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

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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 20, 2009

Pros:

clears up skin, lightens acne scars, doesn't dry out your skin if you know how to apply it properly

Cons:

Makes you very sensitive to heat, peeling the first few days, cannot put moisturizer on after use

DO NOT WAX IF YOU USE THIS CREAM! I am warning you. I was on this product for a couple of weeks and was delighted because it was actually working and went to go get my eyebrows/upper lip waxed and it melted my skin right off and the wax was not any hotter then normal. Severe pain + melted/painful skin for the next five days. I immediately stopped using it & am now on BenzaClin [again]. If you are going to use this product stay away from waxing & do not spend any long amount of time in the sun. It's such a shame too because this was actually working for me when nothing else has for the past year.
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June 19, 2009

Pros:

cheap if you have health insurance

Cons:

it dried out my skin, made my acne worse, which they tell it will before you use it, and it made me break out in a massive skin infection all over my face!

DONT BOTHER WITH IT! it did nothing for me but make my face look 10000X worse...i decided to go with a more natural method of skin care....use apple cider vinager, honey and pure vitamin e oil for moisture....my skin has never looked better!
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June 17, 2009

Pros:

Forces acne out of the skin aggressively.
Great medication in the winter.

Cons:

Break outs. Sun sensitivity.
Redness. Makes skin oily.
Peeling. DO NOT use this medication in hot/humid conditions.

This medication actually worked quite well for me in the winter. However, I have been using it for 6-7 weeks in May/June in Georgia and it has massacred my skin. It sloughs off dead skin at a more rapid rate, so when your skin becomes oily from sweat(i am outside a lot and work in a hot restaurant) it clogs pores and makes the problem worse. Sun sensitivity has also been an unpleasant side effect. Could be good for right circumstances, but not for me in the summer.
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June 16, 2009

Pros:

Started clearing acne

Cons:

Dryness,peeling,More breakouts in the intial stages of treatment

I had been using this product from the past 1 month and saw bitter results at the start.Was so worried that i rushed 2 my doc complaining about the medication as it made my acne worse.She then prescribed the Isotretinoin tablets to me along with the running medication.My skin is yet to clear completely but could see some signs of improvement.Worth giving it a try but need to be very patient while using this product.Lemme write a review after i complete 3 months of this medication just to let u fellaws know how this product is.
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June 15, 2009

Pros:

has cleared up my acne and the frequency of my cyst like acne has decreased significantly and it's an easy product to use
not that expensive.

Cons:

flaking skin in the morning even with moisturizer and it takes forever to work

Surprisingly I didn't experience the redness or the itchiness but I've used this product for abiut 3.5 months now and started to see improvement my dark marks have been fading and even though I get pimples sometimes they heal faster and my skin is really smooth and my face is more 1 tone now BE PATIENT!!! I kno it's hard,but it does pay off eventually
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June 15, 2009

Pros:

First few applications made skin soft and smooth

Cons:

Every morning waking up to skin peeling off your face, while applying eyes stung from fumes produced, increased amount of zits, 2 months in and no major improvement to acne just smooth skin.

Takes too long to work, stings eyes even though not applying anywhere near.... just don't bother quite simply not worth the aggrevation
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June 15, 2009

Pros:

Really helps skin in the long run. Exfoliates dead skin, purges gunk.
Be patient.

Cons:

Dryness. Standard breakouts in the beginning--patience!
Only apply to the affected area.

I've been using this for a couple years, I just had mild acne like some whiteheads etc. But after the initial breakouts in the beginning of the treatment, it worked very well. Since using it I have cut down to using it a couple times a week at nighttime. For a spot treatment over the Retin-A (.025% gel), or on its own I use Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% and Sulfur 5% lotion which tries up pimples and is very effective. Also, I have cut dairy completely out of my diet. Though sometimes I'll have some chocolate. I really believe in the dairy connection, as does my dermatologist. He's the best in Pittsburgh.
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June 14, 2009

Pros:

This has made my pores A LOT smaller. My face is no longer broken out all over like it had been, I'm down to only a few pimples left. After about a month and a week, it all healed and now it's working pretty well.

Cons:

The initial breakout and dryness was terrible. All over my jawline and left side of my chin was covered in acne after about the first week of using it. I also peeled for the first 2 months of using the product, I am no longer peeling.

IT TAKES TIME! It will cause an ugly initial breakout, but you have to ride it through! Make sure you don't go into the sun with it on, or you'll have bad peeling.
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June 12, 2009

Pros:

Renews skin by peeling, leaving it soft and healthy feeling.

Cons:

It's taking awhile to work...

I've never stuck with an acne product for longer than a year. I'm going to try and use retin a micro for as long as it takes to clear my skin, since it seems like the best way to do it. I've heard a lot about great results.. I had some improvement, so far, but i've only been on it for about four months. My skin peels everyday, but it doesn't get in the way of makeup or anything since i rub it off when i wash my face. I've had a few breakouts mainly in the beginning, but its been pretty mild until now. I've got breakouts on my forehead? weird. I hear it will take about a year to clear your skin, but mine seems obnoxiously stubborn!
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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