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
August 7, 2008

Pros:

First my settled after the breakout phase but then started to go worse.

Cons:

I've used this product for two months now. Jaw full of red scars, my lower face is a mess, full of tiny pimples. Pimples have even reached my neck now!

When my summer holiday started I went to see the doctor so I could get my light-medium acne controlled. Well, this summer has been my worst. My face EXPLODED with nasty, painful pimples. My face looked totally red. I did not go out for weeks because I was so ashamed of my looks, and I still am. This has been very very dificult for me. I feel so envy when I read "I've used this product for a week and my face is perfect now". I've struggled with my acne troughout my teenage (i'm 23 now) and I'm so tired of this! I keep reading the good reviews and just pray my face gets better as going to school now is so hard and being at school is just. Good if this works for someone, but this has been a nightmare to say the least. I would be happily to cancel this negative feedback someday if I continue using this product. Big mistake to this day atleast.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 23, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of acne AND leaves you with a great complexion.

Cons:

Peeling and drying at first.

I almost didn't use it when I researched it on this sight because I panicked about the "initial" break out that everyone refers to but it's not unbearable and it truly works. Definitely use a small amount and wait until your face is COMPLETELY dry after washing it before you put the cream on. It takes a while to take effect..........be patient.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 22, 2008

Pros:

got rid of my acne on my forehead 90 percent it works really good for me. i hardly have pimpels

Cons:

makes my skin dry and it peels sometimes

it works really good u have to use it everyday
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 20, 2008

Pros:

Acne heals faster.

Cons:

SCARS, initial breakout, red and peeling skin.

If it wasn't bad enough I have acne now I have scars. Retin A thins your skin so much that it scars really easily. This has made me extremly depressed.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 23, 2008

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Drys out your skin, creates irritation and itchiness, causes flaking and redness. It hurts your face if you use it constantly, even if you apply moisturizer.

Rip-off, a product that ruins your face.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 19, 2008

Pros:

get rid of pimples and whitehead

Cons:

reddness, become worse in the first 2 weeks, get a while to see the improvement

you have to be patient with this product. I wait for 2~3 months to see the improvement, but that doesnt really work for blackhead and oily face... This product is good cause it really pushes pimples and whitehead to the skin surface and completely cures them. i tried proactive which mostly contain benzoly peroxide(not sure about the spelling), and what it does is just dry skin and does not clear the pimples and whitehead completely, and so did salyidic acid. So, if your main problem is whitehead and pimples, try retin-A and be patient $54 is just a tube of retin-A without insurance I used half of the tube in 3~4 months
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 2, 2008

Pros:

Retin-A has cleared up most of my acne. I had a lot of whiteheads on my forehead and other spots on my cheeks and scars. It's been 3 months since I started using it, and my acne got worse for the first 2 months. But this past month has been wonderful

Cons:

Initial breakout was BAD

You need to be patient with this medication. Most people don't see AMAZING improvement till the 6th month. You will see some good improvement starting 2 months. But your skin gets better and better with time. Take good care of ur skin while on Retin-A. Don't scrub too harshly. I used Cetaphil cleanser and sun screen lotion. Make-up is pretty much useless while on Retin-A, because the peeling skin makes it look nasty. But get through the first breakout phase, and u won't even need makeup after that. Now, I go out without makeup with confidence.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 12, 2008

Pros:

It seems to be sucking the impurities from down the shells of my skin and throwing it out to the surface

Cons:

Right now my face looks like a pizza:oily and red. I got big bumps some with pus, dried skin, blisters that don't heal, dry nose and lips. Skin doesn't exfoliate (crust on and around the pimple area)

I am sticking to it! It's my 7th week and my acne is 10x worst than before I started but I am sticking to it but at least another 2more months. I am also taking Adoxa, yaz, and drinking apple cider vinegar. I use retin-a micro gel .04 at night and clyndamycin during the day. Some days I skip it because of extremely dryness. Sometimes I use a salycilic wash(pardon my spelling) and some days a mild wash. I pick on the dry skin at times. Guilty as charged. I will come back to post in another 6 weeks.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 12, 2008

Pros:

Heals scars and gets rid of a zit within a few days

Cons:

A little pealing at first but that just means your skin is adjusting to it. during the first few weeks your skin could take on a blush after you apply it or after you wash face. However, this is normal. Let your skin adjust to it.

This medicine works deep within the skin and takes time which means that as hard as it is to be patient, you must give it time. The peeling and redness won't last forever and can be minimized so maybe begin by using it every other night at first like I did. Once your skin adjusts, maybe begin using it every night. I have only used this product for about a month and I do not get much pealing or redness anymore and my scars are healing nicely. Remember: if you have scars, don't expect instant results. Scars take so much time to heal but the retin A will speed up the healing because it increases cellular turnover-that's why it may peel at first.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 10, 2008

Pros:

Taking a long time to work but it really does help. It takes time and it is slow improvement but I would say that 5 weeks later I am 75% clearer than I was.

Cons:

Dry skin and SENSITIVE skin. If I am in the sun for 20 minutes my face hurts. Slow progress which gets frustrating.

Stick with it. Well worth the patience.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.