Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

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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5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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August 18, 2014
made acne worse.
I'm a 21 yr old female. Ok so 4 months ago i was suffering with an oily tzone of whiteheads. So I started retin a 0.05% twice a week for 18 weeks. The first couple of weeks I purged suffered the ib then by week 7-8 it cleared and i was then left with these disgusting red marks. Till now the red marks are still here and i forgot to mention more whiteheads than before. Oh and my skin is still peeling. The only benefit i got from this was smooth texture and my skin evened out a bit. I'm thinking of going on tazorac. Has anyone gone on Tazorac right after retin a?
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August 12, 2014
Advice- Day 1
I have just been prescribed this product (in .05%) by my dermatologist and today was my day 1 with it. I'm only a middle schooler, and the reviews from adults using this product say that they're skin was pretty irritated and flakey after about 2-4 weeks (which my doctor warned may happen to me). School starts in 3 weeks, and I'm nervous as to how bad I'll be broken out by that time. any advice how to control it? I'd hate to get discouraged when all the reviews say to be patient for the great results.
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August 1, 2014
"Maybe I Just Need to Keep Hopeful?"
I've been using Tretinoin .05% cream for a month and a half and I know off the bat that some people will say that that's not even a long enough period for it to work for some people but so far no good. I hate this concept that you have to use a product for a couple of months to actually see the "possible" effects that it "might" have. Right now I've been on Doxycline, Tretinoin, and Clindamycin for almost two months and I'm no better than I was before I walked into the Derms office. I'm really hoping that I'm one of the people I've read about that just take longer to see the results they want but after repeatedly being let down everything I've ever tried I'm conditioned to believe this concoction that the Dermatologist has cooked up is no different. I fear I'm one of those people who will never beat acne and honestly that just makes me really sad. Still, I'm hoping I can come back to this website in a while and update or change this review to 5 stars...
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December 19, 2013
not even going to try it
The ingredient list on my tube has stearic acid and isopropyl myristate high on the list (first and second ingredients behind tretinoin)..both are very comedogenic ingredients. Many other people have said this product has broken them out...so to me it's not worth the risk.
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October 23, 2013
Not good for everyone.

Cons:

Flaking and Dry Skin
Doesn't Spread Well
Makes Skin Worse

I was so frustrated with acne that has plagued me for years, and thus went to the dermatologist. I was prescribed tretinoin, a minor antibiotic, and clyndamicin.gel. Tretinoin made my skin worse. Absolutely terrible. Yet, I persisted for a full three months with no improvement to my skin. And then, I stopped using tretinoin completely. My skin cleared up. Well, cleared up to the point it was at before tretinion. So, I used solely clyndamicin, which is just okay. On the contrary, this can work for some people. Stick with it for at least 2 months before you give up on it. I don't blame you if you do.
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July 25, 2013
works well

Pros:

no acne
wrinkle fighter

Cons:

drying

I use the tretinion in the evening and the acne.org regimen in the morning. I waited until my skin was clear (thank you acne.org) before introducing this product. I did not have any issues of initial breakouts. I think because I was using BP in the mornings. I would highly recommend using the acne.org regimen first for a few weeks before introducing this product. My face is clear and I couldn't be happier.
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June 9, 2013
Okay...

Pros:

Helps a little
Usually speeds up the process of pimple elimination

Cons:

Can cause acne if used on spots without pimples.

It does help a little bit. I'm currently on it. I've used it for over a year actually... It's good but you need to use it on the actual pimple itself. If you spread it around to other parts of your face, you will break out.
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April 2, 2013

Pros:

minimizes redness over time
clears pimples quickly
refines pores

Cons:

slightly irritating to skin while skin adjusts
moderate initial break-out period
occasional dryness

Preliminary results are good, time will tell!!!
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December 10, 2012

Pros:

Clears Hyperpigmentaion
Clears little white dots under skin (called comodones or something)
gets rid of black heads
Improves skin
Improves Acne Alot

Cons:

When you put too much your skin gets red
Sometimes will make chin flake grossly

My dermatologist gave me this in combination with minocycline and some acanya as a spot treatment, I really did not see a huge difference until they went to the higher dosage of minocycline except for clearing up my blackheads and small white heads but by SO MUCH and your skin feels really good, hyperpigemnation is reduced alot and i sleep with it on every night, not that much flaking and no breaking out because of this product, do not wear under makeup will make you extremely shiny the acanya is a good spot treatment and the minocycline is working but the white head in my cheeks havent gone away yet, this takes patience but it works well
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November 4, 2012

Pros:

None right now, to early in treatment!

Cons:

-skin peels HARDCORE, especially around scars
-oily but dry skin
-supposed to break out?

This summer my acne became unbearable. I refused to leave the house. So finally my mom took me to the derm, and he put my on .025 every 3 days, since I'm a redhead at high altitude. He also put my on clydamicn lotion, which is a miracle in a bottle, and I also stated to take zinc. At the time, my skin is peeling really bad so it makes it hard to wear foundation. My skin has improved tremendously, but I think it's from the zinc and the lotion. Acne is a long process, don't give up! Everyone complains about a Horrible initial breakout, but I just had a Jew more black heads. Either way, I'll update once treatment is over.
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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