Tretinoin topical for Acne User Reviews (Page 5)

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2018

"So I never write reviews unless I absolutely love or hate a product. Now Tretinoin .025 is my lifesaver. I went to the dermatologist because my skin was so bad I didn't want to go anywhere, and I was at a point where I didn't want my own husband to look at me. But I started Retin A (tretinoin .025), and for the first 3 months, my skin got worse, and these reviews are what got me through it. JUST KEEP GOING! I never thought I'd be the one saying this, but I have CLEAR skin now. In the beginning, it burned to put it on, but I stuck with it and used a fan as I put it on. Here is the regimen in order so you can achieve moisturized skin: 1. Deep cleanse (wash makeup off) (night), 2. Cleanse (fragrance-free, oil-free), 3. TONER (don't skip) (witch hazel), 4. Tretinoin (night only), 5. The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum (pat on, don't rub), 6. Clinique serum moisture surge, 7. Moisturizer (fragrance-free, oil-free). I know it's a lot, but it's worth it."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

Tretinoin topical "If you're suffering with acne, please go see a dermatologist! I wish I had started going to a dermatologist when I first started getting horrible breakouts (at the age of 9). I'm currently 20. I took my first trip to the dermatologist about two or three weeks ago. I was prescribed Sumaxin wash, Acanya morning cream, Atralin night cream, and an oral medication, but I forgot the name. My forehead is amazingly soft and clear, and the deep scarring is going away in my cheeks, as well as the acne. I recommend these products to anyone and everyone suffering with acne. Great for people with sensitive skin."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2019

Tretinoin topical "I have mild acne and started using Retin A 0.025%. I've been using the cream for about three weeks now, and I didn't see much change in the first two weeks. I'm seeing much more improvement now. I still have a few small bumps and blackheads, but it's not as bad as before. My skin feels significantly smoother and softer than before, so I'm excited to see how much more it will improve."

• Tre...
• September 9, 2017

"I never leave reviews, but I'm going to leave one for tretinoin. My routine was BP face wash in the morning and a layer of tretinoin all over my face after washing it with a mild soap and moisturizer. My routine was prescribed by my doctor. Ok, let me start by saying, my purge period was horrible. I didn't even want to leave the house. It was the worst it had ever been in my life. Even when I was 19 and deployed to Afghanistan and couldn't wash my face, I had better skin. I didn't want to leave the house. It affected my self-confidence. And I was looking online for everyone's experience because I was convinced I was the outlier that tretinoin would not apply to. It took me 4 months to see results. But it worked. Keep pushing through it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 20, 2012

Tretinoin topical "I experienced a really bad stress breakout on my face, chest, and back. I was on an antibiotic for a bit, and it did nothing. I finally saw a dermatologist, and she prescribed me Atralin. After about two weeks of consistent use, I started seeing results. I have now been using it for about 6 months and am so happy with the results. It cleared up the acne on my back permanently, and I went from having big cysts on my face to now only a few blackheads once in a while, and I don't use it every day anymore. My chest was the worst, and it cleared up cysts that I had struggled with for MONTHS, and even helped to lighten the red marks they left behind, although they are still somewhat visible. Overall, I really liked this product."

• nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2014

Tretinoin topical "Retin-A truly did a 360 on my skin. I have mild to moderate breakouts with terrible hormonal flare-ups. Hence, when I first tried Retin-A over a year ago, it only worked for a short while, and then I discovered I was expecting and had to stop using it. Glowing during pregnancy led to the return of the bumps around my chin and forehead postpartum. Now I'm back on 0.025% and am in love with my skin again. Smooth, healthy, and rosy looking even when that time comes. It started working immediately. I skip every third night to keep from over-drying and desensitizing. Good luck all."

• cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2015

"After countless fails of using different cleansers and over-the-counter products, I was prescribed a combination of Tretinoin (0.025%) and Clindamycin, both topical medications along with 100 mg minocycline antibiotics. I have severe acne, cysts on my back, chest, and face. I use a pea-sized amount of Tretinoin at night before bed and the Clindamycin phosphate solution in the morning. I am 2 weeks in, and I have had some breakouts on my forehead only. I am an extremely active athlete, so that can be the reason. My chest and back, after week one, have gone through such drastic changes. Scars are minimized and red flares decreased. Just like any medication, you have to sacrifice through the initial phases in order for it to kick in and start working."

