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
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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April 9, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

made my skin worse

It turns out I was allergic to the Retinoid gels. If retin-a gel made your skin worse, try tazorac CREAM. something with gels irritated my skin until i found a retinoid in cream form
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March 15, 2010

Pros:

None..?

Cons:

My cheeks and face were peeling a lot. I turned BRIGHT RED and even when I stopped using it for awhile, my face remained red. My skin got so sensitive and burned when I put anything on it.

I guess my skin can't handle it. I look 100x's worse now because I am so red and pimply. Maybe I need to wait it out to see the results, but I don't think it's worth suffering through this if you have really sensitive skin like I do.
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March 2, 2010

Pros:

none that I experienced

Cons:

I broke out worse than I ever did in my entire life. It never really cleared up my skin.

I used Retin-A Micro for about a year. I was bracing myself because I knew it would get worse before it got better. Within a week, my entire face was inflammed and covered with cystic acne. I went from being moderately severe to extremely severe for about six weeks. It did go back to being moderately severe, but never really improved past that point. I was extremely disappointed. One dermatologist told me that I needed to stop using if I went on vacation where I was going to be out in the sun. When I stopped, my oil production when into overdrive and my face was very oily. I broke out really bad on vacation. The next doctor told me that it was okay to use (for my skin) in extended sun exposure, but I just needed to be very careful applying sunscreen every couple of hours. Finally, after one year, I decided to stop using. It did not seem to be exfoliating my skin, decreasing the oiliness or decreasing break outs.
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February 12, 2010

Pros:

I don't know yet.

Cons:

MY FACE IS PEELING. ><"
I'm angry.
I DON"T LIKE IT. RAWR

My face is peeling is not cool. Its annoying. OMG.
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February 6, 2010

Pros:

Smoother skin

Cons:

Did absolutely nothing to help with my acne, only my blackheads cleared up the rest of my face looked like a war zone.

It did not work.
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February 3, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up some acne TEMPORARILY

Cons:

BURNED THE $$$HIT OUT OF MY SKIN, so bad I could barely talk.

I wouldn't recommend my worst enemy to use this... And again the no acne results are ONLY Temporary.. I recommend ACCUTANE...
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December 8, 2009

Pros:

i really like this product but my skin is so sensitive and iam scare . after i stop this sh*t. to live houles in my skin texture.

Cons:

iam try my best but its burning peeling. un counfortable. agresive. ans nervous because you dont know if is working or is damaging your face.

i really recomend to use alittle bit. because i try to put alot and it come worst. alittle. so its not that burning. i recomendes depend your skin......
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November 10, 2009

Pros:

IB was more than I could stand. Stop using it after 6-8 wks. I was so depressed and felt ugly.

Cons:

My skin didn't peel or flake or turn red. :) I'm a black female so maybe that had something to do with it... I'm not sure why it didn't peel or flake...

A few years ago I went to a derm for mild hyper. and very light acne. Big MISTAKE. Her PA put me on RA and a skin care regimn but gave me no real instructions except a handout how to use. I should have known better when she didn't really examine my skin. I was excited. Needless to say, I left with $500 worth of product and visions of clear beautiful skin. That never happened. After reading the site, I think I should have started using it slow instead of everyday. My skin is slightly sensitive. I locked myself in the house for months. When I went home for Christmas, I had to endure countless questions about my skin from my family. Even in the gym people tried to give me advice on what to use. LOL My skin was ugly with several huge cystic acne and black marks. That was two years ago. I'm still consistently battling b/o's. Although they are not as severe. I have an appt with a new derm this wkend. So I'm going to try it again. Thanks for the post.
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October 28, 2009

Pros:

didnt use it long enough to find out

Cons:

Angelina Jolie LIP!!!

I was prescribed this by ny new Dermotologist. I waited till the weekend to take this & good thing I did. I did as the directions told me to do since I was supposed 2 take it every nite. & when I awoke the next morning my top lip was swallon.and its day 2 and it still looks the same. & to top my day off my doctor isnt in his office!
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October 27, 2009

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Worsened breakouts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Painful!
Extreme dryness!

This stuff was horrible!! I dont have a lot of acne.. and it gave me TONS! I brokeout soo bad.. the worst I ever have!! It burned when I put it on.. felt like i was peeling off my skin.. seriously. I know there is a purging period... but i gave it over a month and my self esteem couldnt handle it anymore. I couldnt even wear makeup properly because my skin was soo dry... I still have scars from it.
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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