Acne.org Products
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.
Used Tretinoin? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 9, 2018
Keep Going! IT WORKS
I got an IUD a year ago, and my skin went from completely clear to horrible in a matter of 6 months. The acne I had was hormonal and cystic, and deep beneath my skin. I started Tretinoin 0.025% paired with Spironolactone about two months ago. The first month was HORRIBLE. I felt like things were getting worse instead of better, my skin was so dry and itchy, and I was basically molting every morning, makeup and moisturizer burned to put on (Plain old Cetaphil face/body moisturizer did wonders to help this - it's super gentle but also very rich moisture that is long lasting). During my period, things got to the point where my skin hurt to touch. At a month and a half though, I turned a corner. Things began to calm down, my skin was less dried out, I didn't break out on my period. At two months in, my skin is completely clear. No bumps, nothing beneath the surface, no tiny bumps. I actually think it's clearer than it was before I got my IUD. Just when I thought I couldn't take another day of burning, bumpy skin, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going!
April 11, 2018
3 months in tretinoin 0,025 + clindamycin
I tried Epiduo Forte gel and it left lot of hyperpigmentation and devloped a cystic acne from it. My derm prescribed tretinoin and it works wonders with scarring and getting rid of acne. The biggest change i made in my skin care routine was NOT PUTTING anything besides tretinoin, moisturizer and sunscreen (it is difficult to find one that wont break you out). I know from desperation we tend to buy cleansers, face wash and all those kind of anti-acne products, but tretinoin is already strong so do not put anything harsh on your skin otherwise acne will just worsen from skin irritation (happened to me with epiduo). How to start?
At the beggining i put tretinoin during the night for only 10-15 min, next day 30 min, then 1 hour and after that i started putting it maybe three times a week until i built up to every night, the reason why your skin may react bad to it, it`s because you dont let your skin get used to the product. IMPORTANT:
I only wash my face with water (as recommended by my derm) and if i am wearing makeup or sunscreen i just put it off with Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water as it is superrr gentle to the skin and then wash with water to put away more impurities. So in the first place you should try to use only tretinoin and whatever helps your skin recover from the strong effect of the medication. If your skin ever feels tight after a product, skip it! The moisture of your skin is the most important thing when in anti acne regimen.
March 20, 2018
Product used: Stieva-A (Tretinoin (0.025%) Cream)
W O W
I am writing this review after 2 and half years of using a tretinoin .025% cream (not stevia brand, but for some reason would not let me review the general brand. But I wanted to leave a review for anyone out there that may be feeling like nothing is helping like I did for a very long time.) For the first year, I applied the tretinoin cream by itself after waiting 30 minutes to dry and my skin was an absolute disaster. However, I have extremely dry, sensitive skin. So one day I decided to apply moisturizer before the tretinoin and it has worked wonders. Yes, I still break out occasionally, but it is NOTHING like it used to be. I used to have dime-sized, red, inflamed pimples all across my forehead and now when I break out it is tiny and only lasts a couple of days. My advice is to get to know your skin and what it can handle. Obviously mine was becoming way too dry and broke out more as a result, but applying the moisturizer before the tretinoin was the fix. I hope this can help anyone as I know I looked at reviews religiously when my skin was at its worst. Years later, I have nothing but positive things to say about this cream.
February 24, 2018
Didn't work long-term
I used generic tret for about a year and a half, did 3 months on .025%, 9 months on .05% and 4 months on .1%. Initially it really cleared me up, not 100% but I was comfortable leaving the house without makeup for the first time in nearly 10 years. However, after my last period all my acne came back, even using the ,1% every night. I haven't had my levels tested yet but I have a strong suspicion that I have a hormonal imbalance causing my acne that topical treatments are only going to be marginally useful in fighting.
