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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4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
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1
8.6%

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May 29, 2009

Pros:

none this thing sucks, im going back to stievemycin; i thought retina a would help get rid of my redness but it did no such thing.

Cons:

i am sooo angry, i went through weeks of my face peeling and having dry and flaky skin, which you cannot cover up with makeup. having to sleep every night with a mask of moisturizer, all for NOTHING.

This product is awful, would not recommend to anyone with problem acne, because it only made me break out more. and i mean ALOT more. im throwning away my tube in case i get tempted and think hmmm maybe it wasnt so bad.
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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 8, 2009

Pros:

Helped acne somewhat

Cons:

Made my face so red I looked worse than I did with the acne.

People don't generally comment on your acne. But when your face gets this red, people always ask "Why do you wear so much blush?" or "Why do you put blush all over your face?". I would always snarl through my teeth "I'm not wearing blush!!!!" Not worth it to me.
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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 24, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin

Cons:

Started out with .1%, face peeled very badly and was red. It hurt to open my mouth to eat food, I could only drink liquids. After about 2 weeks all hell broke loose on my face, cystic bumps and whiteheads EVERYWHERE. Discontinued use.

I lasted for 5 weeks before I had to stop. I was taking antiobiotics and still had a hellish initial breakout. My derm currently has me on Prednisone to calm my face and Bactrim to decrease acne. So I guess the bottom line is, this stuff may work for some people if you are able to get through that initial breakout, but for me it just made my acne worse and now I have a bigger mess than when I started 5 weeks ago. :(
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March 16, 2009

Pros:

Helps acne a little.

Cons:

Made my skin so dry that my whole face was flaking uncontrollably. NO LOTION WORKED. I tried many! I had to discontinue using it, and it took about 8 days to stop being flaky! I applied lotion multiple times a day and it didn't work.

Exfoliating didn't even help. Makes the skin too dry.
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March 10, 2009

Pros:

none so far

Cons:

extreme dryness

I've been using .05% Tretinoin daily for the past two and a half weeks. I apply a very small amount everynight before bed. I didn't notice a single change in my acne for the entire first two weeks, but the last couple of days have been brutal. The entire area is extremely red and dry. No amount of moisturizer helps. I had been applying it on my chin area and inbetween my upper lip and nose (the only areas i break out in) and suddenly those areas are extremely red and dry. It hurts just smile and i feel the tight skin when i talk and i can't even look at it in the mirror its so bad. If this is the path to clear skin, i'm not sure its worht it. I doubt i'll be applying any more of this to my skin tonight.
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March 6, 2009

Pros:

it works!! it gets rid of your acne within a few months

Cons:

it takes a while, and you have to follow a set of rules that go along with the medication

i used this product for several months and saw absolutely no effects, in fact, my acne probably got a little bit worse; eventually, i saw my doctor and he had me use an antibiotic with the medication, which helped a little but did not completely heal it; then, i figured out the real key was to do the following things religiously: 1.) no desserts, i ate saltine crackers, bread, etc. all day, every day 2.) drink A TON of water, we have 7 classes per day, i drank a bottle a class, then like 3-4 glasses at home, in addition to the water i had during meals (NO SODAS, FRUIT DRINKS, etc!!!) 3.) make sure you change the detergent you are washing your pillows with so that it does not cause acne break-outs, if you are using bad detergent, it will work with the retin-A to make your acne much worse 4.) quit using cologne/perfume if you do these things this product WILL WORK!!! if not, you can expect prolonged acne
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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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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