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
5
22.4%
4
33.8%
3
21.3%
2
13.9%
1
8.6%

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March 20, 2009

Pros:

about to try it for the first time

Cons:

...

I have had acne since I was in grade 6 (age 11) and now I'm 24. It was never that bad until I got to highschool (grade 10). I tried using home remedies such as lemon, yogurt, tumeric powder. Nothing helped. Then I started using Proactiv. I used it from highschool until my 3rd year in university. My acne was very much controlled and in terms of foundation, I only used a loose powder (translucent). I had been in a long relationship with my ex and once I broke up, I not only broke up with him emotionally, but my face started to break up as well. I felt I hit a mid-life crisis. I totally stopped using Proactiv as it did not help my acne. I started getting cystic acne all around the sides of face. I finally consulted a derm and they put me on Clindamycin. I used it for about 5 or 6 months until I noticed (and everyone else me) that I started getting darker. Continued on next post
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January 11, 2009

Pros:

it seemed like a mircle cure the first couple of days

Cons:

all hell broke loose and my skin turned into the red planet. I had acne where I never had it before. I beg anyone thinking about retin a micro to go with something else. I lasted three months before I had to give up

Retin a micro is not a good product. The website says you will go though a period of increased breakouts but what they dont say is that you might not make it out of that period. My skin went from moderate breakouts to close to severe acne. Even my friends noticed that my skin had got dramtically worse in a very short amount of time. They website claims that retin a micro works backwards but I dont know of any other situation in life that first gets horribly worse by creating more problems like dry skin and oily skin and new acne and then somehow turns around to be successful.
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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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September 23, 2008

Pros:

didnt work at all :(

Cons:

Horrible, horrible acne, very red skin on my face, skin peeled nonstop, itchy, very dry and embarassing

My Derm recommended it to me since nothing else was working. I was excited. He told me things would get worse. He also told do not stop. I took for a few months and nothing improved. I followed the instructions and still nothing. So I stopped. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT. ITS A RIP OFF.
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August 2, 2008

Pros:

My mom likes it...but that's about it!

Cons:

Burns and causes peeling/flaking like crazy.

Where to even start. My derm, who I have gone to since I was born (I have atopic dermatitis) prescribed Retin-A .01% gel for me. Now, my skin is indrecibly sensitive - I burn within 20 minutes of being outside, get super dry in winter, etc. My mom, who used to work in dermotology at a nearby university, was surprised when she found out about my prescription, but figured that the derm must be right. Well, I read info on it and everything said that it will burn the first few times you use it - "ok", I thought. Well...not only did it burn like all hell, but my face peeled and flaked for about 2-3 weeks afterwards. I couldn't put anything on it, not even wash with Cetaphil dry skin cleanser, without it burning horribly. Maybe if your skin is more durable than mine, this will work for you. For now I am sticking with my clindamycin lotion, differin, minocycline and aveeno ultra-calming regime. :)
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July 28, 2008

Pros:

it worked for a week

Cons:

Didn't do anything to get rid of acne after a week

I have been on pretty much everything you can have and this was by far the least effective didn't cause brake out but didn't get rid of acne after a week maybe my skin got use to it?? it did however slightly!! flatten scars but not a dramatic difference
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July 25, 2008

Pros:

So far none :(

Cons:

Dryness of the skin and worse ance

I have only been using retin-a for a 2 weeks. So far it has only made my skin dry and my ance worse. From what I hear it takes a long time for this stuff to work, not quite sure if I will be able to rough it out. The pimples come in alot bigger now and I hate to look at myself. I'm really praying that the end results will be well worth the wait like everyone says it will. But so far this stuff SUX! I didn't have to pay for it tho, my tri-care insurance paid for it so it was free for me.
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July 8, 2008

Pros:

none...

Cons:

made my acne 10 times worse. bumps, redness, flakes, dryness, huge pimples, little pimples, roughness

don't use unless you have severe acne.
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June 26, 2008

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

make acne a lot worse, made my skin dry and peel

i used this because i had quite a few little pimples on my cheeks i used this Hoping it would get better. My skin gradually got worse and after a few weeks had cystic acne all over my face. For some reason I didn't associate it with the retin a gel I just thought It was my hormones making my skin worse but then I was referred to a dermatolist and given some anti biotics and told to stop using the retin a. I started using clinique products and well skin healed up quite well apart from a few small blemishes, and luckily I wasn't left with scarring. And then I went on dianette and my skin cleared up lovely !
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Drys out your skin, creates irritation and itchiness, causes flaking and redness. It hurts your face if you use it constantly, even if you apply moisturizer.

Rip-off, a product that ruins your 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