September 16, 2017
Mild acne and sensitive skin
I used Retin A 0.05% cream for two weeks and got clear skin after one week. I didn't have harmful effects, except that my face got darker and red, even though I took every precaution (sunscreen/hat). I live in a very sunny place, so definitely not worth it. Advice: I've been using Glycolic Acid 10% Lotion. Its not abrasive, I dont wear sunscreen and my skin is amazing.
ashiqat.aljana
December 5, 2017
U got darker as u got inflammed because of it's strength or u might applied more than what it was recommend (pea size for the whole face!) .. the darkness is a sign of a healing process after the inflammation .. try using it once a week and see how it goes at first, if u can handle it move to twice a week max as u r having sensetive skin type.. when u use it once a week at the beginning don't apply it for the second time unless u have stopped peeling from the previous application and you are not having any sign of irritation.. i learned doing this in a hard way
ashiqat.aljana
December 5, 2017
And yeah while using it don't use any other harsh product.. even the soap or the cleanser, use a gentle one
September 6, 2017
Product used: Stieva-A (Tretinoin (0.025%) Cream)
tretinoin 0.025% cream
I have used this brand for a little over 5 days. I have noticed some minor burning and peeling. I just started using a moisturizer AFTER rather than before it, and that has seemed to help. I was a little worried after reading a ton of tretinoin reviews that I would experience a "purging" period and start breaking out badly, but I haven't experienced that yet. So far my skin has been pretty even and smooth. I'm impressed, and will continue to use this product.
May 9, 2017
Is IT WORKING or is it NOT?
I'm a female student, almost 15 years old and I HAVE REALLY TERRIBLE ACNE. A lot of acne scars, deep clogged pores and freakin loads of whiteheads. Decided to opt for the retin-a treatment. I did some research before getting myself two small tubes (0.025% strength) for $16. It would have been $50+ for already two tubes if I were to get it from a doctor here in Singapore. So I used a Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser recommended by some people here before waiting for another 25/30mins and applying the tretinoin. Applied moisturiser for the first two nights before realising that it does nothing. [BTW, applying the cream was like applying a regular cream. No stinging/irritation. This continued for almost a week where I DO NOT EXPERIENCE REDNESS, PEELING/BREAKOUTS LIKE OTHERS CLAIM TO. My skin was still the same. I could also be outside with the sun facing at me without experiencing terrible sunburn and no sunblock/moisturiser with SPF is needed at all! What is happening? Is there something wrong with my skin or is it the RETIN A? [BTW, the retin-a isn't expired, the seller who sold it to me got it recently from somewhere in THAILAND]
June 9, 2017
the tube you got is not strong enough, you need to go see your doc and get a prescription for .10 strength, and I got the gel it is strong and your face will definitely peel and look BAD for several weeks, your face will be very sensitive and every time you apply the gel it will STING. my face look horrible right now i'm on week 5 but I can tell the medicine is doing what its suppose to do.
February 11, 2017
Product used: Atralin (Tretinoin (.05%) Gel)
Works but irritating
It worked at first put then my dermatologist upped me to a higher dose and it just made my sensitive skin way too irritated!
September 22, 2016
Product used: Atralin (Tretinoin (.05%) Gel)
Dried my face out!
Derm put me on this RX. I learned quickly this wasn't for me. Not sure if it's bc I have sensitive skin, but it made me peely. She switched me to another cream that works better for my skin!
July 24, 2016
Product used: Atralin (Tretinoin (.05%) Gel)
Works to a degree
Going to be straight to the point. It will clear you up about 60%. It will destroy your skin for the first couple months though. Use it at night only, and sparringly. DO NOT put it near your mouth or eyes because those areas will forsurely peel uncontrollably. Use coconut oil as a moisturizer, and tea tree oil (dilute with water) as a toner. Those two things will help A LOT!! If you have some cash, go out and buy the ZAP kit by Saje. You will only need to use this cream once to twice a week then. Also, the moisturizer by Holista called Tea Tree and Vitamin E oil will save your skin from break outs and dryness. Use it at bedtime, after your night care routine, or after you use the retinoid cream.