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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3
21.3%
2
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

clears skin, reduces redness, makes skin glow, makes skin very soft

Cons:

makes pimples realllly red at first, for about 2-3 weeks, causes sensitivity like putting a shirt over my head hurt when it rubbed against my face, caused me a minor breakout

ive been on retin a for exactly 8 weeks and see a major improvement. i used to be covered in cysts and had severe acne. one of my derms told me to go on accutane but i didnt want to. i started taking birth control and im sure that helped straighten out my hormones thus reducing breakouts. i use this with an antibiotic. i only have 2 spots that are going away now, and 80 percent of my redness has decreased. my friends have been complimenting my face along with my family. thats something i havent heard in YEARS. i love retin a and feel as though ill be using it for life haha. i missed one day out of the past 8 weeks and it didnt break out or anything, it improved a bit from the break. i HIGHLY reccommend using this product, and to not quit during the first month or two because it takes awhile to see the good, but once the good hits, it feels awesome. i feel like i have a new face, and i cant wait til the 4-5 month mark seeing as thats the peak of this medication. retin a = <3
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October 23, 2008

Pros:

clears up the skin rather well

Cons:

dryness and redness for the first few months of using

good product, ive struggled with acne for many years, and this stuff is the only stuff that worked!
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October 22, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of red marks.

Cons:

Completely made my skin so dry to the point of tons of flakes covering my face and not being able to go out in public for like four days. NO MOISTURIZER WORKED. I went through hell.

Maybe the stronger percent was too strong for my skin. I don't know, but I steer away from this product.
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October 21, 2008

Pros:

Clears up pimples (even my cysts!)
Skin appears more even
Skin is MUCH smoother

Cons:

VERY irritating side effects the first few weeks
Peeling, flaking, redness, stinging.

I've had acne since I was 13. I've tried probably around 10 different prescription medications... differin, benzaclin, Nicomide, minocycline, and many many more. The only one that ever showed improvement was Minocycline pills, BUT i had an awful allergic reaction that sent me straight to the ER. I had started Proactiv (no results, obviously,) and was about to give up. My friend gave me a card of an awesome dermatologist in my town, so i told myself i'd give it one more shot. She put me on a regimen of Retin A Micro at night along with a sulfur facewash, and benzol peroxide in the morning with the same facewash, and also Desonide lotion every other night (to help with the irritating effects of the Retin A.) It took about 3 months to see any results, and yes, my acne DID get much worse before i got better. But you have to stick it out!!!! My skin looks great... not perfect, but better than it has in 8 years. Retin A is a keeper!!
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October 21, 2008

Pros:

I havent had any pros with retina

Cons:

Didnt work at all with me and started cystic acne in some places

Ive used it way too long for about 3 months and not any improve meants but just worse looking skin. It might work for some people like my brother but deff not everyone
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October 21, 2008

Pros:

Honestly, I haven't had a pimple since I've been using the medication for only 2 weeks. I've read that you can see new break outs while using the medication after 6 weeks and at start, although this hasn't been the case for me.

Cons:

It does irritate the skin and you have to be careful to read the instructions carefully. I made the mistake of using it too often, I used it in the morning and at night which really irritated my skin to the point of it feeling like a sun burn.

This is a great medication. I have always believed that acne is both an internal problem as well as a skin issue for me. So I have been taking doxycycline along with this medication and has worked wonderfully. Just like all medications you do have to wait for results, even though I haven't had any new blemishes since the use of this medication it will take time for it to improve completely. I still have to watch what I eat but for the most part I haven't had to worry, drinking caffeine does affect acne, especially energy drinks which make my skin oily. Bottom line, at least for me it works. The combination of the two medications is working for me.
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October 20, 2008

Pros:

Smooth Clear skin!!! Even complexion!!! Eliminates red marks within days.

Cons:

Dry skin until skin gets use to it. Sunscreen is a MUST. Acne will get worse before betting better. Your boby eventually will get use to it and will no longer work.

I have been suffering from acne for several years now. Almost 2.5 years ago I decided to do something about it because I did not want to have acne on my wedding day. My derm advised me that it will take 3 months to see the full results. She was right!!! My acne cleared 100% within 3 months. I would only get a pimple once in a while, but that pimple would cleared up within days because of the retin a micro. The day of my wedding, I looked and felt beautiful! Unfortunatly, my acne free face lasted only a year. For some reason or another my boby got used to the retin a micro. Since then my derm. have prescribed everything and nothing have worked. I am now looking for other orternatives, like blue light and levulan. Wish me luck!!!
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October 18, 2008

Pros:

acne heals faster.no active pimples. great skin complexion. completely 'solved' my terrible acne problems.

Cons:

dry skin. redness. take some time (probably long time) for us to see the result. initial breakouts were quite terrible. sunblock is a must.

I have been using Retin-A gel 0.01% for almost 1.5 years, and this prescription is a miracle. It has done a wonderful job of 'curing' or 'controlling' my terrible acne problem I had. It took some time (even very long time) for us to see the result, but i have to say, it was all worth it. I mean, its ok for us to wait for 6 months, before we see the beneficial result, rather than spending 6 more years trying other crappy products. I'm saying this because I had acne for 8 years and this is the only stuff that helps. Some tips that I want to share: 1) use sunblock everyday, otherwise u'll get burned 2) be gentle to your skin - avoid harsh cleanser, cetaphil is the best. 3) avoid excessive exposure to strong wind as it may dry and burn your skin too. Making it look awful. 4) keep your skin regiment products simple - a cleanser, a sunblock and a tube of retin-a. Enough. 5) be patient, keep your hands away from touching your face. I hope you guys will find a success. 'Te
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October 17, 2008

Pros:

Inexpensive

Cons:

Made my face so sensitive that I couldn't lay on my pillow. Mild acne that the Retin-A turned into horrible cystic acne that only got worse after months of use.

I have tried to use this product several times, beginning as a teenager. I am now in my 30's and hoped it would make my mild acne disappear. My skin is still reeling from the negative side effects of this drug. It has never worked for me and unfortunately, it will never work for me. I just hope that my skin will go back to the way it was before Retin-A.
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October 16, 2008

Pros:

Smoother skin eventually. Acnes heal faster, fades age spots and gives a more even complexion.

Cons:

Takes FOREVER to work. It causes severe breakout before it starts to improve. Please be warn that it takes a brave person to stay on Retin A. Skin will dry, peel, flake and even hurts to touch

I had moderate acne since 11 and later improved to mild as an adult. I condsider giving up using Retin A almost daily. I still get the red dots, dried, flaky, peeling skin with whiteheads. I recently got big pimples to my chin (never before) while on Retin A. In a odd sense, I stay on Retin A because I know that the changes are due to its effectiveness. I know that the skin cells are turning over (or healing at a rapid rate). My skin is still very unpredictable. I thought that after the first 3 months, it would be smooth sailing. Anyhow, I'm hanging in there.
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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