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
1941
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
21.8%
4
32.3%
3
21.6%
2
14.8%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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July 27, 2008

Pros:

Honestly, I can't think of any. If I had enemies, it would be a great product to literally deface them.

Cons:

Retin-A has:
Made my light whitehead/blackhead problems much worse and glaringly noticeable; dried out my skin and produced cystic pimples where I previously had none; caused really awful dark, scab like spots on my forehead; made my face fall of

I have used this product for 2 months, and while that may not be the ridiculous 3 months for the *beginning* of results that is cited in the product description, I feel fully entitled to be disappointed and discontinue use. Effectively, I look like a leper without foundation, which I have to apply throughout the day to maintain professional appearance. The product burns and itches so much that I can't resist scratching at it, and of course this is detrimental to my skin's already shabby condition. I'm in my mid-20s, and this product makes me look 15; I'm not talking in a Ponce de Leon's fountain of youth way, but more like a revisitation of pubescent pimple purgatory.
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July 11, 2008

Pros:

Dramatic improvement with continued and consistent use; soft skin; reduces shallow scars and wrinkles

Cons:

Flaking, redness, irritation if used improperly

This product TAKES TIME to work. Your acne will clear, but you will not notice any major improvement for at least 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions! Apply the solution sparingly. Apply for a short time every other night to start, then increase duration and frequency of application--this will help you avoid redness and irritation. I have increased the strength of the preparation I am using and I find it very easy to tolerate now that my skin has grown accustomed to the regular strength. I have tried both the gel and cream preparations. I prefer the cream because it is less messy and it stays on my skin longer. The gel can be more cooling and drying for people with very oily skin. Bottom line: be patient! Your acne is being resolved from beneath your skin.
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June 25, 2008

Pros:

smoother surface
fewer bumps and pimples

Cons:

PEELING skin
redness and irritation
raw-looking skin

I've been using this product for 4 months now, and overall, I'd say it has really helped improve my skin. I BROKE OUT in a LOT of papules and pustules (recently and out of nowhere)on my cheeks, an area on my face I had only ever had an occasional pimple or two. It took A LOT of patience for me to use this product, but in the end I think it has really helped. What I would tell other people is to also use LOCOID LIPOCREAM, which is something my derm just perscribed to me. Retin-A worked and took away a lot of the bumps and pimples, BUT it left my skin so red and irritated that I looked sunburned. The locoid lipocream REALLY helped reduce the irritation, and my mother (who is quite critical) even noticed the difference :). Please, save yourself the trouble I went through and get this cream (disclaimer: without my insurance it would have been 130$ so it's quite expensive)
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June 16, 2008

Pros:

It dries out the pimples so they seem to go away faster

Cons:

It does in deed make the acne worse. I've been using this for 2 months now, this is the 3rd month, and I have yet to see improvement.

Although it makes the acne worse, I think what its doing is peeling away the skin so that the hidden acne underneath will be treated. I'm sticking to this product basically because I know someone who has used it for a few years and she has gone from having acne to having beautiful, perfect and clear skin. It does cost quite a lot of money and it does make your skin peel and become dry. Although, I think the peeling and dryness can be dealt with with a decent oil free moisturiser and cleanser for oily skin like those made by Cetaphil.
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June 12, 2008

Pros:

Ughhh none so far.

Cons:

Really really REALLY bad breakouts. BAD. Worse than I have ever had in my LIFE. Not predictable, looks awful with makeup, dry dry dry, red, flaming.

I've been using it for 2 months. I've read that the 2 month part is the worst. Mannnn I really hope you guys are right with the fact that it'll get worse before it gets better because this is just nast. Both sides of my cheeks have visible dark spots that I'm praying won't scar. My forehead was really clear for the first month and this past week it is god-awful. I went on this because my acne was getting a bit bad...not THIS bad. I'm also on Duac gel in the morning for the red bumbs and for the first two months I was on an antibiotic. I go see my Dr. in about 6 days and jeez I hope some good comes from this because I feel like CRAP.
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June 9, 2008

Pros:

Works quickly on individual spots, if left over-night. Smoother skin.

