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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November 27, 2008

Pros:

Less blackheads and comedones (little skin coloured bumps)
Pimples heal faster when you do get them
Helps fade red marks

Cons:

Irritation

I used to have a ton of comedones all over my cheeks and now I only have a few. I also get a lot less of the big red pustules, about 2 a week now. I just spot treat them with benzoyl peroxide. They seem to heal faster since I've started using the tretinoin. When I first started to use it I had big breakout and a ton of irritation. I've never had acne that bad and my face was bright red and sore. The instructions say to use a pea-sized amount but I used way more at first because I couldn't seem to get that much to cover my whole face. Using too much causes irritation so you really do have to use a tiny dab and just spread it around quickly and carefully before it absorbs. Also make sure you wait a half hour after washing your face to put it on. It's annoying but it really helps. I like the results but I have really sensitive skin so even after a year and when I follow all the instructions I have irritation. I want to switch to Retin A Micro or Differin and see if that hel
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November 25, 2008

Pros:

Clearing of the skin after 6 weeks. Best it has looked in the last 10 years

Cons:

Red with lots of flakes after moving up to the .1%

I started out with the .05% and used it for about 4 weeks with okay results, no major flaking and no redness. After moving up to the .1% the last couple of weeks I have noticed red, irritated, and very flaky skin esp around the chin/nose area. I am using a washcloth in the morning after to remove the flakes. I have only had one cyst popup but it is quickly fading. I am very happy with the results so far, my skin is very smooth, its amazing stuff. I have tried everything else, all over the counter "systems" even laser treatments and this is the only thing that has helped. I am looking forward to the next month or so.
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November 24, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of hyperpigmentation, cheap with insurance, makes skin feel smoother

Cons:

Can be irritating, takes a long time to work

I started using this in conjunction with clindamycin 1% gel in mid-May. It's now late November and my skin is definitely better than it was before. I still get flare ups when I eat certain foods (especially Cheetos! Those are worse for my skin than a greasy slize of pizza, fried chicken, or a burger!!). I get awful hyperpigmentation; at one point my entire right cheek was covered in dark brown spots. But within three months of consistent Retin-A use, all those spots have disappeared and now that I have been using it for six months I haven't had any hyperpigmentation at all which is totally worth it!
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November 23, 2008

Pros:

reduced acne, faded the red marks, prevented future break-outs, decrease the size of pores (!) and made skin much smoother, brighter when used properly.

Cons:

dryness and flaky-ness, if I use too much or don't moisturize enough the flaking gets bad and shows through my make-up. Almost gave up on it. Painful irritation if applied to wet skin.

Dr. said flaking only lasts about the first six weeks, found this to be true, esp if I used product every other night there is less flaking. Also MUST let skin dry 20 min before applying or it can be very irritating. Best product ever, nothing over the counter has worked for me but my skin is now clear and looks even better than before I got acne - smoother, smaller pores, younger looking somehow (and I'm only 20). My skin is clear 90% of the time, only the occasional pimple - such a change!!!! Love it!
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November 22, 2008

Pros:

made my raised spots go down and did help a bit.

Cons:

made my skin dry and flaky. in this case, it is not a case of "slap a bit of moisteriser on". my skin burns WHATEVER i apply and my skin is literally flaking off. if i put makeup on, you can just see all the white bits of skin. made my skin sore.

not everyone will have this effect, but i have never had sensitive or dry skin and it has made it dry and tight and like i said, just really flaky, which looks gross and won't go, no matter how much i exfoliate. i'm stopping using this.
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November 20, 2008

Pros:

Still have not seen any pros yet, but hoping to!

Cons:

Burning, red face, acne is worse, skin shedding like crazy.

I started one month ago and the first week was horrible, burning, redness, shedding skin and acne got worse. I am still using it in hopes it helps in the long run. When I first started I had bad burning and shedding of the skin but it got better after week 2 and now at week 4 the redness and shedding is back again. Not sure why since I've not used as much as I did in the beginning. I use Tretinoin not Retin A.
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November 18, 2008

Pros:

affordable, skin is softer

Cons:

takes a while to work (just like any other acne product), made my skin very irritated and red.

I've been on this for about 6 weeks now and i'm slowly beginning to see results. For everyone out there who wants to give up on those, DONT! Keep going! Trust me, I know it sucks! During the first few weeks, my skin got so bad I didn't want to leave my apartment. I was so embarrassed. My skin has never been like this and I'm not sure what's causing it, but this product is helping...it just takes a while. So please be patient. My skin is also VERY sensitive and dries out very easily. I recently started using facial products from burts bees (cleansers, scrubs, etc). I really think these products are helping too. I used so many different lotions to help moisturize my skin and only burts bees radiance day and night cream helped me. Go to their website ([link removed]) and you can make a profile for yourself and they will actually suggest products for you! Try it! It's helped me out a ton and worth the money! I've decided to go all burts bees!
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

I use this topical treatment for superficial scars and to mantain my skin clear!

Cons:

dry skin, redness, peeling and burning

For the first 3 weeks, it made me break out, and made my skin burn, get dry, red and irritated. But that's only because it's cleansing the pores, and at the same time making the top layer of the skin peel off. Every day after 3 weeks my skin gets really smooth and clear. I have something come up every now and then, but it's definitely worth it. Be patient and you will see great results... :) For acne I use Clearogen, is the best!
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

Haven't seen had much positive results yet!

Cons:

Breaking out really bad...it's my second week!

Well, my dermatologist prescribed tretinoin awhile back. However, I hated the discomfort it caused (redness/dryness). Therefore, I never really stick to it because I knew I'd have to face this bad phase before my skin starts to clear up. Now I decided I've had enough with acne and I don't care how bad this is gonna look. As long as it's really gonna get better! So it's normal to break out like crazy and for the blemishes to seem worse than ever??? Someone please motivate me to keep doing this! I'll be checking back to post my results weekly. :) Wish me luck.
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November 17, 2008

Pros:

-helps to reduce scarring
- increases time for pimple to heal

Cons:

- skin is extremelyyyyy dry (especially around the mouth area)
- major breakouts (i have two huge pimples)

- still waiting for final results; i have been using for about 3 months now & i hope my patience will pay off
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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