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
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4
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3
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2
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1
8.6%

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April 3, 2009

Pros:

i'm not having any cystic pimples, just small, whitehead-like things, scars have lightened

Cons:

BAD BREAKOUT. i got small zits every where on my face especially on my forehead which was the smoothest part of my face three weeks before i started this. SUPER OILY AND FLAKY SKIN.

i'm using 0.05% tretinoin right now and my dermatologist told me this is just normal and that i should just wait and everything will clear up. i trust her so i'm sticking with it for now.
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April 2, 2009

Pros:

Clears up pimples and shrinks them overnight

Cons:

None

Doctor told me to just dab in on and not rub it in on only spots that were broken out, not the whole face. I put on anytime of the day and put makeup over and its fine.
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April 2, 2009

Pros:

it can clear almost everything

pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, even wrinkle, and tone your skin

Cons:

some dryness

you MUST use it with moisturizer and please start off with low concentration (0.01~0.025% is recommended) since you know your skin is going to be sensitive after using this product, you would be very stupid if you are not going to use sunblock during the day! you just need to know "how" to use this properly
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

Greatly improves acne, treats everything from shine, whiteheads, backheads, scars, cysts, as well as skin tone and fine lines, tightens and evens skin tone. Reduces pore size. Has helped prevent new acne and speed up healing of occuring acne.

Cons:

It makes your skin sensitive to sunlight and wind. Breakouts surface during the first 2/3 weeks but heal more easily and overall no real dryness, using a daily mositurzer (acne soultions) by clinique has worked well with Tretinoin.

Using 0.01% for moderate acne, with a few cystic spots. Apply every night before bed, whole face. It has really helped heal my skin and the new skin coming through is even smoother, even in tone and softer than ever.
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March 31, 2009

Pros:

Peeling of skin, feels like new smooth layer without wrinkles or spots. New acne breakouts rate decreases a lot.

Cons:

Initial break out period, reddness, severe peeling if over use.

Retin-A should be used with caution and with sense of intelligence. Feel ur skin, know when to apply and when to take a couple of days off. Dont over wash ur skin or use other cleansers. It's smart to keep ur skin oily while using retin-a as it helps decreasing its side effects. Think this way, u want to be able to tolerate Retin-A for the maximum amount of time without burning, so be gentle and sacrifice the deep cleansers stuff.
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March 27, 2009

Pros:

Clearer skin after about 5-6 weeks. Been using now for 6 months and am very happy with the results. Effective at .25% for me. Current break outs heal more quickly and are less red.

Cons:

Massive drying and redness. I have fair skin and did not want to leave the house for a few weeks. Save up your sick days. The worst weeks were weeks 3-6 after that things really did clear up well.

Be brave and clear your social calander for a few weeks. This stuff pulls all of the junk to the surface with is not a pretty sight. It works but you must power through the 3-6 week period. I am concerned about use during the summer, after mowing the lawn for 30 minutes my face was red. I will be only using it a couple of times a week during the summer. Just keep using it, it will get better.
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March 26, 2009

Pros:

during the first month nothing really changed. it's supposed to start working after about 8 weeks, currently in the 6-7th week so i hope it starts improving soon!

Cons:

burning, irritation, redness, little bumps, more breakouts, peeling
decreases confidence! :(

my skin looks worse that ever right now due to the redness and rawness of it. i don't really break out anymore but my skin is so sensitive and i'm on the verge of giving up but i'm trying to reduce usage to every other day and hopefully it works. going to see the derm in a week so we will see! hopefully things start to improve soon. get a good moisturizer and build up your confidence because it will for sure bring it down!
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March 25, 2009

Pros:

its ok, it helps minimizes acne growth

Cons:

though it minimizes acne formation it brings with it severe itchiness leaving scars.

since I am living in a tropical country I think this is not the product for me, the medication sure is sensitive to heat leaving you compications
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March 24, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin

Cons:

Started out with .1%, face peeled very badly and was red. It hurt to open my mouth to eat food, I could only drink liquids. After about 2 weeks all hell broke loose on my face, cystic bumps and whiteheads EVERYWHERE. Discontinued use.

I lasted for 5 weeks before I had to stop. I was taking antiobiotics and still had a hellish initial breakout. My derm currently has me on Prednisone to calm my face and Bactrim to decrease acne. So I guess the bottom line is, this stuff may work for some people if you are able to get through that initial breakout, but for me it just made my acne worse and now I have a bigger mess than when I started 5 weeks ago. :(
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March 24, 2009

Pros:

Clears up pimples... Makes the Skin glow and real agreeable.

Cons:

Expensive!... And hey am i the only one whose skin didnt dry after using this product. My skin did not dry at ALL.

It works... Sure it makes pimples get worst after a bit of using but after time it helps the problem
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4 user(s) found this helpful

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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