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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October 15, 2008

Pros:

helps a little bit.

Cons:

dries out skin A TON and leaves you flaky.

It didn't work for me. I used Retin-A hoping to clear all my breakouts, blackheads and ALL my pesky whiteheads, but it didn't help much. It made my skin flaky, and after 2 months I saw very little or no improvement, so I stopped using it and just used a gentle cleanser and a mouristurizer and my skin improved, so Retin-A isn't for everyone.
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October 15, 2008

Pros:

acne cyst are peeling away

Cons:

face is red, dry and peeling
face burns after i wash it
hurts a little to put make up on

i am a 30 year old wit adult acne...didnt have it as a teenager. i am using tretinion (at night) along with minocycline 100mg twice a day...and i think it is going to work because the acne cyst are peeling away and i have only used it one night.
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October 14, 2008

Pros:

Great for mild acne

Cons:

Takes a while to work, initial peeling, irritation, actually gets worse before better

For the past couple years now I was using Benzaclin alone which would lessen my acne but I'd still get a few pimples here and there that I wasn't saisfied with so I went back to my dermatologist and she prescribed me retin-a micro 0.04%. It's been making my skin peel away and I'm getting a bit of a stinging sensation but after a couple days I'm already noticing results and my skin is glowing! It's working great together wtih Benzaclin. I put in on before bed and the benzaclin goes on in the morning. If you're using any Benzoyl Peroxide product with this be sure you don't put it on together at the same time! They neutralize each other.
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October 7, 2008

Pros:

beautiful even consistant skin, breaksouts are rare and don't last long, no more blackheads

Cons:

First few weeks are hard with redness and peeling.

I used tretinoin for a year then got pregnant and quit use. Wow, did I ever see a change in my skin and it wasn't just pregnancy. This keeps the blackheads away and my skin glowed. As soon as I quit breastfeeding I was right back on it. I went and got a face peel from my dr. to jumpstart the cream. Been back on it for 3 months and the peeling wasn't as bad this time. I use it everynight, I use alot of it and I put it all the way down on my chest.
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October 7, 2008

Pros:

Blackheads and whiteheads all over my forehead and chin have starting to clear up for the most part.

Cons:

Skin is oilier than ever and I now get more regular pimples and cysts than before.

It may still not be long enough for me yet (5 weeks), but I am getting discouraged. I have adult acne related to a hormonal disorder so I am also taking birth control and using a clindamycin cream to control breakouts. Until this summer, I had very soft, clear, beautiful skin. All of it sudden I have 30-40 bumps on my face. My derm said it would take awhile for the birth control and retin-a to help, so I think that the clearing I have seen so far may be the antibiotic. I am not completely sure this product will work for me but I know people that have had great success with it.
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October 6, 2008

Pros:

Skin is much much softer and brighter, sun damage is less, pimples go away quicker

Cons:

My face broke out with cystic type acne after 3 weeks, but those were pimples I could feel under my skin but had not come to the surface. Peeling around the zits hurt

I love this product. I read a lot of reviews before using it and knew my acne would get worse before it got better and I could feel big clogged pores under my skin that the medicine brought up to the surface. It was cystic type but only a couple on my chin, which is my biggest problem area anyway. I am approaching 5 weeks and my skin over all looks much brighter, and softer. Don't really need foundation but still using it while the pimples heal to hide some of the redness. I can't wait to see what my skin will look like after 12 weeks. I'm sticking it out since I think the worst part is over. It's also lightened a lot of the sun damage spots I had on my face. I'm really happy with the result so far. Try it, but know that you will go through some very tough weeks.
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October 6, 2008

Pros:

works well if used faithfully

Cons:

makes skin peel alot[but that means its working] and makes skin kind of sensitive to sun.

it works well, but mostly for less serious acne, i am using this until i get approved for Accutane which is almost 100% guaranteed for a significant result. but it is something that doesn't work for eveyone but you should definately try =]
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October 1, 2008

Pros:

Clears your face and feels good

Cons:

First 3-4 weeks is a killer, Acne becomes worse, sore, peeling face, redness,

I have used the product for five weeks now and it has cleared my skin very well. Have to be patient with this product and let it take its toll for the first 3-4 weeks. After that time your skin feels smooth, and looks much better, iv still got a few tiny spots but I will carry on using for a few more weeks to completely clear.
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

Better skin, less acne, brighter skin tone, less oily skin

Cons:

peeling, itchy skin, not good for sensitive skin

I had acne since high school. I am 25 now still suffer from acne. I have very oily skin, most acne are on my chin and forehead. I've on this for 3 weeks now. The first week, my acne got worse than before. Second week, a little improvement, pimples are going away faster than before. Now, after 3 weeks, texture of my skin is alot better, less acne, brighter skin tone, stil see one or two new pimples around my period time. btw, I use it every other day so there is less irritation, I also use sunscreen everyday, but no make up because of the peeling of my skin, make up will just make it even worse.
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September 30, 2008

Pros:

Makes skin smoother & new pimples dry quickly

Cons:

Bad breakout when first used & taking a while to get going

I hear all the horror stories but this has not burned, badly dried or irrated my skin much. I ust cleanse, the medication, and moisturizer in the mornings. I've been using this for about 2.5 wks and had a bad breakout, & no results as of yet but it has made my skin a lot softer. I'm very impatient so I'm trying to wait. I'm getting married in 10 mos and DO NOT want acne all over my face.
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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