Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
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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June 2, 2009

Pros:

clear up blackheads

Cons:

horrible breakout, getting more horrible each day as everyone is staring weirdly at my acne.

i surely regret i tried this. i start with mild - moderate acne and end up in SEVERE acne! in 2 days my face was like a monster and keep getting more and more coming, many pimples under skin is showing up.
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May 26, 2009

Pros:

Works after long-term usage.

Cons:

DRY SKIN!!!

If you are patient enough to wait it out and go through the worst and make it in the end looking gorgeous then you should use it. The first few weeks it is absolute hell. It dries out your skin horribly. But it is all worth it in the end!
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May 24, 2009

Pros:

regular is great micro sucks and gives you oily skin

Cons:

just doesnt really do what it's meant to do

Make sure you get the right brand for you and the right percentage and the right vehicle (gel or cream). I started with Retin-A gel .01% and after a few months it was my best friend. Worked wonders. all i had was light scars then i ran out, and my dad or pharmacist gave me Retin-A micro cream .1%. a different brand (micro) different vehicle (cream) and a different percentage (.1%) It's terrible. Worse skin of my life now and super oily because it's a cream and so bottom line don't be fooled-micro doesnt mean its better and neither does a higher percentage. Personally, I can't wait to get my old medication back when I go home from boarding school for the summer.
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April 10, 2009

Pros:

clears face over time
good spot treatment
very effective against the volcano acne that never surface and are completely under the skin.

Cons:

PEELING EVERY NIGHT/MORNING
still oily skin.
occasional break outs. about 3-4 pimples at a time every 2 months.

best thing that worked for me. differin did nothing for me. over the long-term, this medicine has reduced my scars to almost non-existent. peeling is an issue. every night before i wash my face and stuff, the areas around my mouth peel and when i wake up after applying at night, my face is a peeling mess. i use moisturizer every morning so that my skin is moisturized for the day/most of the night. if i plan a long night out/sleeping out anywhere, i take my moisturizer with me. absolute bottom line: BE PATIENT.
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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.