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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5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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February 21, 2009

Pros:

It really works, if you know how to use it, and are patient. My skin keeps getting clearer and less oily the longer I use it.

Cons:

Makes your skin much more sensitive, and causes peeling and dryness.

Don't start off using this every single night. Your skin needs time to adjust to this medication, and if you try to force things, your skin will become red, irritated, and painful. Start off using it once every three days, or every other day at most. Be patient. Make sure to wear a SPF 15 sunscreen on your face during the day, exfoliate GENTLY for the peeling, and use a natural non-irritating moisturizer like Jojoba Oil when needed for the dryness. You HAVE to use this product for at least a month, possibly up to three months, before you really see an improvement. It's worth the wait. There is no quick fix for acne. Don't even bother trying to treat it if you can't wait 1-3 months for results. Be patient.
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February 20, 2009

Pros:

very possibly helping

Cons:

some flakes & sensitivity

My neice was using retin a for about a month and half with not the greatest results, but then, decided to use a great vaporizer (puts out a lot of steam) in her room at night and am wondering if it has helped the retin a absorb better into the skin - as she lives in a cold dry winter climate- and her skin is doing much better. Less breakouts, more clear less red areas etc. Also, recently started using blue/red light (2 weeks now) about 2 minutes under each light daily. Her skin looks much better so far. We are also trying fresh aloe (the gel inside a broken leaf)as an anti inflammatory/moisturizer.
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February 18, 2009

Pros:

Definately made an improvement in my skin
Made skin really soft
Zits dont stay up as long

Cons:

My face is really oily
I still break out
Peeling skin

I think this is a really good acne medication. My skin has shown dramatic improvment for the 4 months ive been on it. However, it didnt make all of my acne go away, and it leaves red marks sometimes, but those go away within a week. Sometimes i break out pretty bad even tho i continue to go on it, but i think its just a cycle. Give it time, it will help
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February 14, 2009

Pros:

HATED IT and I'd have to stop it a lot because of the dryness was so bad they every morning when I tried to put on cover-up it'd peel right off! Differin practically the same thing and worked much BETTER!

Cons:

PEELING HORIBBLE PEELING!

Differin does the same thing and it makes you skip those gay side effects!
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February 13, 2009

Pros:

Shrinks Pores, No more pimples after time, great product, no cysts

Cons:

Initial Breakout, Dryness

Im SICK of people giving retin a one star because they dont know how to use it. Use a pea sized amount every night after cleanser your face with a gentle cleanser. IT TAKES TIME YOU SKIN WILL GET WORSE FIRST. It is worth it, stop being impatient people, just stick with it.
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February 13, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up complexion, MAJOR IMPROVEMENT! Brighter skin, and extremely smoother.

Cons:

The first month or two is absolute HELL! it feels like your face is going to melt off if you dont get off it. No amount of lotion makes you feel better, only worse, but trust me, do NOT STOP. This stuff really works no lies.

Stay on it!! IF you get off and get back on the cycle will start all over again. That was my mistake, don't make it yours. It wiilll be sooooooo worth it in the end.
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February 12, 2009

Pros:

Clears up skin after pro-longed use, smoother skin, clear complexion. Skin seems brighter, with almost no black heads and white heads.

Cons:

I got horrible dryness under my eyes and the bottom of my jaw. It wasn't just peeling, but unbearable flaking and dried up bits of skin. But I stuck it out. Now my skins very very clear.

I used to get horrible cystic acne, sometimes where it felt like a horn was growing out of my skin. HOWEVER, Retin A purges your pores. It promotes skin cell production, so there for, the dryness you get is from your skin renewing itself and removing all the gunk. STICK TO IT! Just moderate your usage. I didn't do that at first, I used it every night, and by the end of the week, my face was killing me. The second time around, I used it on every third night, then after a week, I went to every other night, and then 2 weeks later I made it to every night. My skin is much better now, less marks, less dark spots. You just have to wait out the dryness and moisturize. Visit their website for tips! But if you discontinue the product after a short period of time due to dryness or more breakouts, YOU ARE WRONG! Read the site, it gets better! Your skin is just purging all the bad stuff out, and after a month or so, you see great improvement! TRUST ME, IT'S WORTH IT!
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February 12, 2009

Pros:

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!

Cons:

Made me go from mild acne to severe acne within 2 weeks!!!!! I am terrified of this stuff, it ruined my skin:( I used it for 5 weeks before I couldn't tolerate it anymore.

This stuff is awful!
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February 11, 2009

Pros:

Appeared to be a miracle cream the first week

Cons:

And then all the fun started..

Maybe it's just me, but I have never reacted well to a retinol product. I had an awful reaction to Tazorac, and stupidly my derm gave me retin-a. I even asked straight up if the initial big breakout is normal, and she wouldn't give me a straight answer. So I used retin-a cause I figured that derms have to be right....WRONG. I am so embarassingly blistered, red and flaky right now, my skin is a million times worse that it was before. I seriously don't know what to do to get rid of it
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February 10, 2009

Pros:

Cleared complexion, prevented new breakouts & smoothed skin

Cons:

Dry, peeling spot for the first week or so

I love the product. I've been using ProActiv for over 5 years and it never really did anything for my skin. I tried Murad for a while and that made my breakouts more frequent and worse. I think I've tried every over the counter remedy for acne and nothing has seemed to work. I'm very satisified with this product and I can't wait to see my face in about 3 months.
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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