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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September 3, 2010

Pros:

Softens skin

Cons:

Eventually caused acne as well as skin changes

Initially, this was the only thing that worked on the comedonal acne (blackhead, whiteheads coming in for no reason) on my forehead. Eventually however, after decreasing my usage, I noticed that anytime I would use it again on my forehead, acne would flare up. Additionally, the morning after using it on my cheeks, there was inflamed comedonal acne everywhere.
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August 26, 2010

Pros:

clears up most acne
makes skin softer
lasts a long time

Cons:

makes face red
takes a long time to work
doesnt help with oilyness

i have moderate acne and was prescribed retin-a micro .04% about 3 months ago. it made me peel the first 2 weeks or so and then my face was just oily. it took 2 months to start seeing results. it helped clear up most of my acne, but i still broke out every once in a while. i would recommend this for people that dont have sensitive skin, because it will just make your face red. also, use the highest concentration available, because im sure i wouldve cleared up completely if i upped the concentration to .1%. but it made my face too red and didnt help with the oilyness, so i switched to the regimen yesterday. just stick it out for 3 months and it will work for you, but it may make your face red
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August 16, 2010

Pros:

Cleared my acne the first 5 months
Reduced red marks and scarring (though they were caused by the severe breakouts from tretinoin)
Simple to use- only used neutrogena fresh foaming cleanser 2x daily and tretinoin at night
Cream lasted about 2-3 months

Cons:

After 5 months of use, moderate acne again
Price

I reviewed this 5 months ago (same name- Jen from PBG) and was so pleased at the time because of my absolutely clear skin (save for the red marks). My hyperpigmentation/scarring has gone down greatly, however at around month 5 of use (it's now been 10 months) I started getting pimples again. Not small ones, inflamed pustules...moderate acne again. I did switch to a higher %, from .05% to .1% to make my red marks disappear faster, but I don't see how upping the dose would cause pimples...my conclusion is that the effects aren't lasting. I ran out of the cream and will now try to change my diet again (ate a lot of grains and fiber, apples and nuts back during my clear skin period), and I'm also trying baking soda. Tretinoin is a good short term solution, but I'm just displeased that my clear skin didn't last. I might start using it again, but if it didn't clear my skin the last 5 months...maybe it's time for something new.
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August 7, 2010

Pros:

- clears skin up pretty fast depending on the severity of your acne
- skin becomes alot smoother
- skin becomes firmer
- skin glows
- works pretty fast in comparison to oral medications- i think it's because it's topical and apparently this medication is absorbed into your blood stream
- plumps up your skin

Cons:

- dries skin out like nothing else
- dryness is pretty bad for the the first few weeks/ months (its different for each individual)
- can take a while to work for some users
- It doesn't cure acne, acne may come back after you come of this

I am currently using Retin A (gel) 0.025%. I have been using this medication for around 6 months now. I live in the UK so it's easy to get this medication on prescription - either free if you are eligible, or for around £6.00. Other reviewers have described the initial break out period. Personally, I didn't have the initial break out, my skin never got any worse when I began using this, so I think it really depends on each individual user. Weeks 1-2 For me, this started to dry up my skin within the first few weeks and it continued for around 2 months. The dryness was very severe, and no amount of moisturiser/ oils etc was fixing this. This was probably the worst side effect,make up looks awful on, my skin became red and it peeled constantly. I hated going out. However, I wanted rid of my acne, so I persisted. At the same time, in the first few weeks I did see some improvement in my skin. Now for some users, it's going to take longer than a few weeks but my acne is light to moderate. Month 2 My skin had significantly improved by now. I still have dryness, although it's alot less severe. It's easier to use make up now, providing I prep my skin with a good moisturiser in advance. My skin is also glowing and its smoother. Month 4 onwards So it's been around 6 months now and my skin has improved significantly. Again, I still get dryness from time to time but for the most part my skin is clear and I'm much more confident about it. Final Thoughts Some reviewers gave up on this because it didn't work for them, all I can say about that is that if you are prepared to try this then STICK with it. After 2 months, you should see some difference if not a big difference. The dryness is definitely off-putting, but I try to think of it this way- if your skin is shedding, then so are your marks and I should mention it does lighten marks. If yor skin is dry or quite sensitive, then try the cream version instead.
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16 user(s) found this helpful

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August 3, 2010

Pros:

Worked great for me as a teenager.
I like the idea that it might be good for wrinkles too.
No odor, easy to use.

Cons:

Problems with insurance - had to get verification from dr. I think this was to make sure it wasn't being prescribed for wrinkles.
Drying and peeling on initial use.
Maybe less effective on cystic acne.

I have used this product 3 times in my life. Each time it worked a little less effectively and I think that was due to the type of acne and the issues I was having at the time. When I was in high school this was an almost complete cure. I did have a lot of peeling and drying to start with but it was effective on my moderate acne (no cysts). As I have gotten older and my acne has transitioned to severe cystic and very much hormonally influenced, the effectiveness has dropped off. The last time I used it, almost 15 years after the first, there was no effect. So, I think this is definitely worth a try for mild to moderate acne.
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July 29, 2010

Pros:

- skin is more firm
- a few less pimples
- more color

Cons:

- makes my skin super oily
- have random "dry" patches

Ive only been using it a few days so far and not much has happened. My skin hasnt become painfully dry or sensitive yet, but im still waiting for it to happen. Im also waiting for the initial outbreak to happen. So far my pimples have been going down a little but i do not want to jinx anything :P I do not know what to rate it yet because i just started. I will repost again after a few weeks or so.
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July 22, 2010

Pros:

Seems to work

Cons:

takes a few months

I have only been on Tretinoin 0.1 for a few months (the dermatologist said to use it for about 6 months then see how it is going) it seems to work I will probably write another review later on
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July 20, 2010

Pros:

Skin seems clearer
Dried up my pimple and drastically reduced the inflammation
I think new Blackheads are not forming and existing ons have reduced but cant say for sure

Cons:

Nothing so far other than I hope it clears my blackheads

Have been using tretinoin 0.025% for 2 weeks now. Dried my skin but no adverse reaction, no peeling, redness or stinging, no breakouts nothing!!!!!! I think it works well for acne, my skin is smoother and I do think it looks clearer. Since it also has reduces fine line I shall be using this regularly. I am keeping my fingers crossed when it come to blackheads!!! I am hoping like mad that it works. Will increase to 0.05% after a few months of use.
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July 1, 2010

Pros:

i don't know yet :(

Cons:

really dry.
sunburn feeling.

i started using this june 4th along with minocycline. all i see is dryness, itchyness, sunburn feeling. i use it every night but.. nothing. am i using this stuff right? i just need my face clear in a month, well i would be happy with semi-clear. i'm just getting down about this.. :( i gave it '3 stars' because i have hope this will work!
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April 16, 2010

Pros:

It worked for a little bit
Makes my skin glow

Cons:

Only worked for a little bit
makes skin extremely dry
Acne is now the same as all ways

At first, This product was amazing, All my acne was all most gone that was 3 months ago, Ive been using this product since December 2009 I was hoping it'd work, For awhile It did. But now the product Isn't helping at all, Its good for awhile.
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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