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
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5
21.8%
4
32.3%
3
21.6%
2
14.8%
1
9.4%

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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 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:

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 9, 2009

Pros:

did clear up my white heads

Cons:

initial breakout of 7 weeks was horrible

The initial breakout was terrible. left me with big red pimples which i never had previously. they all cleared up and now i have acne red marks and scaring thanks to retin a. yes it does clear up your pimples, but its too heavy a price to pay. the scars are gonna stay for a long time.
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August 3, 2009

Pros:

retin-a micro 0.1% really works for me!!!! i'm in my mid-20's and had moderately-severe acne, but it's all under control now. i would recommend retin-a micro instead of regular retin-a bc the micro does not irritate bc of the microspheres!

Cons:

face got slightly worse for the first few weeks (but my face was already bad, so whatevs! you really couldn't tell THAT much difference), and after just 7 weeks, my skin looked soooo much better.

on their website, it says it takes 12 weeks to see improvement, but i started to see improvements about 7 weeks -- my face was bumpy all over w/whiteheads and nodules and horrible acne, but not anymore. I'm finishing my 12th week and my acne did subside... A LOT. i had moderately severe acne with literally really pretty facial features, and everyone would kinda look at me in a weird way bc of the acne. now that my acne is under control, i do have more confidence and i feel normal again. I'm so glad i finally found something that works.. i hope everyone who reads this have the best of luck with finding a product that'll work for their skin.
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July 19, 2009

Pros:

It really does work.

Cons:

It dries your skin out so make sure you have a good moisturize. IT TAKES TIME FOR IT TO WORK!!! Believe me, once I broke out worse than I'd started out with I was ready to toss it. Stick with it!

I've only been on the cream form of retin-a for three weeks. The first week was miserable; my skin was flaking and I broke out like I never had before. By the end of week two, most of the breakouts were gone (the pimples that were left were small and easy to cover up) and I noticed scars left behind from previous blemishes were fading. Right now I have one pimple (can't complain!) and my skin isn't dry anymore. Just give it time for your skin to adjust to it.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

Easy skin regimen. Keep it simple and gentle as far as other products like soap, etc. I am so happy to see my skin looking more evenly toned and my old and new brown spots just peeling away! Helps zits heal faster, my face is almost clear!

Cons:

Expensive for me.(My lame insurance has an AGE limit for covering this medication. As if having acne at 36 is any less terrible!)
Initial flaking, peeling makes it hard to apply make up. I never had any discomfort with the peeling though!

I was in the middle of the worst break out ever because of Pro Active. Tretinoin saved my face, I swear by it! It also helps if you use it on those bumps on the backs of your arms.(karatosis pilaris)
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June 20, 2009

Pros:

I have Retin-A 0.025 gel. It works quite well at keeping my breakouts at bay and brightening up my complexion.

Cons:

It has alcohol in it, it drying, causes flaking, and it also causes redness as well.

Retin-A is potent. It works for me, however the gel form is drying. The product causes flaking, so moisturizing while using this product is a definitely must. It also makes my face flush as Retin-a does make one's skin more sensitive. This product takes time to really provide marked results to the face. You will not get great results with this product overnight or even after a few weeks or even one or two months. It takes at least three months before you really start to gain optimal skinclearing and facial skin smoothing. And, in order to maintain having clear skin after the Retin-A has cleared up the face, one must continue to use it. Using harsh products or even products that have fragrance in them while using Retin-A will just keep your face overly irritated, breaking out, and just plain raw. You need to use use mild, fragrance-free products while using Retin-A. And, by opting for a more simple routine while using this prescription product your skin will start improv
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June 9, 2009

Pros:

Keeps renewing skin on my face.

Cons:

Makes my face really flakey and then a few hours later it's too oily.

It works, but it took at least 4 months before my acne really calmed down. I'm still really sensitive to it though and still peeling.
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June 8, 2009

Pros:

Light, use once a day.

Cons:

Dry our skin first two weeks. Irritating.

I had been on tretinoin a for two weeks now and I had just finish with the flakings and dryness. However I have the worst breakouts ever. They are red and all over my face. Some get soo bad it pops by itself. However, I know this is normal and its the purging cycle. Hopefully I'll see some result week six.
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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