazy
-Burns the eyes
-Major peeling/redness

I've been dealing with moderate to sever acne since the age of 13, I'm 22 now. About two months ago I was fed up with over the counter treatments and went to see a dermatologist. She found me the best regiment that would work with my budget and most of what I received was covered under a Triax Care Plan and I didn't have to pay a dime for the actual medication. I started off with just a morning and night wash with Oxy 10% Benzoyl Peroxide and an application of Clindamycin Phospgate Gel 1%. I would occasionally use a moisturizer but often times it would react badly with the Clindamycin and cause a mild flare up. I saw some decent results with one months worth of this regiment; but I wasn't seeing my acne completely disappear. Five weeks ago I received the Triax package which included a face wash, Tretin-X Gel (Tretinoin 0.01%) and a soothing moisturizer as well as a three month supply of Minocycline. I've been taking the Minocycline twice daily, but when I first received the Tretin-X I was only using that every third day for two weeks and then every other day for two weeks and now I'm on daily application. Also with the regiment of night and day Oxy 10% Benzoyl Peroxide wash and an application of the soothing moisturizer afterwards. As far as the Tretin-X I was a little weary at first. It can burn like crazy when used with the Benzoyl Peroxide and drys your skin up like the Sahara Desert; I noticed my skin was peeling within minutes of the first application. I also noticed my face was a little more red in the first month. But as I pushed through and upped my usage and adjusted to the medication I've had incredible results. I noticed last night that, when silhouetted in light, my face no longer has the bumpy texture I've had for years. The acne is disappearing all over my face and my confidence is rising drastically! It's still not completely gone but I still have about two months of treatment left. All-in-all I'd recommend this treatment, its worked wonders
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September 16, 2012

Pros:

I haven't been on it long enough to find any pros.

Cons:

The WORST" initial" breakout
Makes face peel
Sensitive to sun

I have been on tretinoin .5% retina a for about two months now. I have used it almost every day and also some oral medicine that my dermatologist prescribed me. As of now I hate it. I started out with pretty bad acne. Now I have extremely terrible severe acne. It really screws up your self esteem . The only reason I'm staying on the medicine is because of what others say online and say to wait for results. Absolutely in so many ways terrible as of now.
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July 19, 2012

Pros:

Shrinks pimples overnight
Reduces occurence of blackheads and whiteheads
Improves apperance and tone of skin

Cons:

Redness and peeling intially
Dry and oily patches

I hade moderately severe cystic axne, and nothing seemed to work. Retina-A has definitely improved my skin. I found the my problem had to do with oily skin, persistent blackheads and large pores. The cream helped shrink the size of my pores, and has reduced the blackheads and whiteheads on my skin as a result. The frequent peeling action has also drastically improved the tone of my skin and has faded my scars. I would highly recommend first determining your type of skin and your main problems and then choosing the product the suits your skin best. Discussing your concerns with your doctor and considering all your treatment options should help too.
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February 9, 2012

Pros:

-cleared up 70% of my acne
-insurance covered cost(s)
-lightened dark spots
-brighter complexion overall

Cons:

-doesn't COMPLETELY clear up everything (at least for me it didn't)
-takes at least 4-6 weeks to see results

Retin A is a good starting point. For some, it'll be the only medication they need to clear up their skin. For others, its a starting place to try others topical creams or oral pills. For me, I had moderate acne. The first week of Retin A and Clindamycin I didn't notice much. Oh, the 3rd day, I felt like my skin was smoother. But, of course I got the initial break out from week 3 to week 7. Then, slowly my skin starting improving. I recommend using it every night, I wouldn't skip. That's not going to help you in the long run. It will just slow down the healing process. Bottom line: Retin A does work! It will have a positive affect on your acne, if you use it correctly and for long enough. It might clear you up, it might somewhat clear you up. If I had to do it all over again, I would. By no means, at 4 months am I satisfied with my skin, but I know now a little bit more about my skin than I did before!
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January 27, 2012

Pros:

Smoother skin
Removes scars

Cons:

Leaves skin sensitive when using
Dry flaky skin

I was prescribed this medication for pilaris keratosis. It left my skin really red and very irritated. I rubbed a layer on my arms. It disappears very easily so I kept applying. When your doctor says just a pea size, Listen! I was anxious to remove the bumps on my arms. Kept applying and in combination, wore an unwashed shirt. My arms broke out in a horrible rash. I avoided the cream for a week and it cleared up. Now, I'm starting the treatment again using only a pea-size.
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August 11, 2011

Pros:

SKIN TONE GREATLY IMPROVED
SKIN TEXTURE FEELS AMAZING
WORKED QUICKLY FOR MY COMODONEAL ACNE

Cons:

FLAKEING AND BURNING
WAS WORTH THE PAIN

EXTREAM COMODONAL ACNE ON ALL MY FACE CHEST AND SHOULDERS...NOTHING WAS WORKING...TRIED RETIN A MICRO WITHIN FRIST 5 DAYS I SAW VAST IPROVEMENT...I WAS FEELING BETTER ABOUT MYSELF ALREADY. SO FAR SO GOOD. I DIDNT HAVE INSURANCE SO I HAD TO PAY THE RETAIL PRICE FOR IT..I ABIT EXPENSIVE...BUT WORTH IT
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August 10, 2011

Pros:

Lighten up scars
No severe break outs
Acne is cleared up

Cons:

Initial break out
Irritates skin for a couple of weeks

Ive been on Retin- A for 4 months now and I WAS happy with my results. It made a great improvement to my skin. Scars weren't there. No more pimples. But now my acne is starting to come back.. i think im not immune to retin-a and it wont stop my breakouts, HELP and P.S recommend this item
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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