Tretinoin topical and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

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

Tretinoin topical for Acne "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."

• Jus...
• May 25, 2018

Tretinoin topical for Acne "32-year-old female. I'd been on Acanya (benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin) for about 3 years before it stopped working very suddenly. Like, one day my skin was clear, and the next, I had breakouts on my chin and cheeks again. Anyway, I'd ordered a tube of 0.05% Retin-A online a while ago and used to use it as a spot treatment, which worked for a bit. I think that was too strong for me. Just starting prescribed 0.025% Retin-A and the morning after use on my entire face, my skin was less inflamed. I noticed 2 new pimples surfaced, but they were easily extracted. I use Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser and then a toner + moisturizer in the mornings. Cetaphil cleanser - wait 20 mins - Retin-A - wait 20 mins - and Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturizer at night. I have noticed some blemishes come to the surface and minor peeling. But my general skin tone looks so much better than when I was using the Acanya, despite those two drawbacks. Will keep using and see what the long-term results look like!"

• Mar...
• November 18, 2017

For Acne "My acne got worse in my mid-20s, and after trying every tip I could find, I finally decided to go to the doctor, and he gave me tretinoin. After several researches, I found out that things might get worse in the beginning. And indeed, things got worse after a few weeks, and I broke out terribly; I cried when I looked in the mirror, but I thought, “just stick with it,” and trust me, it's worth it! I know it's really hard, but when it's over, it's getting better and better (took me 3-4 months to see first results). Also, don't pick because you will have a giant wound after it. Good thing about that: I am not picking anymore! I also use BP in the morning and zinc; after 11 months, I’m now getting compliments for my flawless skin! Don't give up; it's worth it."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2017

For Acne "I started tretinoin 0.05% almost 2 months ago, and my experience has been complicated and confusing. When I first started the cream, my skin immediately got sensitive to it, red splotches on my cheeks and chin (wasn't putting it there), and it dried them out a lot too. But after a couple of brutal weeks, my forehead and nose cleared up entirely, and the redness/dryness calmed down, and I was getting really excited. But, unfortunately, my period came, and my skin had a HORRIBLE breakout. My entire forehead was covered in bumps, and beside my nose, I got little bumps as well. Now, about a month later, my skin is clearing up somewhat, but still, I'm not sure what's in store for me. I'm hopeful for this product because I've heard many wonderful things!"

• Dan...
• February 9, 2017

For Acne "Honestly, I've used this, and it's the 0.05% one, I believe, and I've been using it daily. It's really cleared up my acne, like a lot. At first, I had a big breakout, and then I used this. Once I started it, the first few weeks it got worse, and until two months later of using this, it's gotten so much better. But the only thing is that my acne scars 'post-hyperpigmentation' are taking forever to go away."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2017

For Acne "When I first used this acne medication, I broke out like crazy. In fact, it made my acne worse. After I saw it getting worse, I debated whether or not to continue with this product. However, other users agreed that this product is one of those products that fits the saying of, 'it makes the acne get worse before it gets better.' After almost 3 weeks of using this product daily (once at night, I use Finacea in the morning), most of the breakouts have faded and soon will be gone. I do recommend this product, however, you may not experience immediate results, and I am here to tell you that if your acne worsens when first taking it, STICK with it."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2016

For Acne "I am 28 years old. I have always suffered from acne since I was in middle school. My pores are clogged, they just look like bumps on my face. My dermatologist prescribed me tretinoin 0.025 cream and phloretin. I have sensitive skin, so I use the tretinoin every third night and the phloretin every morning. I am on week 9, and I have noticed changes for the better. I am experiencing redness and dry patches, but it's tolerable. I do have breakouts in different spots than where I usually do. But my skin is clearing up. I am also getting compliments on my skin. I have now been using it every night because my doctor said 0.025 is a low dosage. It's definitely worth it to stick it out. Looking forward to the next couple of months."

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

For Acne "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."

• Cup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2015

For Acne "I just started tretinoin cream, and I am starting to get the dryness, peeling, and breaking out! But I think it's normal, and everyone gave me so much confidence to keep using this because it will eventually all clear up! I can't wait to see the results :)"

• Ano...
• October 23, 2015

For Acne "This is my review so far :) So I started tretinoin 0.025 13 weeks ago. At first, my face broke out so bad and was peeling so much I couldn't even cover it with makeup. This happened around the first and second week. My acne then fluctuated from somewhat decent skin to having breakouts for the next 8 weeks. It was somewhat discouraging to see my face break out worse from how I originally started, but thankfully, this past week and a half I've had consistently clear skin with only a few blackheads on my chin area. My skin is very soft now, and I can go to school (senior in high school) and feel comfortable wearing no makeup. I only have a few scars that are noticeably fading each day."

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

For Acne "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."

• ste...
• October 4, 2014

For Acne "I have been using since the first week of August, and now it's October. I see improvement, but I still have scars and get pimples here and there, and all my breakouts are gone. Hopefully, after 12 weeks, I see more improvement."

• AG1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2013

Tretinoin topical for Photoaging of the Skin "I'm using Retin-A 0.025 gel version of tretinoin. My review is more of an encouragement rather than a full review. My full review will happen after at least a year of usage. Current usage - 2 months. So, you see, within 2 months of usage already deserves an 8 score rating from me. I could easily give it higher, but I'd rather wait for my full review. Now, I have read many of what the users said here and on the internet. It will be best for new users not to pay too much attention to users below 2 months of usage. Because all you hear is pain, breakout, worries, and eventually the key way they use = give up. It's your choice. But please read those who have actually used tretinoin for at least 6 months."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2012

For Acne "I'm 30 and have always had bad acne. I've tried many things, and this is my second time using Retin-A. I wasn't patient enough the first time, but this time I wanted to see if it would work. The initial breakout was horrible, and I developed a rash on my arms. I've been using it for 7 months, and my skin is super smooth. I still get pimples, but they do not stick out, and there are only 2-3 at a time instead of my whole face breaking out. I have terrible blemishes, and this medication is slowly fading the marks. I feel a little better about myself and don't wake up every morning in fear of what the mirror shows me."

