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

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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June 17, 2011

Pros:

Clears away breakouts (with time)
Lightens scars
Cleared about 80% percent of my acne

Cons:

Flaking
Peeling
Redness
Loses its effectiveness after about a month

So I went to the dermatologist about 2 months ago, and he prescribed me a combination of antibiotics and Retin-A Micro. After the first week of treatment, my skin started to flake and peel especially around my mouth, nose, chin, and the area in between my eyebrows. No big deal, but after peeling, the area would turn bright red and wouldn't subside until about a week later. Now the second week, I definitely saw an improvement in my acne, the large bumps on my face got smaller and the scars from previous breakouts lightened slightly. As the third week came around, my face was 80% clear, primarily made up of scars and a minor breakout on my right cheek. Now the fourth week was disappointing, because it appeared that it lost it's effectiveness and I started breakout out badly on my chin, forehead, and cheeks. Would I recommend this product? For people with light or moderate acne, yes. For people with severe acne, no.
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June 14, 2011

Pros:

Told it will help clear and prevent future break outs.
Killer on cystic acne.
Said to help with scaring, I think I believe this, maybe a little.
I wear it only at night before bed

Cons:

Dryness around affected area
Redness
Scabbing over healing areas
The scabbing makes me want to pick at it

I had an Implanon which is a form of birth control and had it in about 1.5 or a little longer and over that time I got mild break outs around the back of my jawline which over time turned into sever cystic acne along my jawline and on my neck and then moved into the left side of my face, very painful. I also always had little white ones that were never white heads but were under the surface and would pop easily they were everywhere..... Once taken out was put on Yaz and given Retin-A which I used religiously and then also incorporated emu oil into that equation every other night to help with the healing process. I still have a lot of scaring but the cystic acne is gone and I still get a few of those other ones around my mouth but really very unnoticeable. I like this stuff because it tingles so I feel like its killing the acne lol, as far as scaring goes I don't reallly notice a difference as to that when I use the emu oil which I always wake up and my face is smooth and the redness is significantly reduced in my face. I will stick with this as well as with the emu oil
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May 30, 2011

Pros:

fades pigmentation slowly
reduces red hard zit
dries out pimples over night

Cons:

peels skin
burns after washing your face
hurts

i just started using retin a cream 2 weeks ago, i have noticed a little difference where the acne was.
May 26, 2011

Pros:

-Face looks clearer and softer in parts where I didn't have acne before!
-Blackheads disappearing on nose!

Cons:

-Red marks just dont disappear
-Wrinkles around eyes
-White heads

I started using proactive about 3 weeks ago and that broke my face out bad, before my face wasnt that bad only a few pimples and white heads, but I still wanted to clear it up completely. After using proactive for two weeks i quit when i started using retin a micro .01% a week ago. I havent really noticed an IB because proactive did that for me I guess. I use it at night before i got to bed, waiting 20-30 mins before applying retin A after washing my face with cetaphil or purpose. In the morning i wash with cetaphil or purpose and moisturize with purpose with SPF 15. (Trying to decide which one i like more- cetaphil or purpose) Im also taking tetracycline twice a day, multivitamin, fish oil, vitamin d (cut dairy out of my diet) and protein (post workout and morning shake) Im hoping this stuff works in the next few weeks! Hope this review helps and I'm not giving up on this until it clears me up. Wish me luck!
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May 9, 2011

Pros:

Great at fading marks
Renews the skin, awesome glow

Cons:

Did not help prevent new acne from emerging
Extreme flakiness and dryness of skin
Initial breakout due to purging of skin

It was great at fading marks by gently peeling off the old, damaged skin. However, the peeling and flaking process is really difficult to manage (almost as bad as dealing with the acne itself). I couldn't apply makeup without my skin peeling off underneath. I couldn't even brush my fingers against my face without a bunch of flakes coming off. The new skin underneath was perfect though. It did nothing for preventing new pimples, just helped peel them off quicker. I would much rather use adapalene gel- it is a synthetic retinoid and FAR less intense as tretinoin. If your acne is under control and you just want to get rid of marks then this is your best bet. However, be prepared to deal with intense flakiness.
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May 6, 2011

Pros:

Eventually made my face clear.
Made skin smoother.