Cons:

Highly erratic. Severe 'initial' breakout' which leaves you with scars and red marks. Makes skin red, raw and sensitive, so even if it does eventually clear your acne - you are left with a nasty complexion.

I've been on Retin-A for 3 months now, and It has been a painful and depressing journey. I can honestly say, it is one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made. Seeing success stories has motivated me to continue putting this stuff on my face, but it has destroyed my once mildly clear skin and given me cystic acne, when I have never had it before. The "it gets worse before it gets better" was rubbish in my case, as the Retin-A caused so much acne to surface.. there was no way Retin-A would be able to clear up both the spots IT CAUSED and my original acne. Some people are willing to go through 6 months of the destruction Retin-A causes, but in this modern society it is primitive to think that a drug can make your condition worse for 6 months before it starts to heal it, IF it heals it at all. It may have just been my skin not reacting well to Retin-A, but I would never use this stuff again!
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May 20, 2008

Pros:

I can tell its working! My forhead purged and cleared last week and now my cheeks are purging and healing. I'm HAPPY with the Progress :)

Cons:

I'll miss getting my eyebrows waxed :( (thins the skin.)

I have some advice for all of you that go through "Skin Torture" to the point where the peeling, soreness, and sensitivity are unbearable, and embarrassing....Ask you derm for a lesser percent!!! My Tretinoin 0.025% CREAM is very mild, and though it causes peeling, After I lightly exfoiliate with 3 crushed aspirin and apply my purpose moisturizer, my skin looks and feels much smoother. I'm slowlw seeing the improvement and Im sooo happy about it. Remember that tretinoin is NOT antibacterial, so incorporating clindamycin, or benzol peroxide during the day is def. beneficial! I am actually happy to go through this purging faze because I know you must "go through it, to get to it!"..Clear Skin that is. I also ordered Md Forte Glycolic Cleanser III that I can't wait to use along with this product. Tretinoin isn't for everyone but I think it works for 80%. I'll update on June 27th, that's 7 weeks since I started. Im So OPTIMISTIC!
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May 18, 2008

Pros:

Really does work with ample time...fights acne, gives smooth skin, and fights aging
Recommed while on treatment: Cetaphil face wash and for ladies wearing make-up - Maybeline Matte Mousse make-up...covers well and goes on peeling/blistering skin.

Cons:

You really, really have to have patience! This is not a quick fix. Do not scrub your face with washcloths or any harsh material while on this. Just use hands and Cetaphil moisturizer.

I used this product when I was a teenager and hated it! I stayed on for maybe two-three weeks and swore it off. Now in my 30's I wanted a great skin...I have had mild to moderate acne starting in my teens and have always used BP at night. I chose to go with Obagi Nu-derm system. The first month was not so bad...second to third was horrible!! There were MANY times I thought about quitting...I felt for sure it is not working and it can never repair damage it is doing. I had a red, peeling face that was so sensitive it hurt to touch...plus I had nasty acne. I made two very bad mistakes initally..do not use BP wash or cream during treatment, and do not put any facial hair cream remover on during treatment. The BP created horrible dry patches and the facial hair remover simply removed hair and skin! Now four months into treatment I cannot believe differnce in my skin...it began healing quickly after third month and just gets better every day...no breakouts and peeling..my skin is so smooth.
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May 13, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

More break outs. Scarring. On my 9th week still no sign of improvement.

I occasionally had two or less pimples at a time. Ever since I started using tretnoin 0.025% it has slowly jumped to 15-20. Both sides of my face are covered with scars, which weren't there before I started using this product. Im probably going to stick with this product for another month and see if anything changes.
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May 7, 2008

Pros:

Finally something that works! My skin is so much fresher now I am out of the purging stage. Blackheads mostly gone and my cystic acne no-longer about. It works!! I have used for 4 months.

Cons:

Initial 2 months - peeling and breakouts. Feels like it is not working but it is. Even on the dark days it is worth the wait.

I am so much happier and confident. Best of all is the sense that I can expect my skin to behave rather than dreading the next morning waking up and feeling new lumps. I am sure you all know that feeling. Also good reason to use strong sun factor and keep those wrinkles at bay. I can now be vain!! Do not give 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