Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
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.
Read All About Tretinoin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
March 22, 2008

Pros:

My forehead, nose, and chin are almost completely clear and i see considerable improvement on my cheeks. New pimples are a lot smaller. Most red marks are fading. Made most of my skin a lot smoother.

Cons:

It didn't completely clear my skin and there are still red marks left. It also made my skin a little dry sometimes. It can be unpredictable. One day my skin would be perfectly smooth and a few days later there were several new bumps.

I've been using this product for about two months. My skin stayed about the same for the first two weeks, but since then it's been getting a lot better. Sometimes I break out unexpectedly but new breakouts tend to be less frequent and less noticable. I still have some red marks from previous breakouts, but most of them seem to be fading. I'm going to keep using it for a few more months I think. Judging from other reviews, this will eventually work. I hope to be able to give another review soon giving this 5 stars. I would suggest to stick it out for at least 3 months or so. It's worked really well for some people I know.
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March 14, 2008

Pros:

It really exfoliates the skin well. It kills pimples quickly.

Cons:

It takes a long time to work. I've been on it for close to 2 months and my forehead still has blackheads and pimples. You have to be patient since you will break out at first. It's bringing up all of your toxins onto the surface.

If you aren't patient, don't take Retin-A. You'll just be complaining and you'll most likely stop using it, therefore, you'll never see the great results. Acne is caused by the foods we eat and our diet. Don't believe otherwise. If you eat crap, expect your skin to look like crap. Try fasting to rid your body of all of your toxic waste. It also helps with clearing up skin. Just don't go back to eating crap or else acne will come back.
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March 6, 2008

Pros:

I've been using stieva a creme forte for a while when i first started i didnt put it all over my face i used to put it only on my acne spot but i realize i needed something for all my face so i decided to put it all over my face

Cons:

the first days my face was terrific...! im black too so its really complicated to have somethin for acne and scars at the same time and now its been 2 weeks ... my face is peeling my face is DRYYYY and itchy... i dunno is its suposed to be that way

my face is getting worse ... im getting depressed about it because i dont see improvement im not gonna stop using it because i've tried a lot of things and nothing worked so i have high hope in this product is there is anyone that have good advise for me let me know and especially people with color id would be helpful because everytime i look in the mirror i feel like crying... i wanna be clear about something : i dont have bad acne , i have black and whiteheads and sometime breakout annnnndddd a lot of hyperpigmentation from acne... HELLLPP
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February 5, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of acne and leaves you with smooth skin and less scars.

Cons:

Skin was red and dry for the first few weeks before I got used to it.

Retin A micro took a good solid three months to clear up my skin. The breakouts were less and less but it took a few months to really feel comfortable without any make-up on. Bottom line is you should stick with the product and be patient.
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January 30, 2008

Pros:

only needed in the nighttime, great for wrinkles and improves texture, a little goes a long way

Cons:

initial peeling and redness, expensive w/out insurance

i have been using retin-micro 0.1 a a bit more than 2 months. there was some new pimples that formed in the first 4-6 weeks but was not bad at all. all the while the texture of my skin was improving, as it was getting rid of the bumps under my skin. also, there was some redness in my skin tone when i applied it. now my acne is about 95% gone. i am quite pleased, i just have old marks top get rid of. it is important to use a small amount for the entire face and use it every other day in the initial week. also until recently i used retin a w/out a moisturizer bc i thought it may irritate my skin. surprisingly this dried me out less than bp and the only peeling i had was around my mouth area. but now i am using moisturizer at night and in the morning my makeup goes on great. after my skin clears up 100% i hope to use it every other day. this was the only medication that works for my mom also and at 55 she has no wrinkles. :)
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January 22, 2008

Pros:

When you put it on it looks like make up powder and you don't see the redness anymore

Cons:

YOu have initial break out for weeks, mine lasted for 3 months, then on the 4th it got better and now on the middle of my 5th month i relapsed again and now i am getting bad breakouts.

After 5 months of using this stuff i have scars all over my face, i look like the crater face type now and my skin is really red and i am pissed off at my dermatologist not telling me to after the 3rd month. I SERIOUSLY WARN ANYONE TO REALLY THINK WHAT YOU ARE RISKING BY USING THIS. I am going back to benzoyl peroxide 2.5, Maybe going to give proactive a try.
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January 13, 2008

Pros:

Clears acne up better than any other treatment I know of.

Cons:

takes a while to start working, the first few weeks you get major breakouts, the first few weeks you peel around the mouth and the skin can look red for the first few weeks.

I think it's funny that most people are writting reviews after using it for only a few weeks, if not less. Tretinoin is designed in a way so that it can take MONTHS to take effect. The instructions mine came with said to expect positive results in 3 MONTHS. So anyways, after a few weeks of using it, I broke out terrible. After a month or two more, the acne started coming less and less. I have been using it for nearly 5 months now, and my face is pretty much clear of ance now, and don't get many new pimples anymore. I tried proactive, all the Rite Aid stuff, 10% BP, etc etc. Nothing worked that well. Tretinoin DOES work. It it's NOT a miracle, next-day cure though. This stuff takes time. It's worth the wait though. Don't give up on it, give it a few months and you WILL see your face transform. Don't JUSt use it though, also make sure to wash your face twice a day, and put on antibacterial treatment in the morning (tretinoin at night). This regimen has changed my face completely.
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December 14, 2007

Pros:

It reduced redness slightly

Cons:

It didn't really do anything, so I just continued to break out while I wasn't getting anything to help it.

I think this product only works for certain skin types. You just have to try out and see, but if I were you, I would use something simotaniously so you don't break out more. Or just save yourself the trouble and buy a better product.
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December 13, 2007

Pros:

Fades old acne marks. Fewer blackheads. Skin resurfaced.

Cons:

Week 2-6 of treatment is the worst time. Tons of pimples. Peeling and Flaking. Skin is ultra-sensitive.

I'm in week 7 of my treatment and the bulk of my acne is just now starting to disappear. Week 2-6 was pure hell. My skin feels so much better now, and it's looking healthy and glowing. I'm using Retin-A .025 cream.
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December 12, 2007

Pros:

Very effective for clearing up acne. Continue using it a couple of times a week after face is cleared up helps maintain the acne-free skin.

Cons:

Breakout gets worse initially and can make skin a little sensitive.

Great product! I've had acne since high school and used numerous products. Anything over the counter never worked for me. I've used Azealic acid before, it worked but it really stung and made my skin itchy and red. Tried Clindamycin and it worked but but doesn't help clear blackheads and whiteheads. Then my doc prescribed Retin-A micro to use at night and Benzaclin to use during the day. The regimen was wonderful. Although I've stopped using Benzaclin after my prescription ran out, I've continued using Retin-A for 2 years and my skin was beautiful and almost spot free. I stopped using it for 2 years after that and hadn't had much problems except for occassional pimple before my period. Now that my acne started acting up again I am picking up another tube of Retin-A Micro. Really make sure to continue the maintainence without break even after you skin clears. It's much easier to maintain your clear skithan having to start the treatment again when your acne comes back.
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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.