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
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August 27, 2008

Pros:

has cleared my face of blackheads, any pimples, whiteheads, etc

Cons:

some peeling when using the product constantly

this medicine takes a few months 2 kick in but it does work. there is some peeling but i found out tht for me to use the medicine every other night instead of every night will stop the peeling or by putting a dab of moisturizer on ur skin in the morning. i really reccommend this medicine although there is some peeling. it is much much much better than ANYTHING u wld find over the counter (proactiv, facewash, etc.) give it a try, ull be very pleased
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August 25, 2008

Pros:

IT WORKS! Smooth Skin. Tiny barely visible new pimple maybe once every other week if at all. Skin is Brighter and better than its been in 2years!

Cons:

My skin is oilier and it took close to 3 months to work.

These results were worth the wait! I was sad reading these bad reviews but I stuck with it because my Doctor told me it would work. I broke out for almost 8 weeks but I could tell my skin was changing for the better in a weird optimistic way lol. I experienced mild peeling so I exfoliated with crushed aspirin mixed with a mild cleanser which helped alot! I didn't experience harsh burning because my doctor was INTELLIGENT enough to start me out with the mildest retin-a (0.025% cream) and then bumped me up to the 4% retin a micro after a month in a half. My skin looks GREAT now and I feel so happy and blessed when I look in the mirror. My boyfriend told me that my skin looks beautiful :) I go out and I don't need makeup anymore and it takes me about an hour less of maintenence when I go out! I just hope that this message helps someone like me. Just have fait, Acne is stressful and painful. I wish you all the best
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August 24, 2008

Pros:

retisol-a is great for getting rid of big cysts, and whiteheads

Cons:

breakouts at first wehn you use it, and makes your skin really red if you go out in the sun

I had a huge breakout just earlier this summer. I was trying out different products and my skin didnt like it and started breaking out. I just earlier got perscribed to Retisol-A by my doctor, and my parents suggested to go back onto that. After using it for a good few weeks, its really been clearing up a lot. All my little white heads are gone, and my cysts are clearing up. There's still a bit of acne, but Im pleased.
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August 20, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

This product has been an absolute nightmare. It burns through layers of skin, leaving your face red, burned and scabby. Meanwhile, it dredges up tons of tiny whiteheads and large, sore bumps.

Unless you have severe acne, Do NOT use Retin A! If your skin is even moderately sensitive, Do NOT use Retin A. In only a week this crap has burned off large chunks of my skin and created peeling blisters that I am desperately trying to treat with aloe vera and lotion. I feel like I've just gotten a chemical peel... I wouldn't recommend this product to anyone. It takes a moderate complexion with a few zits here and there and a sprinkling of small pimples and it burns off every blemish along with the accompanying layers of skin. My face is so burned and blistered--I look like I have been used as an ash tray. My mom is now testing the Retin A on her feet to see if it will burn off the callouses, which is probably the only feasible use for this sh*tty medication.
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August 20, 2008

Pros:

It kind of clears up skin.

Cons:

It takes frickin' forever to work!! Also, it makes your face red and sensitive to sun.

I started using this in late June. I used it every night up until today. (August 19th) My face doesn't have any more acne but that's only from Doxycycline, 10% Benzoyl Peroxide and this combined together. This takes sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long for it to work, it feels as if it's not working at all! I have a LOT of hyperpigmentation from previous existing acne and eventually the pigments are going to even out. This is going to help a little, but what it's really supposed to do is prevent people from getting anymore scars. It's not that useful. Especially if it takes so long. It's just not worth it. Sooner or later, all those prescriptions add up and it'll be the same as getting a chemical peel. So, I kind of recommend it for the patient people who don't stay in the sun alot and can do nothing for a long time.
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August 19, 2008

Pros:

Still waiting

Cons:

Waiting period is insane. Gets worse before getting better

So i've been using this stuff for about 2 months now. Still not seeing any results... very frustrating. Reading some of these reviews have given me hope, i will stick it out. 1 month left before college starts, 1 more month of hoping.
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August 17, 2008

Pros:

Works if you use it non-stop

Cons:

Will make your face peel, flake, and break out terribly before it starts working. Also makes skin dry

This is a fairly good product to use only if you are willing to use it with out stopping, if you miss a couple of nights your acne will get worse.
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August 16, 2008

Pros:

eventually cleared up acne
stronger than any over the counter med i tried

Cons:

huge breakouts at first
my face flaked off and it was disgusting

if you are desperate for something that works like i was, try it. after it gets rid of all your pimples over the period of a few weeks you will have significantly clearer skin. however, you NEED to use a moisturizer! i wear heavy makeup daily because of my acne, and my face was peeling off so bad at one point that i was FORCED to go to school without makeup on because every time i would attempt to apply it my skin would just flake off, it was horrible. i'm starting to use it again after getting fed up and taking a break, but i'm desperate and i know that despite the dryness this DOES work. for me it's either over the counter products that aren't strong enough, or strong products such as this that cause irritation and peeling but do work. i'm not sure what i prefer.
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August 15, 2008

Pros:

Have been using for just over a month on bacne, and now its starting to work on my skin, no new pimples and my skin is starting to smooth out! yay!

Cons:

a bit itchy at first, initial breakout (i just covered up)

Please if you've only tried it for a short while don't comment! it gives people the rong idea its a good product for bacne at least. It costs me $15 per month without insurance
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

Kept my face dry (I have oily skin)

Cons:

Mild stinging if too much is applied; no significant changes to face

I used this product in conjunction with doxycycline. When I ran out of doxycycline and I still had the Retin-A leftover, I used the Retin-A for a couple of months by itself, but my acne came back as soon as I was off of doxycycline, so Retin-A did practically nothing to my skin.
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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