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

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March 12, 2009

Pros:

long lasting effect

Cons:

takes some time to achieve the desired effect but once it clears up, it stays clear a long time

I've had acne since i was thirteen. I've been to more than 10 dermatologists and has been through all sorts of treatment known to dermatology and has used more than a dozen acne medications. I learned that religious use of tretinoin with a sunscreen has the most long lasting and durable effect. and it helps slow down aging, too. Be patient guys and you'll see results soon
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March 11, 2009

Pros:

It is well priced and started to clear up my cheeks.

Cons:

It made my skin extremely dry and flaky, and though it says it gets worse for a couple of weeks, it's been 6 weeks and I've seen no improvement. My chin is worse than it's ever been.

I used this product every day as prescribed, and I'm not seeing any results. Maybe it will work for someone else, but I'm just not getting anything out of it. My face is just red and dry, and I've gotten cystic acne on my chin quite frequently since starting it.
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March 11, 2009

Pros:

Has cleared my face completely. I have no more scars and skin is smooth. This is due to how the product peels your skin.

Cons:

First couple of weeks acne became worse.

I really love this product. I've been having acne since I was 9 and finally now that I'm 17 I'm proud to say I have clear skin. I started using Retin-A about 2 months ago and I've never had such clear skin till now. At first I did break out. Luckily for me I had no "burning" sensation and no "redness" as others have had. I actually find it quite relaxing having the product on my face. But everyone is different. However in the first couple of weeks my face did break out since it was adjusting to the new product. In the end, the cost of the product was all worth it.
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

none so far

Cons:

extreme dryness

I've been using .05% Tretinoin daily for the past two and a half weeks. I apply a very small amount everynight before bed. I didn't notice a single change in my acne for the entire first two weeks, but the last couple of days have been brutal. The entire area is extremely red and dry. No amount of moisturizer helps. I had been applying it on my chin area and inbetween my upper lip and nose (the only areas i break out in) and suddenly those areas are extremely red and dry. It hurts just smile and i feel the tight skin when i talk and i can't even look at it in the mirror its so bad. If this is the path to clear skin, i'm not sure its worht it. I doubt i'll be applying any more of this to my skin tonight.
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

clears up acne well, affordable and easy to use

Cons:

takes a while to work , bad initial breakouts and severe irritation at first

I started out and experienced frustrating bad breakouts for about 2 months , but as i was about to give up , my dermatologist paired Atralin with a strong antibiotic and then it steadily got better. I found that the Aveeno calming cleanser and moisturizer with feverfew work WONDERS and clinique redness reducer makeup are amazing when dealing with the dryness and redness. I also cut out dairy products and my skin is finally looking great after about 3 months. DONT GIVE UP my dermo said that he sees an 80% improvement within 4 months and this has been true for me. I have used many things in te past and finally I feel like this product is thorough enough to end this for good.
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March 6, 2009

Pros:

it works!! it gets rid of your acne within a few months

Cons:

it takes a while, and you have to follow a set of rules that go along with the medication

i used this product for several months and saw absolutely no effects, in fact, my acne probably got a little bit worse; eventually, i saw my doctor and he had me use an antibiotic with the medication, which helped a little but did not completely heal it; then, i figured out the real key was to do the following things religiously: 1.) no desserts, i ate saltine crackers, bread, etc. all day, every day 2.) drink A TON of water, we have 7 classes per day, i drank a bottle a class, then like 3-4 glasses at home, in addition to the water i had during meals (NO SODAS, FRUIT DRINKS, etc!!!) 3.) make sure you change the detergent you are washing your pillows with so that it does not cause acne break-outs, if you are using bad detergent, it will work with the retin-A to make your acne much worse 4.) quit using cologne/perfume if you do these things this product WILL WORK!!! if not, you can expect prolonged acne
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March 6, 2009

Pros:

Eventually my skin got clearer and my chest has gotten smoother.

Cons:

Dryness, flaking, burning.

I use this along with speronolactone (50 mg/day) and clyndomycin 1% gel as needed for breakouts. I have been using vanicream cleansing bar becasue of sensitivity and it has seemed to help (can only find at walgreens 2.99/bar) and Mary Kay moisturizer morning and night. My chest looks so much better that I have started wearing lower cut shirts again! My face is better and my pores seem a little smaller. Stick with it, even though it sucks at first!!!
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March 3, 2009

Pros:

Reduces fine lines. Evens skin tone. Clogged pores kept to a minimum.

Cons:

Lengthy skin adjusting period. Can cause irritation if too much is used.

I've been using Retin-a Micro 0.04% for over a year and I'm 31. This stuff has been amazing for my skin. Fine lines around my eyes have vanished. My skin is mostly smooth and very soft. It did take awhile for my skin to adjust to it though, but I stuck it out and am so glad I did.
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March 1, 2009

Pros:

smooths skin, slightly fades red marks

Cons:

makes skin extremely dry and flaky and causes peeling, even if you use a moisturizer, causes acne in places you didn't have it before, all new acne leaves scars

If I were you, I would try other products first. I am sticking with it now that I am already on it because it DOES make my skin feel smoother and slightly reduces the appearance of red marks and I find that when I try to get off of it, my acne gets worse. However, since I've been using it my skin has been flaky and peeling even though I moisturize and use only every other night, which is embarrassing and looks ridiculous especially when I'm wearing makeup. I have been on it 8 months and have been using it properly and am not happy with the results I have gotten. I would recommend trying other products first.
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February 28, 2009

Pros:

My skin is smooth and nearly perfect when I use Retin A Micro without fail. There are very few hormonal breakouts and even those are insignificant.

Cons:

The initial few weeks are uncomfortable. Read the information provided. Do not use it near the corners of your nose, mouth or near the eyes. Sunblock is crucial.

Great product for those with a light hand and a bit of patience.
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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