• for...
• June 27, 2011

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I have been using Atralin for a month now. Though most users have seen significant improvement within 12 months, I've seen my face improved within the first week. I've always had mild to moderate acne since I was 12 for the past 20 years and had never thought of going to the dermatologist until a month ago when my esthetician tried to introduce Retin-A/Treninoid to me during a facial. My face did not have the initial breakout like most people and only a little peeling that lasted for a week, but of course, that was resolved with exfoliating my face. Though I still have some acne, my dermatologist saw me today and said that they will go away with time and not leave a scar. Since the first week, I have noticed the smoothness of my skin."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2016

For Acne "RETIN-A 0.025 cream/female - New update...currently on my 8th week now, and results aren't so well. Lately, my acne on my forehead has been appearing again, but now they are small and come in large numbers. My cheeks are still pretty smooth, but acne has been appearing on my left cheek. My cheeks are very red right now because of the acne scarring. I guess this week is another purging week, so that sucks. Anyways, will keep updating."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2016

For Acne "RETIN-A 0.025 cream/female - New update...currently on my 8th week now, and results aren't so well. Lately, my acne on my forehead has been appearing again, but now they are small and come in large numbers. My cheeks are still pretty smooth, but acne has been appearing on my left cheek. My cheeks are very red right now because of the acne scarring. I guess this week is another purging week, so that sucks. Anyways, will keep updating."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2015

For Acne "I have been using Retin A 0.025 for a little over 10 weeks. I'm 33 years old, and I've never had acne until the past year. I'm assuming it may be hormonal. I didn't experience the terrible skin peeling and burning most talk about, but I'm definitely breaking out more. I'm going to stick with it until the 12-week mark, and then I'm done. I know it may take longer, but because I only had mild acne to begin with, it's very hard to see my acne worsen. I've had some really hard days, but I've stuck with this far. I'll see how the next couple of weeks go! One thing I have noticed is my acne lesions seem to scab over and go away pretty fast."

• Jes...
• November 20, 2016

For Acne "I started using this cream 0.25 about 2 months ago. It's not fun, you will have a huge breakout more than one time. I personally experienced the right side of my face (which was the worst side acne-wise) break out insane. I almost stopped, then it started to clear up (don't give up). Now, my left side is doing the same, and it wasn't even that bad. BUT my skin is so much less oily, pores are smaller, and things are starting to clear up. It sucks, but my skin sucking for a few months and clearing up vs. sucking forever, I'll stick with the cream!! Also remember to use non-comedogenic and oil-free makeup/lotions!!! I can't say much more yet, but I will review in a few months on how my experience is going."

• Glo...
• October 25, 2014

For Acne "I have been on tretinoin since the end of September. I almost immediately saw improvement in my skin. However, around last week (week 4), my skin broke out. Almost every part of my cheek to above my eyebrow was covered in small little pimples. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if there is a solution? The doctor also prescribed my bleaching cream (hydroquinone) for my dark spots, as well as a BP wash and doxycycline oral antibiotics."

• Glo...
• October 25, 2014

For Acne "I have been on tretinoin since the end of September. I almost immediately saw improvement in my skin. However, around last week (week 4), my skin broke out. Almost every part of my cheek to above my eyebrow was covered in small little pimples. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if there is a solution? The doctor also prescribed my bleaching cream (hydroquinone) for my dark spots, as well as a BP wash and doxycycline oral antibiotics."

• Imy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2021

For Acne "Tretinoin is not a good pharmaceutical. In fact, I think it's a mediocre pharmaceutical. My skin has gotten more acne scars than ever before. The only good results I've had are that it made my skin look 'newer' in some areas. Overall, it was a terrible decision to start using this product."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2020

Tretinoin topical for Acne "Started this, and I’m just hopeful as I cannot see any results yet. Rather, my acne has gotten terribly worse than it was. I’m still giving it time like they said."

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2018

Tretinoin topical for Photoaging of the Skin "I began using Retin-A 0.01% approximately 2 months ago. I have dark spots left from what doctors claim is atopic dermatitis coupled with hyper-eczema when I was younger. I have had these marks for over 20 years. I no longer suffer from breakouts, however, I do have the marks (front and back thighs). I started by specifically treating them spot by spot, rather than applying to the entire area. Recently, my husband disclosed that he is having a 'hard time' actually seeing the marks to apply the cream, they have lightened up, but I am not totally clear yet... I am on my second tube. When I complete this one, my intention is to increase to the 0.5 strength and observe those results. Will advise probably in another 2 months' time. What I can say with certainty is that it works, faster for some than others... but it works, consistency is key."

• Dhr...
• July 4, 2016

For Acne "I have been using tretinoin for almost 3 weeks now. The first week was alright, but after that, my face broke out quite badly. I had quite a few new pimples on my face. Ugh, those two weeks tested my patience, but I knew that it has to get worse before getting better, so I kept that positive attitude and moved forward. Now I think my face is getting used to the cream, and I am not seeing any new pimples anymore. Hopefully, now the 'clearing up phase' will start. Fingers crossed."