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

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October 16, 2008

Pros:

Smoother skin eventually. Acnes heal faster, fades age spots and gives a more even complexion.

Cons:

Takes FOREVER to work. It causes severe breakout before it starts to improve. Please be warn that it takes a brave person to stay on Retin A. Skin will dry, peel, flake and even hurts to touch

I had moderate acne since 11 and later improved to mild as an adult. I condsider giving up using Retin A almost daily. I still get the red dots, dried, flaky, peeling skin with whiteheads. I recently got big pimples to my chin (never before) while on Retin A. In a odd sense, I stay on Retin A because I know that the changes are due to its effectiveness. I know that the skin cells are turning over (or healing at a rapid rate). My skin is still very unpredictable. I thought that after the first 3 months, it would be smooth sailing. Anyhow, I'm hanging in there.
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October 7, 2008

Pros:

Blackheads and whiteheads all over my forehead and chin have starting to clear up for the most part.

Cons:

Skin is oilier than ever and I now get more regular pimples and cysts than before.

It may still not be long enough for me yet (5 weeks), but I am getting discouraged. I have adult acne related to a hormonal disorder so I am also taking birth control and using a clindamycin cream to control breakouts. Until this summer, I had very soft, clear, beautiful skin. All of it sudden I have 30-40 bumps on my face. My derm said it would take awhile for the birth control and retin-a to help, so I think that the clearing I have seen so far may be the antibiotic. I am not completely sure this product will work for me but I know people that have had great success with it.
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September 25, 2008

Pros:

areas with no acne = perfect
acne dont last long..

Cons:

redness, peeling, and irritated

ive been on it for almost 2 weeks..and my face now is kinda worse at the moment..my face have been peeling like nuts..and the acne scars have turned from pink to bright red.. but hey guys..im gonna stick to it no matter what..ill keep u updated..chillax..
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

Improvement in overall skin tone, dries spots out swiftly/ overnight. Generally pleased, skin def looks better.

Cons:

break outs in new places, particularly if you miss the retin a for a few days. Increased prominence of bumps in the short term.

I'm using Retin-A 0.01% and have been for about 3 months. I have oily skin all over, scar easily and had bumps under the skin when I started with mild acne. I do not always manage to put this on at night but when I do consistently, my general skin tone is clearer and more even, despite some isolated spots. I've also noticed that the bumps beneath my skin are becoming more raised and prominent and there are more of them. From what I gather, this is part of the 'purging' effect. Unfortunately I am a bad one for going out and not cleansing my face before bed, and when I missed out Retin-A for a week before going to bed my skin broke out in really bad acne, huge red bumps with pronounced heads- never had this before, tho when I went back on it they cleared very quickly. The peeling described by other, and when I've used it consistently my skin has looked quite glowing with a bit of help for isolated blemishes.
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

Clears acne, healing old scars nicely

Cons:

Peeling if used twice a day

I have used Retin-A Gel 0.025% for about 2 months now and my acne has definetely improved. I didnt experience any initial breakout but i did peel but a little but moisturiser sorted that right out. I find if i have a heavy one on the booze or eat greasy foods e.g pizza, burgers etc a week later my skin becomes alot more oliy and i will breakout but pimples are usualy dried out after day and just peel off. I still have scars from previous spots but they seem to be fading well. Works for me, why not give it a go.
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August 19, 2008

Pros:

Still waiting

Cons:

Waiting period is insane. Gets worse before getting better

So i've been using this stuff for about 2 months now. Still not seeing any results... very frustrating. Reading some of these reviews have given me hope, i will stick it out. 1 month left before college starts, 1 more month of hoping.
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August 10, 2008

Pros:

Stops skin from being oily.
Causes skin to shed.
Keeps pores open.

Cons:

Now that your skin is not oily, it is simlpy too dry.
You end up with red skin if you use more than a very small amount(spread out) and if you use it daily (I do it every second day).
Pores are open, but the sebum build up is still there.

I do suggest it, but this is not the best treatment. I would suggest trying to find a laser/other treatment place prior to trying this, however that is likely expensive. This will not cure acne on its own, so you do need to ask your doctor/derm about other things. A big issue I have is with blackheads and they still form. The build up literally gets pushed out of the poor now and the blackhead just reforms. The only positive note is I rarely get infected compared to before (oral anti-bodies do a better job, though, for awhile).
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August 9, 2008

Pros:

It made the healthy sections of my skin smooth and eliminated fine lines

Cons:

Persistent acne developed in new areas that had never been infected, creating a very unpleasant complexion.

My dermatologist prescribed Retin-A Micro 4 months ago for minor acne on my forehead. I used the Retin-A as prescribed. My skin peeled and turned red during the first 2 weeks. I was delighted with the new, soft skin. I started to develop large cysts on both temples and the area between my eyes around the 3rd week. I was told this was normal, not to pick, and to continue the treatment. I continued the treatment for 2 weeks. By the end of the 5th week of treatment my entire face was broken out. Not with small pimples, but large cysts. My doctor prescribed Oracea and advised me to continue use. I'm 4 weeks into Oracea and I'm still broken out. The cysts take roughly 2 weeks to heal. I threw in the towel after 3 months of use. My complexion is terrible bc of Retin-A, but improving now that I'm no longer using it.
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August 4, 2008

Pros:

face has improved significantly

Cons:

must use in conjuction with lotion and sunscreen to keep skin from flaking and turning bright red

i've used this product for about 10 days now. i am 27 and over the last year i have struggled with bothersome breakouts, uneven skin tone and dry skin on my face. i was originally put on doxycycline and clyndamicin and my face got significantly worse. now i am on benzoyl peroxide wash and retin a. you have to be patient with this medication. read other people's reviews; that is what i did and i've found that waiting after you wash your face to apply the retin a is better. also, mix a pea sized amount into your facial lotion and then apply. this helps to keep the flaking down. plus, i use a mild cleanser like cetaphil and alternate every other day until my skin gets accustomed to this medicine. i am really impressed with the results already. good luck.
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August 3, 2008

Pros:

This is working well for both my back and face, but not on its own (I use Finacea with it to help inflamed acne).

Cons:

Takes a long time to get skin used to it; first time I used Retin-A 0.04 percent was a disaster (DO NOT use more than a pea size for face, and don't spot treat)

Once I started being very careful about applying only a pea size amount and wearing sunscreen daily, this helped my acne when I used it with Finacea. I am now using the highest strength and am getting even better results, but I use even a little less than a pea size amount. I did get a small initial breakout when I switched strengths but the Finacea helps reduce the IB. Also, the higher strength seems to be helping red marks more. However, I really recommend starting with a lower strength and working up only if you aren't red and flaky (it hasn't caused redness or flakiness with me since I started the Finacea and used a smaller amount of Retin-A). Also, if you are breaking out a lot more from Retin-A, please call or see your doctor about it. He/she can tell if it's normal; if it's not, you might need something else with the Retin-A, like I did, or it might not be right for you. Better to check early on.
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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