Cons:

Very harsh.
Painful to go in the sun while using it.
Face was red and sensitive the entire time.
Burned my face pretty bad.

Tretinoin burned my face badly for about 2 weeks but after the burn healed my acne scars peeled off with it so it helped but not before putting me through pain and suffering.
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April 15, 2011

Pros:

Reduced pustules
Made skin less oily

Cons:

Didn't affect blackheads
Still have acne

I don't know I'll continue to use this for my acne. My derm prescribed Clinimyclin gel and retin-a 0.05. I was to try this or go on accutane which I don't want to for it's horror side effects. I don't know if my acne will go aay while using this, so if your derm says to try it do. It might help or it won't.
March 23, 2011

Pros:

- rapid turnover of skin cells makes new pimples disappear fast and reduces hyperpigmentation

Cons:

- sun sensitivity
- scaly, red patches
- patience needed (which I'm sorely lacking!)
- doesn't help with hormonal breakouts

I've battled with hormonal acne for about 15 years since the birth of my son. For several years I was on Diane 35 which was great for my skin but bad for weight gain, plus I just didn't want to be on the pill forever. For the past eight years since off the pill, I've tried various over-the-counter products, but still battled breakouts before my period and ever-increasing pore size and blackheads. It seemed like every pore on my nose and chin was a blackhead! So, I've been trying retin A .025% for the past seven weeks, being very careful to wait 20 minutes after washing and using the right amount. Initially, I had the expected burning, peeling, redness but was impressed with how quickly new acne dried out and how quickly my old scars were healing, and it seemed my pore size was getting smaller. Now at 7 weeks my skin has seemed to have "gotten used to it" - my acne and pore size are just like before, my skin is just as oily as before (a complete slick by 11 in the morning) plus it's still peeling and dry. So I've been thinking about ditching it, but after reading all these reviews will try to stick it out for a few more months. Just sucks that summer is coming and I can't get a tan...that was usually one sure way to clear up my skin!
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March 17, 2011

Pros:

Clears up acne (so far for me just a little bit)
Reduces pore size
Easy to apply

Cons:

Initial breakout is absolutely HORRIBLE!
I have been using this for about 7 weeks now, and my skin has only just started to turn a corner. I have obsessively checked this website over the past couple of months, and took everyones advice to be patient. I think (hope) that patience if finally starting to pay off slightly. At 7 weeks, my face still isn't clear, but I am not getting the constant angry red pimples that I have been getting since starting this product.

I think and hope this product works, but you really have to have a TON of patience, and expect your acne to get a lot worse before it gets better. I am still waiting for that miracle day that everyone describes where I wake up to beautiful skin, but I hope it's coming soon since it really is starting to improve. TIP - Wait the 20 mins to apply the product. I hadn't been waiting the 20 mins to for the first 6 weeks, and my acne was awful. Way worse than ever before. I noticed when I finally started waiting the 20 mins, it began to improve. It used to sting when I put it on, and it doesn't now that I am waiting awhile. So I think this step is very important. It also stopped the red, scaly patch I had on my chin when I waited a while to apply it. My doc prescribed me Minocyclene, Retin A Micro & Benzoyl Peroxide. I ditched the Minocyclene after 3 weeks. Wasn't seeing any improvement and had concerns about being on an antibiotic long term due to side effects. I have a prescription for Yaz, but I am holding off another month just to see if my skin will clear up with just the Retin A & BP. I hope this helps you!!
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February 25, 2011

Pros:

- helps
- peeling

Cons:

- slow -.-
- gives the white thing

guys when its peeling it means its good its removin the damaged skin -.- sheese u should b happy -.-
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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.

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.