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
April 27, 2009

Pros:

Helps clear up moderate acne

Cons:

Makes me oilier than I have ever been in my life!!!
Still get a few, minor breakouts - initial breakout AWFUL
Haven't really noticed a change in skin texture

Eh....it's just ok in my book. I've been using this fro 4 months now. The initial breakout was awful (~3 months of use for me), but I was expecting it and stuck with it. I started noticing less pimples around the time of my cycle when I get the most cystic acne which was a huge plus. However, I don't see a change in getting rid of the brown and red spots that I have now due to that really nasty breakout. The other odd thing is.....everyone claims that this makes them so dry. Not me. I have never been oilier in my life. I am oil slick. I wear all matte make-up with a primer and I still am oily within minutes! I have tried to go down to using Retin-A every other night, but still the oiliness is just awful. I am struggling with continuing this product or not.
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April 26, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Itching, redness, peeling for a week, causes more break up. Itching leads to scratching when i sleep. I've crusts all over my face now.

I'm using the 0.05% This is my second week and my acne worsened at least 10 times, spreading to other areas. My face is like a red mess now. I can't even look at the mirror. :(
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April 24, 2009

Pros:

felt like it may have gotten rid of some pimples

Cons:

made face very red and waaaayyy too sensitive to the sun. being in the sun for a while gave me a sunburn and i had sunblock on too!

I feel like my pimples got worse when I was taking tretinoin. I did not like this at all. The smell is unpleasant and it doesnt have a positive effect on the skin. It gave me a whole bunch of bumps all over my face, made me break out way worse than before. If you are going to take this make sure it is what you really want to do and dont let your doctor pressure you into doing it. I'm glad I stopped using it and i feel that my skin is in much better condition now then when it was when I was taking tretinoin. I used to tretinoin gel .01 for about 8 weeks. It didnt get better just made my skin condition worse. It did not work for me and it wasnt worth it to put myself through it.
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April 20, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up acne and scars, prevented breakouts (I have really greasy skin that pimples just love, good thing i managed to decrease it to mild before I used this product), I can actually rub my cheeks and barely feel any bumps, whereas before I could.

Cons:

None. However, I did get a slight dryness in it. I dont really understand why people could have cons about this product, however I am only on my second week.
Anyways, in order to get something perfect, you have to make some sacrifices.

Great product.
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

Greatly improves acne, treats everything from shine, whiteheads, backheads, scars, cysts, as well as skin tone and fine lines, tightens and evens skin tone. Reduces pore size. Has helped prevent new acne and speed up healing of occuring acne.

Cons:

It makes your skin sensitive to sunlight and wind. Breakouts surface during the first 2/3 weeks but heal more easily and overall no real dryness, using a daily mositurzer (acne soultions) by clinique has worked well with Tretinoin.

Using 0.01% for moderate acne, with a few cystic spots. Apply every night before bed, whole face. It has really helped heal my skin and the new skin coming through is even smoother, even in tone and softer than ever.
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March 25, 2009

Pros:

its ok, it helps minimizes acne growth

Cons:

though it minimizes acne formation it brings with it severe itchiness leaving scars.

since I am living in a tropical country I think this is not the product for me, the medication sure is sensitive to heat leaving you compications
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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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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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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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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.