Acne.org Products
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Works about the same as the other two topical retinoids, tazarotene and adapalene, and lands in the middle of those two when it comes to side effects. Should provide partial clearing, but comes with sensitivity when you first start using it. It probably won’t be a total game changer but it should help reduce acne.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
June 12, 2008
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
April 7, 2008
Pros:
helps clear my skin and makes my skin feel soft.
Cons:
dry skin.
i would recommend this cream as it does help cure acne.However, patience is key.It's irritating for the first 5 weeks but you get used to it.Don't give up!
April 1, 2008
Pros:
Eventually clears skin completely. No blackheads, whiteheads or ugly red spots. Skin looks like a 10 year old girl's! Can even go out without make-up. If a spot begins to surface it is gone by the next morning when the gel is used overnight...
Cons:
AWFUL for the first 9 weeks of using it! Skin got so much worse before it got better... Felt ashamed of my appearance for the first time in my life. Try this out starting at the beginning of the holidays. Use DDF suncream and mineral foundation.
Ok... I have had problem skin since the age of 12 (I am now 21). I have tried antibiotics (topical and oral), millions of creams and even dianette (v strong contraceptive pill supposed to make acne better). Spots have made my life hell - staying at a friend or a boyfriend's house and secretly doing your make-up in the bathroom so they don't see your spots is no fun at all... Retin-A at first made my acne much, MUCH worse. I even cried it was so bad. My skin peeled and my forehead, then chin, then cheeks started coming out in big ugly spots... BUT, after about 6 weeks I started to see an imporvement. After 9 weeks I could look in the mirror and be happy. At 11 weeks there were no spots left and the scars were fading. My skin was smooth for the first time in 9 years. Advice: PLEASE STICK AT THIS. Don't start in the middle of the college term, like I did. Try it during the holidays. By the time you go back you will look beautiful. Use the gel consistently. Once every eve. Good luc
March 29, 2008
Pros:
clears skin
Cons:
works very slow
to start, if you dont have patience this product really iusnt for you. the normal ime table for this product is initial breakout in the forst 2 weeks, progress in weeks 3-6, and results after 7. dont go buy that, everyone on here stresses patience it took about 5 months for my skin to get clear. i kept breaking out all along while on this treatment but know after the 5th month im so happy i stuck with it, u will be too
March 26, 2008
Pros:
I can see it working already
Cons:
Initial breakout is scary as hell, dryness (wearing make up over it especially power make up like mineral make up will show it)
This is my third week using the 0.01% gel and my initial breakout is subsiding. I see some pimples disappearing already. My biggest issue is my forehead which is covered with tiny little whitehead bumps. But I can see already that they are starting to clear.
Dear Lord, the initial breakout was scary(first 2 weeks). I couldn't bare to see my face in the mirror but I kept going because everybody on here said that it would do that and my doc also said that. I will post on the progress
Pros:
Ughhh none so far.