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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January 16, 2009

Pros:

Clears my acne pretty well does amazing job drying up your face.

Cons:

I brooke out in these weird hive things that are totally descutsting. this is an embaressment. i felt like skipping school today but i couldn't. i do not think you should use this medicine it is plane horriable.

yeah your acne goes away but the descusting rashes come out. it is not worth the pain! do NOT use this medicine you pay to get yours face messed up worce then it was before!
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January 13, 2009

Pros:

THE PRODUCT WORKS BUT I PERSONALLY HAD TO EXPERIENCE HORRENDOUS BREAKOUTS FOR 0VER 6 MONTHS

Cons:

IRRITATES SKIN, SUN SENSITIVITY, PEELING, VERY SLOW TO RESPOND

RETIN-A WORKS BUT IT TAKES FOREVER TO WORK, NO TO MENTION THE HUGE VOLCANOES THAT WILL DEVOUR YOUR FACE FOR THE FIRST 2 MONTHS .....IT BROKE MY SPIRIT EVEN MORE AND NEVER REBUILD IT BACK UP ....BOTTOM LINE AFTER 6 MONTHS I QUIT AND SAW LITTLE OR NO RESULTS ....IN FACT IT MADE MY SCARRING PROBLEMS WORSE ....I AM TERRIFIED OF RETIN-A N AND WOULD MUCH RATHER STAY WERE IM AT THAN MESS WIT THAT DIABOLIC CREAM AGAIN !!!!!!
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January 12, 2009

Pros:

It cleared some pimples in the first few days.

Cons:

It made my skin incredibly dry/flaky and moisturizer would not help.

I would rather have pimples than the dry skin that this left me with.
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January 11, 2009

Pros:

it seemed like a mircle cure the first couple of days

Cons:

all hell broke loose and my skin turned into the red planet. I had acne where I never had it before. I beg anyone thinking about retin a micro to go with something else. I lasted three months before I had to give up

Retin a micro is not a good product. The website says you will go though a period of increased breakouts but what they dont say is that you might not make it out of that period. My skin went from moderate breakouts to close to severe acne. Even my friends noticed that my skin had got dramtically worse in a very short amount of time. They website claims that retin a micro works backwards but I dont know of any other situation in life that first gets horribly worse by creating more problems like dry skin and oily skin and new acne and then somehow turns around to be successful.
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January 7, 2009

Pros:

cheap... 10 bucks for each. clears up skin in a month. fades away dark spots. skin is brighter more even skin tone. works better if taken with antibiotics.

Cons:

skin dries up like crazy. you can see skin peeling for a few days.

would recommend
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January 6, 2009

Pros:

Zits go a way much quicker, blackheads are gone, nice glow to skin, actually cleared my face for new years eve no bumps! But then started breakin out in 3rd week again as mentioned on website.

Cons:

Peeling, and really red skin, but only around my mouth and chin, why? I think because that's where I break out most, and also use Duac during the day. The rest of my face is fine and clear

I'm in the beginning of my 3rd week. Let me tell you a little about my acne so you can judge if this review will be helpful to you. I am 23/f my acne started really bad after getting off birth control which kept my face clear during my teen years. Now I'm back on but it, & either it's taking forever to start working or isn't going to help. So I use Retin A Micro at night and Duac during the day, also take Nicotinamide ZCF pill. 1st week I went from my usuall 7-8 zits, btw these are large red inflamed zits, sometimes cysts, to like 13! I freaked out but by week 2 my face was flat with the red marks which at least when I wear foundation look like I'm clear. Wearing foundation proved to be difficult cuz of the peeling. I had to switch moisturizer from Aveena Ultra Calming to CeraVe lotion which is great! 3rd week, my skin broke out again but not worse than before about 7 zits, and they are going a way quicker than they would w/out RAM n Duac, I will update post after 7 weeks of use
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January 4, 2009

Pros:

Brightens the skin!

Cons:

Some peeling around the chin.

After pregnancy my skin broke out in small bumps that would soon turn into big red pimples. I tried everything.....finally went to the dermatologist and he gave me Atralin. I have been using a week and actually saw a difference the first time! I still have a few big ones left but all the little ons are gone and it has brightened up my skin and made it appear smoother! However, this gel is very, very expensive!
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January 3, 2009

Pros:

Fades scars and takes care of the BIG red volcanoe-like pimples that seem to NEVER erupt.

Cons:

It creates a plastic like layer on my skin and sometimes when I wake up I have peels on my face...like I put on one of those clear face masks that tighten and you peel it off?

It works amazingly well at reducing the huge pimples that hurt! I'd put it on when I felt like a pimple was coming and either it never came or it'd be a small one. It seemed to make my skin worse for the first month but now my skin is completely clear but I don't give Tretinoin full credit though....the semester just finished and my stress decreased drastically which could account for the clear skin!
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

easy to use,cream doesnt run off face. this works for me cause i work from home,

Cons:

not sure yet so far i havent seen any

well is seems to be working i have only been using this product for 3 days and the spots seem to be fading already.i'll just keeep applying until i see massive changes
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December 31, 2008

Pros:

great for wrinkles!

Cons:

i peeled, peeled, peeled! face was red and raw. and my insurance wouldn't pay for it because i am over 35!

retin-a did nothing but make my face peel. it was red, raw and sensitive. i preferred acne to the mess retin-a made! i switched to differin and had much better results. and my insurance will pay for differin so that's a bonus.
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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