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
August 8, 2009

Pros:

Started clearing up skin at around week 7 rapidly. It purges the acne that is underneath the skin and brings it to surface. Easy to apply regimen since I only use this at night and a mild facial cleanser.

Cons:

This made me breakout for around 6 weeks. The breakout weren't the average small pimple/week or so. It turned my moderate acne into severe acne during the purging stages, which can last up to 3 months. Also irritates, dries, and flakes skin.

I would recommend you this product only if you can last 3 months of continuous breakouts. This stuff is strong and made my skin unbearable for around 7 weeks. However, it does get the job done and clears up acne. The main thing that you should remember about this product is that if you begin it, you should stick with it despite you looking considerably worse for a couple of weeks.
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July 31, 2009

Pros:

Already seen a difference after a 2 weeks. my previous scars are almost gone :)

Cons:

been breaking out a bit and a my skin is peeling quit a bit but its managable.

so far this product seems to be the best thing i have used ever, ive tried proactive, different oral medications and natural products nothing works literally! lol but i have only been using it for 2 weeks so its hard to know how well my skin will finnally turn out but im gonna keep going with out for a while
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July 25, 2009

Pros:

improves blackheads and pores

Cons:

takes long time to clear up spots, makes skin very oily

only been on it for 10 days.makes skin really oily. had some more breakouts. exisiting ones taking ages to clear up.best to apply sparingly or at night. some peeling but will be more if used too frequently and liberally.see how it goes in two more months.no effect on hyperpigmentation yet or skin texture i.e. roughness.
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July 19, 2009

Pros:

Makes skin feel smoother.

Cons:

Been using for 2 months and acne is worse than ever. Started out with about 5 pimples and a couple scars and now have a face full of it. Kept using it hoping it would eventually start clearing up but still hasnt happened. Makes skin redder.

Has not worked for me so far. Going to use it for about another month and then give up on it. Wish i just would have stayed of it and had just a few pimples. I have trouble even looking myself in the mirror.
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July 12, 2009

Pros:

it really starting to clear up my skin really quick, cheap, simple

Cons:

-i am african american so it makes skin look patchy as the new skin is coming in.
-gets worse before it gets better and makes skin oily and itchy

Im on my 4th week and im looking a lot better i only have like 2 zits and most of my acne scars are gone and my doctor said that if i give it 2 more weeks i should be totally cleared!!! If your thinking about using this product dont wait do it now so you get the first couple of weeks out the way because they are hell, but after that it will slowly but surely get better. And last thing dont use more than the once before bed because I got stupid and thought it would clear it up faster and it makes your skin worse...
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June 30, 2009

Pros:

The cream is affordable. It does clear problem pimples, but it does take a lot longer to dry and get rid of the pimple. Tretinoin works better on small white heads.

Cons:

The cream makes skin red and dry. It takes many weeks to see any results.

Tretinoin is a good product for mild acne and helps to clear the marks left behind after a breakout.
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June 2, 2009

Pros:

Completely changes the texture of my skin. Wake up in the morning with fewer and smaller pimples.

Cons:

The Initial Breakout. Also, can make you dry and flakey if not used properly.

I am sick and tired of all the bad reviews on here by people that have used this for 1 month or less. You are supposed to give it at least 3 months to work. Also, you should ease into it so if your skin is reacting horribly, chances are you jumped right into using it every night which is something you are not supposed to do. Don't get me wrong, I really wanted to quit after the first month, it seemed like I have more pimples than when I started with but easing into my 3rd month, my skin is looking AMAZING! I have a nice glow and another perk is that my laugh lines are starting to disappear. One thing that I found helped me was applying a moisturizer 20 minutes after the tretinoin. It really works wonders!
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May 29, 2009

Pros:

dries pimples up that would normally take longer to heal

Cons:

dry skin, doesn't work

The zits still come but they go away faster than without it. However, dry scaly patches make skin look red and splotchy. I've stuck with this product for too long and am ready for something new.
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May 14, 2009

Pros:

non

Cons:

contiunous breakout, extreme redness, skin becomes very sensitive.. especailly to heat!

would not recomend this to anyone, i had very mild acne, obagi and tretinoin has made my skin terrible! have read some good results so it just comes down to the person on how youtr skin will react.....but personally wouldnt take the risk!
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April 30, 2009

Pros:

works really well at clearing up spots and scars. def worth trying.

Cons:

can make your skin dry, peel, red and sensitive to sunshine

i have been using this cream for over a month. i only use it every 4 nights as im slowly building my skin up as my skin is very sensitive. it has worked soooo well. my skin has cleared up loads and even more amazing it has cleared up the red scarring! im still getting a few spots but i think that is because im only using it every 4 nights so once i use it more it should be fine. To deal with redness and drying and peeling i use manuka honey. That works so well just put it on every night, leave 20 mins then wash off. makes my skin smooth and calms it. i also use jojoba oil which is great at moisturisng it. i use a suncream every day called cityblock spf 40 by clinique. my only worry is how long i can use it for especially as im going travelling to Asia, New zealand and Australia in a few months so the sun may bother my skin but hopefully it will be fine! this cream is def worth trying! i think you need to start off slowly like i have so that way you can cope with the reactions
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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.