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Side Effects
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.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
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November 27, 2008
Cons:
Irritation
I used to have a ton of comedones all over my cheeks and now I only have a few. I also get a lot less of the big red pustules, about 2 a week now. I just spot treat them with benzoyl peroxide. They seem to heal faster since I've started using the tretinoin. When I first started to use it I had big breakout and a ton of irritation. I've never had acne that bad and my face was bright red and sore. The instructions say to use a pea-sized amount but I used way more at first because I couldn't seem to get that much to cover my whole face. Using too much causes irritation so you really do have to use a tiny dab and just spread it around quickly and carefully before it absorbs. Also make sure you wait a half hour after washing your face to put it on. It's annoying but it really helps. I like the results but I have really sensitive skin so even after a year and when I follow all the instructions I have irritation. I want to switch to Retin A Micro or Differin and see if that hel
November 17, 2008
Pros:
I use this topical treatment for superficial scars and to mantain my skin clear!
Cons:
dry skin, redness, peeling and burning
For the first 3 weeks, it made me break out, and made my skin burn, get dry, red and irritated. But that's only because it's cleansing the pores, and at the same time making the top layer of the skin peel off. Every day after 3 weeks my skin gets really smooth and clear. I have something come up every now and then, but it's definitely worth it. Be patient and you will see great results... :) For acne I use Clearogen, is the best!
November 13, 2008
Pros:
it absorbs so well not a sticky ceam at all. clears my skin, starting to see red/purple marks fading from pimples. only been using for 2 weeks, hopefully it goes well, can order from skin care rx
Cons:
$75 a tube, dryness, some redness,
its working at clearing me up and fading marks on my skin and shrinking my pores size. i cleanse with purpose moring and night spf of 30 from good skin super hydrating for the day. i use vasaline around my eyes top and bottom i also put it around my lip area. some people exspress concern around the lip area getting yellow and crusty. the directions clearly state keep away from nasal folds, lip area, and mucas membrames like the eyes. i use it on the top of my lips but not on the side maybe your saliva might be making that yellow stuff grow plus it is very drying. However i do dab a bit under the eye area but you cant gob it on it's very very potent so use with caution and be patient until your skin adjusts. start slow then you can upgrade. i just think bad results happen with misuse.
November 1, 2008
Pros:
EVERYTHING!
Cons:
Redness
I have very oily skin and had terrible breakouts before using Retin A. I frequently went to the dermatologist and nothing helped. I hate seeing those "get your money" scams on tv for acne. This stuff ACTUALLY works! Despite the peeling of the first week or so, once you use it in months time, skin is gorgeous. I love it! Absolutely love it!
October 28, 2008
Pros:
Purges skin. Great exfoliant. Works, but can take a very long time to see full results. Smooths out skin over night.
Cons:
Dryness. Redness. Breakouts for first couple of months of use.
I used retina a couple of years ago with tremendous success over about a six month period. I recently started back, cause I had some samples and cant afford the Ziana prescription I was recently prescribed. I am now in the 1-2 month breakout period that comes with the beginning phases of using this medicine but will remain optimistic, cause things will get smoother. Great medicine for overall skin health. Remember, it is very strong, so a little goes a long way.
October 23, 2008
Pros:
clears up the skin rather well
Cons:
dryness and redness for the first few months of using
good product, ive struggled with acne for many years, and this stuff is the only stuff that worked!
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.
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.
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..
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.
Pros:
Less blackheads and comedones (little skin coloured bumps)
Pimples heal faster when you do get them
Helps fade red marks