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
1649
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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June 12, 2009

Pros:

Quick healing

Cons:

Initial breakout, dry skin

When I started using this product, it was the first time I truly felt like I could live my life without having to worry about my acne. I was so pumped, and though I've read the bad reviews about the initial breakout, I promised myself I would stick with it. And I did. When I thought it was the worst it could get, it got even worse. I thought it was healing, it was purging. All those pimples plus the dry skin just made it worse. But I stuck with it. And I believe that finally, after nearly 3 1/2 months, I am noticing a significant difference in the quality of my skin. I am still breaking out slightly,from the real deep stuff, but the scars and such are healing so quickly, its as if they were never there. And the dark spots and scars from past pimples are finally fading! My skin is smoother and the quantity of bumps under my skin is def going down.And soon, hopefully this summer or before school starts again, I can walk out of the house, proudly without make-up.
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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:

reduce pockmark, smooth rough skin

Cons:

make skin dry

No
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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 8, 2009

Pros:

It made my skin ALOT less oily and it improved some of the numbers of the pimples on my face.

Cons:

-My skin was dried up SO BAD! It came to the point that where just poking at my face hurt like hell.
-Also, it made my skin all flaky.

I would not recommend this product. I used it for like 3-4 months and it was absolute hell. After it got to the point where I couldn't even TOUCH my face without being in pain, I stopped using it. It took a few weeks before my face went back to normal (meaning without the pain of just touching my face).
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June 7, 2009

Pros:

It works after about a month.

Cons:

Dries out skin really bad, so make sure that you use a moisterizer

Honestly, I have a ridiculous supply of acne medication. Now, I only use Retin-A at night and wash my face in the morning with a bar of soap. Probably 300 dollers worth of medication spent at Clinique and Neutrogena and clean and clear, none of it made better. Benzol Perioxide is my worst enemy, besides making my skin flaky, it also just makes my zits turn into cysts. Retin-A just made your zits that were deep down, come up to the surface. After that, it is clear skin forever! I have been using it for over a year, and I am quite satisfied. I use .04 and it really works. I only had moderate acne though. My friend had severe and shes been using it for two months on .1 and her skin is really smooth. I am really happy for her and myself, I would definitely recommend it, and you should keep an open mind when using it.
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June 6, 2009

Pros:

Helps buff off the to layer of your skin to reveal the acne that was hiding deep under your skin. Improves your acne after the initial break out. Lightens scars.

Cons:

You must ONLY apply it to the infected area or you might risk dryness, redness, and peeling around your eyes, the angles of your nose, nostrils, around your mouth..etc.

I had really smooth clear skin until I started highschool. I guess it was the stress and extra activities I'm doing, but I started to break out horribly. My mother has spent so much money trying to find things that work; I almost gave up even. Then I started the Tretinoin and at first I was a little skeptical. My skin peeled and I broke out; but isn't that what its supposed to do? Your body is trying to get rid of the old skin, so just be aware your skin will have to worsen to get better. It actually does do what its supposed to. Before starting consult your dermatologist to prescribe and explain what its for and how much you should use based on what type of skin to use and the percentage you should take. Don't quit after the first few days, your skin is adjusting to this new medication. It isn't used to what you're doing to it. Let it settle in for approximately 3 months. I use this product ever other day transitioning between Tretinoin and Merderma.
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

Did not improve acne

Cons:

Developed an allergy to BP so this became useless

Didn't work for me, hopefully it does for you. Anyone else with this problem?
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

Pretty cheap and easy to apply.

Cons:

Bad breakouts, it made me sun sensitive, takes a long time to "work", and dry skin.

I would not recommend this, I used it for non-inflamed mild acne and now my acne is moderate to severe I actually got cysts while on this medication! I kept waiting and waiting for three months for this stuff to work but it never did. My acne got so bad I was put on accutane. Your derm may trick you into using this but do not unless you want your acne to get worse.
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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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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