Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

...

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.

 [more]
3.5
1649
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
June 2, 2009

Pros:

Completely changes the texture of my skin. Wake up in the morning with fewer and smaller pimples.

Cons:

The Initial Breakout. Also, can make you dry and flakey if not used properly.

I am sick and tired of all the bad reviews on here by people that have used this for 1 month or less. You are supposed to give it at least 3 months to work. Also, you should ease into it so if your skin is reacting horribly, chances are you jumped right into using it every night which is something you are not supposed to do. Don't get me wrong, I really wanted to quit after the first month, it seemed like I have more pimples than when I started with but easing into my 3rd month, my skin is looking AMAZING! I have a nice glow and another perk is that my laugh lines are starting to disappear. One thing that I found helped me was applying a moisturizer 20 minutes after the tretinoin. It really works wonders!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 1, 2009

Pros:

NONE, none, none!

Cons:

I had such a horrible experience with that topical, I can't believe I was ever prescribed it.

I'm so very lucky right now that all the damage Retin-a caused is all cleared up from taking Claravis! I had what looked like giant strawberry marks all over my right cheek, which would continuously explode with whiteheads throughout the day (which were most definitely caused by Retin-a during the "purging" phase). I also had cracked, old looking skin near my mouth and I'm only 23...I was distraught and livid with the idea that it would never go away. But Claravis has fixed everything and I'm back to looking very pretty again :) Please, if you get the "IB" chances are it's not initial and will possibly be permanent for quite some time...STOP using this cream if you have a terrible reaction, I beg you! Unless you want to do the Accutane route which for me has been the best decision ever regarding my acne
This Was Helpful

Report
May 29, 2009

Pros:

none this thing sucks, im going back to stievemycin; i thought retina a would help get rid of my redness but it did no such thing.

Cons:

i am sooo angry, i went through weeks of my face peeling and having dry and flaky skin, which you cannot cover up with makeup. having to sleep every night with a mask of moisturizer, all for NOTHING.

This product is awful, would not recommend to anyone with problem acne, because it only made me break out more. and i mean ALOT more. im throwning away my tube in case i get tempted and think hmmm maybe it wasnt so bad.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 29, 2009

Pros:

Inexpensive, Easy to use

Cons:

Initial breakout, some dryness and peeling

I used my retin-a about a year ago and couldn't handle the initial breakout so I quit using it and went back to a benzoil peroxide wash. My skin wasn't getting any better so I started a course of Accutane. It was absolute hell for 5 months. I had never been that dry, but it cleared by face up wonderfully. I would recommend it to anyone...but back to the retin-a. A few months after I finished my accutane I started getting a few mild breakouts so I got out my tube of retin-a that I had left. My initial breakout was the worste since my accutane treatment, but my skin is now looking a lot better and smoother. It really does just take a lot of time. You can't be impatient. Both accutane and retin-a both take TIME. You just have to know that it will get better eventually.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 29, 2009

Pros:

dries pimples up that would normally take longer to heal

Cons:

dry skin, doesn't work

The zits still come but they go away faster than without it. However, dry scaly patches make skin look red and splotchy. I've stuck with this product for too long and am ready for something new.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 28, 2009

Pros:

I have tired everything on the market !!!!! Retin A is that best thing out there for acne drys out ur pimples and even getds ride of blackheads

Cons:

makes your face a little red at times and dry use a good cream on your face to help the dryness and u could use it every other night to lessin bad side effects

WORKS
This Was Helpful

Report
May 26, 2009

Pros:

Scars starting to lighten

Cons:

More pimples, peeling.

I have used this product for 2 weeks now and it's workign pretty well. Right now, I'm seeing my scars lighten up and that's a good thing. I have peeling right after I wash my face. It's around my mouth and my nose. I can deal with it though. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices to get things perfect. I think if I stick to this and deal with the new break out then I'll get clear skin soon. I will come back and post in 4 weeks from now to tell you guys what's going on :)
This Was Helpful

Report
May 26, 2009

Pros:

Works after long-term usage.

Cons:

DRY SKIN!!!

If you are patient enough to wait it out and go through the worst and make it in the end looking gorgeous then you should use it. The first few weeks it is absolute hell. It dries out your skin horribly. But it is all worth it in the end!
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 24, 2009

Pros:

regular is great micro sucks and gives you oily skin

Cons:

just doesnt really do what it's meant to do

Make sure you get the right brand for you and the right percentage and the right vehicle (gel or cream). I started with Retin-A gel .01% and after a few months it was my best friend. Worked wonders. all i had was light scars then i ran out, and my dad or pharmacist gave me Retin-A micro cream .1%. a different brand (micro) different vehicle (cream) and a different percentage (.1%) It's terrible. Worse skin of my life now and super oily because it's a cream and so bottom line don't be fooled-micro doesnt mean its better and neither does a higher percentage. Personally, I can't wait to get my old medication back when I go home from boarding school for the summer.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 14, 2009

Pros:

non

Cons:

contiunous breakout, extreme redness, skin becomes very sensitive.. especailly to heat!

would not recomend this to anyone, i had very mild acne, obagi and tretinoin has made my skin terrible! have read some good results so it just comes down to the person on how youtr skin will react.....but personally wouldnt take the risk!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 76 77 78 79 80 … 134
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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