Tretinoin
Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
1972 Reviews
Tretinoin
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
50%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Tretinoin
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low
Tretinoin
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.
Tretinoin
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%

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March 15, 2015
Good option for maintaining clear skin
Using this after accutane and I'm doing wonderful! Its helped a bit with my fine lines (I'm over 30), but not as much as I had hoped or I would give it 5 stars. It does dry you out a bit, so use every other day at first and/or in the winter if needed. So far so good! I've been on this about a year and a half.
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nukefusion
May 27, 2015
They say it takes 2-3 years to get maximum results for just a wrinkle stand-point. But since you aren't using this for acne and only for "fine" lines I would suggest you talk to your plastic surgeon.
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September 11, 2014
Product used: Atralin (Tretinoin (.05%) Gel)
doesn't really work
Clears an existing pimple if used for a couple days but doesn't do much to prevent acne.
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August 14, 2014
Product used: Atralin (Tretinoin (.05%) Gel)
August 14
I live in Kampala Uganda where the air is very dirty and tends to clog up my pores like you would not imagine. My dermatologist gave me this and aczone i really like the aczone but atralin makes my face extremely oily and i have been scared to try it sense.
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August 11, 2014
Product used: Atralin (Tretinoin (.05%) Gel)
Say no to the drugs
I have always had acne through my teenage years; however, once I turned 20 I started getting painful cysts strictly on my chin. It was a constant thing for a good 7 months until I went to see a dermatologist who put me on aczone twice a day and atralin once at night. I have been taking it for 3 months and my face has got nothing but worse! My chin still continues to break out. My face overall is SO OILY and I do not have oily skin. My chin is constantly peeling and breaking and red. ALSO, since starting the antibiotics, my face has been SUPER sensitive. It's been nothing but unwanted stress!! . The only plus is that it has somewhat helped fading red marks-- but barely. Unfortunately, it is all a trial and error. Everyone is different. Eat lots of fruits and veggies! I strongly believe that's the only solution.
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July 28, 2014
tretinoin 0.05%
I have been on this stuff for two weeks and my skin has gotten which is to be expected but I was wondering if anyone recommends the 1% instead of the 0.05 % to speed things along if not how long should I wait to see real results with the 0.05%. it has made my skin overall smoother but it has also made my skin oily
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January 9, 2013

Pros:

-causes peeling
-fades scars fast

Cons:

-the peeling is bad initially but stops after 2 weeks

i've tried every cream out there and for the first time i have hope i can finally get my adult acne under control. dont give up
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November 25, 2012

Pros:

It has reduced my acne
It is even helping a bit with the marks
My pores have shrunk

Cons:

Makes my skin very dry and flaky
makes my skin itchy at times
experienced redness at times

I have only used this product for like almost three weeks. I am seeing some good results, it is working. I guess I just have to be more patient and STOP PICKING ON MY SKIN! I am still breaking out tho..and I have more breakouts on my jaw line now..but I guess its getting everything to the surface and then treating it....
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September 10, 2012

Pros:

can't say anything good yet ive been using it for almost 3 weeks
-cheap with insurance
-multi purpose
-can be used for acne, acne scars, wrinkles and prevent wrinkles

Cons:

flakiness
senstive to the sun
feels like you have a sunburn
cannot use mostriuzer with this at night just can only use retin a

when i first starting using retin a about 3 weeks ago nothing really happened to my skin it wasnt peeling or nothing it was just normal but then 3 days after my skin was starting to clear up and then i was like yes its working but then the next week my skin started to purge and i know thats part of the process so im going to stick to it but the purging isnt that bad how people make it seem like but it depends on the persons skin i will keep a follow up (: btw my doctor said to only use retin a at night and in the morning put benzoyl peroxide to the affect areas
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May 24, 2012

Pros:

clears up acne
clears up any new acne very quickly
face is brighter

Cons:

flakey skin
sensitive to sunlight
red tint to face

I am 19 years old and have never had any issues with acne until i started college a year ago. I also never had any issues with back acne either until college. I was very discouraged about my change of skin and my doctor recommended 3 seperate products. 1) an antibiotic to clear up my acne 2) tretinoin cream .05% 3) and erythromycin mix. I took all of the antibiotic and began the tretinoin cream (night time) and was supposed to take the erthroycin during the day (twice). I began this regimen one month ago but forget after one week of beginning to take the erythromycin. I stopped using the E gel and used tretinoin only. First 2 weeks: worst ever! my face flaked everytime i washed it and looked horrible when i would try to cover it up with makeup. My face also burned and was sensitive (RED all over). I tried several different mosturizers until hearing that cetaphil ultra hydrating worked best (it does!) Week 3: break outs! not very badly (i had light acne to begin with) Week 4: my face is starting to clear up and hopefully will continue. I have many acne scars from my breakouts and hope that the tretinoin will take care of these like it says! Recommendations: stick with it! it is the most embarassing this for the first 2 weeks or more, but the pros outway the cons for me, so hopefully they will for you too!
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May 23, 2012

Pros:

Gave skin a nice glow
Helped control body acne

Cons:

HORRIBLE initial breakout. Left me with scars.
Caused me to grow ALOT of "peach fuzz" and a moustache( im female so it sucks)
stung very badly when I first began
Made skin extremely sun sensitive.

I wouldn't reccomend this for women at all. Maybe if you are a guy. Defenitely not worth the money..takes a toll on self esteem. I would never use it again
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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