Tretinoin
Results
Side Effects

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

...

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.

 [more]
3.5
1649
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
October 23, 2009

Pros:

Cheap

Cons:

Worsened acne, peeling, sun sensitivity, itchy.

I went to the doctor in July because I had about five pimples. Now I have over thirty. I waited 9 weeks for it to work and it never did. My face is much worse now. I now have to do damage control.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 27, 2009

Pros:

Made skin smoother

Cons:

made me breakout for three months, made my face red and very oily

I would not recommend it. I had mild acne, was prescribed this and I broke out very badly. Lasted about 3 months and now I am on accutane but have scars and red marks from the breakout I suffered on retin-a
This Was Helpful

Report
August 26, 2009

Pros:

helps with small white bumps.

Cons:

EVERYTHING. i started out with a few small pimples and after 3 weeks of using retina, i ended up with a forehead full of big red bumps and the rest of my face was PAINFULLY dry, chapped, red, and flaky. had to see a new derm right away.

it may work for some, but it was a complete disaster for me. i was left with my face in worst condition than how i had started out. use retina with extreme caution!
This Was Helpful

Report
June 2, 2009

Pros:

clear up blackheads

Cons:

horrible breakout, getting more horrible each day as everyone is staring weirdly at my acne.

i surely regret i tried this. i start with mild - moderate acne and end up in SEVERE acne! in 2 days my face was like a monster and keep getting more and more coming, many pimples under skin is showing up.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 29, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Drys skin, redness, works for a few months then stops doing anything, expensive

Do not get this, it won't help.
This Was Helpful

Report
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. :(
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 26, 2009

Pros:

NONE!!!!!

Cons:

Made my face break out so bad, i never had acne before in my life and for the past 8 months i had the worst acne/cysts i have ever had! not to metion it left the worst red scars every, has made my life a living hell

DO NOT USE THIS !!!!!
This Was Helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 3, 2009

Pros:

There are no pros! Not for me anyways.... :(

Cons:

Made my occasional breakouts turn into horrible painful acne and it's expensive.

I started using this to help with the few small blemishes I would get every now and then. Also for fine lines and wrinkles. Im only 26 but I've heard the younger you start the better so I was all for it. I didn't actually start breaking out until like the third week. It was horrible. I mean I didn't want to leave the house but like so many others I stuck with it because thats what the derm said. By the way I am an Esthetician and deal with skin on a daily basis. I developed the worst acne around my chin and jawline. Two places that I never even broke out at before. Anyways I kept up with it for months and my skin never got any better. I agree with the people that say DON'T use it. I just couldn't stand it anymore. My skin has gotten much better since I quit using it and I will never use it again.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 6 7 8 9 10 11
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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