• PJa...
• April 17, 2020

Tretinoin topical "I have acne-prone skin and started having acne at around 12. I have done extensive research on effective medication and found Retin-A. I introduced Retin-A to my skin, really slowly by applying for 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes and washing it off before my normal routine for one week each (2 minutes for one week, 5 minutes for one week, and so on). Then I started applying it overnight as my last step (moisturizer for 30 minutes, then Retin-A 0.025) from one night a week to every other night, then every night. I am on my eighth week of using Retin-A every night as my last step. I am going to use it before moisturizer in week 10. Gradually introducing Retin-A to my skin made the purging bearable (slowly purging) and subsided those side effects. I still have red scars, but much smoother texture, a little bumpy. I am still breaking out but expecting improvement. My complexion is improving. Skin is bright and glowing. Skin is more balanced, not oily, not dry. I am on month 2 and happy with my skin, not perfect, much better. Retin-A is worth your patience."

• Ake...
• July 10, 2015

"I started taking tretinoin along with doxycycline antibiotics in November of 2014. It's currently July 2015, and my skin is clear. This stuff is amazing! I used to have severe acne for years. There were some days I didn't even want to step foot out of the house. This medication changed my life. I had tried everything in the past. It definitely takes a while to really see results, but it's worth it because my skin is almost completely clear now!"

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2016

"I am the mother of a 13-year-old boy. His face was bad. I would say he didn't have a clear spot on his face or back. And he was prescribed the tretinoin cream 0.025 and also an antibiotic called doxycycline mono 100 mg. The doctor said to give it a month, and we would see a change. That was October 2015. It's now January, and month 3/4, and his scars from picking his pimples are so faded you can barely see them. And his back is clear. We use both every day. He will still get a pimple here and there, but it has given him back his confidence. The doctor said the longer you are on it, the better."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2020

Tretinoin topical "Before trying this product, I honestly lost all hope, I tried everything. Then my doctor prescribed me Stieva-A, and after about a month, my skin instantly cleared up. I couldn’t believe it actually worked for me. It’s even helped to slowly fade my acne scars, my face hasn’t felt this smooth in a while. Also, a bonus is when I apply makeup now, it’s so smooth. I just got a second refill on this product because I love it so much and want to use it for a year and see how much it can help my scars fade. Also, a little bit goes a long way, which is nice!"

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2020

"I started tretinoin 0.025 about a week ago for moderate teenage acne. So far, no new breakouts. Face is peeling, but not super dry if you know what I mean. I have always had sensitive skin as well, so my face is more red and splotchy than usual. I am using it every other day after showering and Cerave moisturizer. Seems to be helping so far. Will update each week!"

• It ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2015

"I had acne since 11, and I'm now 22, but Retin A really helped me get rid of them in 3 months. (I also cut dairy, which is what I believe caused my acne.) I started using Retin A at 0.025->0.05% and I am seeing a huge difference in my skin. Pores are significantly smaller as all my friends have complimented me on how good my skin looks. Scars are going away faster than they do normally. I didn't have an initial breakout like most people have. There's only occasional peeling when I don't drink enough water. I do notice my skin regenerates a lot faster, so remember to gently exfoliate your skin (light med peel). Amazing as it sounds, do give it a few months (or more depending on how your skin reacts to it). Going for 0.1% and I'll see how it goes!"

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2013

Tretinoin topical "My 15-year-old son had moderate acne, mainly on his forehead, neck, and around his mouth. The dermatologist prescribed Atralin, as well as minocycline. These are working, but it really took a while to see the results, about 3 1/2 months! It's not totally cleared, but looks much less inflamed, and he doesn't have as many breakouts. He also is a major athlete, so perspiration plays a big part too, I'm sure! So my advice is to be very patient and give the medicine a good amount of time, it also does get a little worse before it gets better!"

• jac...
• December 26, 2015

"Tretinoin increases cell turnover. For those who have an initial purge, where your acne is getting worse, stay patient! I know how hard it is to look into the mirror. It will get better. I use it every 3rd night and use Cetaphil lotion after applying it. My skin is too sensitive to use it daily. I also take an antibiotic every day. It can take up to 12 weeks for a pimple to form; therefore, it takes a few months to clear all the pimples up, including the ones that haven't fully formed yet! Be patient!"

• Lau...
• January 14, 2017

"I never write reviews for medicine, but this stuff is AMAZING. I'm in recovery from heroin and meth, and I had bad skin from acne and picking. Now you can't even tell I ever used to pick at my skin. It also has done wonders for oil control. My skin is normally extremely oily. If I get a pimple, it doesn't even leave a mark anymore."

• zay...
• March 4, 2015

"I have been taking tretinoin for a month and couldn't be happier with the results I've seen in just a month. I would recommend it to anybody. Went to the doctor on 3-2-15 for a check-up, and I got five refills on it, so I can't wait to see the six-month results. Very pleased with it, besides the flaking and burning I get on my face. I also got a face buffer to take off all the dead flaky skin every morning."

