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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22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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November 9, 2008

Pros:

Really seems to help clear up lots of little bumps on my face;skin is nice and smooth;zits arent as big as they used to be; face isnt oily;zits take less time to go away.

Cons:

MAJOR PEELING for first two weeks
When a zit goes away, it basically peels off and leaves very res marks for about a week that are hard to cover up and annoying
Break out in about first 3 weeks of use

Well, i am a swimmer, meaning that dries my skin out even more. Its also embarrasing to walk around the pool deck with all of my red marks showing from previous zits. My skin is almost 100 percent clear, but the red marks make it look like its a lot worse then it really is. But oh well! Im hoping those will fade, and my skin will look great!
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November 4, 2008

Pros:

my skin looks great

Cons:

takes a few months for it to kick in.

i will continue to use the product as many plastic surgeons recommend it to treat aging/wrinkles.
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November 4, 2008

Pros:

Skin glows, reduced pore size, less breakouts, less blackheads.

Cons:

Sensitivity. Putting some make-ups on is irritating and can sting.

Well worth it. Broke out the first two weeks I used it. Skin probably needed to clear out! Complextion is MUCH better, reduced appearance of large pores, freckles and old scaring. Significant drop in breakouts, although nothing is perfect. :P
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November 1, 2008

Pros:

EVERYTHING!

Cons:

Redness

I have very oily skin and had terrible breakouts before using Retin A. I frequently went to the dermatologist and nothing helped. I hate seeing those "get your money" scams on tv for acne. This stuff ACTUALLY works! Despite the peeling of the first week or so, once you use it in months time, skin is gorgeous. I love it! Absolutely love it!
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October 31, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

It first dried out my whole face, then the I got more acne-pus filled everyone on my face-mostly on the parts that i did not have acne. My face is one-hundred times worse!!!!!!! I dont know what to do now--I regret using tretinoin.

Do not use this medicine!!!
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October 28, 2008

Pros:

Purges skin. Great exfoliant. Works, but can take a very long time to see full results. Smooths out skin over night.

Cons:

Dryness. Redness. Breakouts for first couple of months of use.

I used retina a couple of years ago with tremendous success over about a six month period. I recently started back, cause I had some samples and cant afford the Ziana prescription I was recently prescribed. I am now in the 1-2 month breakout period that comes with the beginning phases of using this medicine but will remain optimistic, cause things will get smoother. Great medicine for overall skin health. Remember, it is very strong, so a little goes a long way.
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October 26, 2008

Pros:

Peels scars
Gets rid of pimples quicker

Cons:

Irritation
Dryness
Redness

Anyone who is brave enough to stay on a medication for 6 weeks straight should definitely see improvement if they keep sing this stuff.
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October 25, 2008

Pros:

Pimples seem to go away faster. Makes skin soft.

Cons:

Starting to peel really bad on chin. Seems to be getting worse.(Hopefully that means it is working.)

Ihave been struggling with acne for about 4 years. It has really chipped away at my self confidence level to where I hate going out in public. I tried Proactiv and my skin really satrted to heal ablut the second month of using it. Around the sixth month though my acne got just really bad. I also got a chemical peel from the benzoyl peroxide in Proactiv. My dermatologist prescribed me Retina Micro and the Doryx tablets. I have been on them both for about three weeks. I am experiencing some peeling and burning, but not to extreme. I have also been having quite a few breakouts lately, but I am hoping it gets better soon!! But also I have an idea. Anyone who reads this review should say a quick little prayer for everyone that has acne and that it clears. Just imagine what that could possible do. They say your prayers are stronger in numbers.
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October 24, 2008

Pros:

i don't know

Cons:

takes a long time to see results. first month or two is horrid. bad breakouts and peeling.

i'm still breaking out after about 6 months on this stuff. i can't really remember if my skin was worse before. i think it's helped to smooth out scarring, but i also use a glycolic acid peel once in a while that helps with it too. i don't have a lot of active acne on my face anymore, but i'm really fair and my acne lesions when i do get them are deep. the one good thing i can say is that it seems retin-a makes it so that post inflammatory hyperpigmentation doesn't last as long, so those ugly brown and red spots left after a pimple might only last a couple months instead of 6.
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October 24, 2008

Pros:

Clears acne, reduces redness, swelling, and stops that pimple in its track from reaching the surface.

Cons:

Dries the ish out of my skin, doesn't do ish for cystic acne

You have to use this stuff every night. I use it with Glytone as well, so my face burns when I use both but I do it anyway. I have a good moisturizer from Clinique which is a waterbased oil-free moisturizer. Doesn't do anything for cystic acne just surface pimples. I haven't noticed scar fading with it yet, but I also have never been this consistent with using it as I am now. So I'll check back in a few!
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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