• Anonymous
• March 25, 2011

Tretinoin topical "This gel is great, but you have to give it time. I went on it and after four months my acne only cleared a little, but then bam! After the next month everything was great, and then it's just all good from there. No random pimples popping up, just time for my scars to fade. I love it. And if you're a patient person who wants something gentle and not scary for their face, Atralin is it."

• Min...
• January 6, 2015

"My doctor prescribed me this cream called tretinoin .01% cream. I've been using this cream for 1 week now, and it really dried and peaked my skin. I apply moisturizer in the morning, but it makes my face look red and discolored. But I started to see a little result, it fades the bumps and acne scars on my face (some of them, not all). After I've read the reviews, I think it helped me to be patient, I will stick with it."

• An0...
• July 21, 2016

Tretinoin topical "(Female/moderate acne) I have suffered from acne since I was 12. This summer has been the worst for my face. I have acne all over my forehead and my cheeks. In the beginning of the summer, I had small, tiny bumps all over my forehead and my cheeks that later became bigger. I've used many, many products on my face that worked quite a bit to not working at all. Then, in the beginning of July, I started using Retin-A 0.025 cream. The first week showed great results on my forehead, my forehead is now clear, but my cheeks became worse. This second week that I am currently in is what I guess is the purge, my cheeks are entirely red and covered in acne. I don't want to go outside, and my cheeks really hurt. Will keep updating. Not losing hope."

• Sil...
• January 28, 2016

"I am 30 years old, and my acne and skin had gotten bad in the last year. My skin felt gross and clogged. I went to a dermatologist for the first time in Dec. of 2015, and he prescribed me Tretinoin .05. I did a ton of research on it first. I began using the cream little by little. First, a couple of times a week. Then 3, now I'm up to 4x a week. This helped so that my skin didn't freak out. Also, start with a small amount, don't use it like a moisturizer, and apply it only to dry skin, so wait 10 min. after washing your face. Anyways, it's only been a month, but my skin is doing so much better. No breakouts. My skin feels soft, no little bumps. I haven't experienced bad side effects, only some dry skin, but I've been very careful."

• Yan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2013

"I had severe acne since 5th grade and I am in my early 20s, now still having trouble with acne. I went to the dermatologist back in April, and I told him that I had tried everything, so he prescribed me tretinoin cream 0.05%. I didn't break out more or have any other side effects that the other people were saying about, but I do have sensitive skin. The first 3 months were like a roller coaster. The acne went away, then it came back, and so on. When the 4th month came in, all my acne disappeared! I was so happy that I stuck with it, and you should too. It may take a while, but it truly works. I have tried everything from pills to creams, and this is the only one that works! Oh, and your face does get dry, and always remember to put sunscreen on in the morning."

• Anonymous
• October 6, 2011

"I have had acne since I was about 12 years old. I am now 50. I have tried all acne medications out there. I am now using Doxycycline (oral antibiotic) twice a day, Clindamycin phosphate in the morning, and tretinoin at night. For the first time in my life, my face is as smooth as porcelain. Hope never to stop using this combination of medicines. No breakouts, peeling, or irritation. Please just try and see for yourself."

• new...
• January 29, 2021

"I've been on tretinoin for 1 year and four months now, and I am SO pleased with my skin. I wanted to comment on this for whoever is going through these reviews and needs reassurance. This WORKED for me. I had awful acne on my forehead, and my derm recommended I use tretinoin at night and adapalene in the morning. It took four to six months of purging for my skin to slowly improve. My skin was the worst I've ever seen at months 4 to 5, but since then it's only gotten better! Some tips: 1) Use CeraVe moisturizing cream and apply it to your face BEFORE tretinoin. Leave your moisturizer on for at least 30 minutes before applying the medication. 2) Don't over-exfoliate your face, and don't wax your face! You could tear off skin. 3) Only use a pea-sized amount each time. Any more, and you'll just dry out your skin and purge even more. It will get better. Trust the process and know you're not alone on this skincare journey."

• Ner...
• September 29, 2016

"I have had oily skin and acne since I hit puberty at 9 years old. I am now 39. It doesn't help that I also have keratosis pilaris, resulting in clogged pores on my face, arms, chest, and back. I am able to keep my body skin pretty smooth by using a 10% glycolic acid lotion daily. The best for my face is Retin A Micro 0.1%. I see a lot of reviews here where people are ready to give up after a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. I'm sorry to tell you, but you will NOT see maximum results with Retin A until about 7-10 months of regular use. You will go to hell and back several times during the process, but it's worth it. Suck it up, buttercup. You will also look much younger than your actual age. Bonus."