Tretinoin topical and Dryness: What Users Say

• Dee...
• August 18, 2015

For Photoaging of the Skin "Not only is this medication great for anti-aging purposes but is also great for a condition called milia. Not many people know of it but it's a lot different than acne. It's trapped dead skin cells under your skin that form what looks like a whitehead only you can't pop it. To get rid of them, you need to exfoliate a lot. This cream just speeds up the process. So not only do you get rid of pesky little white bumps on your face but you get the anti-aging benefits too. And yes, it does take a while for your skin to adjust. Dryness and peeling and flaking occur for a while after you start treatment, but if you truly want it to work, you have to be patient and let the cream do its job."

• Mas...
• November 10, 2014

Tretinoin topical for Acne "Amazing! It was very difficult at first - had a lot of peeling, dryness, and breakouts but I stuck it out. After about 4-5 months I started seeing a major improvement and now my skin is very smooth. Not only does it take care of acne but it smooths out fine lines. Great product, highly recommend. Try to stay patient through the first couple of months."

• MLP...
• January 5, 2016

For Photoaging of the Skin "I'm 52, sought help from a dermatologist for under skin bumps, blackheads and oily skin. I've been using this product for a few months now and in the beginning, as stated in other posts, I experienced dry, irritable skin but in the past few weeks, I've noticed a noticeable change. My skin is radiant, even tone and the bumps are practically all gone. I use coconut oil as a night moisturizer and this cream daily. I also use a sunscreen. I have been getting very positive comments on the youthfulness of my skin. :)"

• Pea...
• October 11, 2019

Tretinoin topical for Acne "This medication, Retin-A, has been a life changer for me. I was at an appointment, and I was complaining about hormonal acne flares before my period. My doctor started telling me about what Retin-A had done for her hormonal acne. She has flawless skin! She said, on top of clearing up those breakouts, it would help with the aging I was starting to see. I've been on this for two months now, and wow, the results are amazing! I have zero breakouts, and the fine lines and pores are shrinking. I will leave the house without makeup now. My complexion is glowing and even! My uneven skin and breakouts were a big source of embarrassment for me. I did have peeling, but this was expected. I also had worsening of acne for a few weeks as my skin purged what was already building in the pores. I pushed through, and I am so glad I did. When the dryness flares, I skip a night of Retin-A and use a heavier moisturizer. I also use an oil-free moisturizer every morning."

• Ann...
• April 11, 2016

For Acne "Holy crap. I don't write reviews, in fact, I'm pretty sure this will be the first and quite possibly the last, but I have to share this with you... Whatever you do, DON'T GIVE UP. The first 3 months of using Tretinoin are going to be hell on earth. Your face is going to hurt (all the time), you're going to want to hide, and you're going to want to cry yourself to sleep some nights. Acne hurts, emotionally, physically, and mentally. BUT Tretinoin DOES help. I've been using this cream for about 3 1/2 months, and guys, I have one zit. ONE. This cream 'purges' your skin, a.k.a. every zit you ever thought you had comes to the surface - at my worst I had 20+ whiteheads, not including the cystic bumps or tiny little red bumps. But now my face is clear!"

• Bil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2014

For Acne "I've never done a review, so that's saying something here. I've only been on Retin-A for about two weeks, and I'm already seeing fantastic results. I had mild acne, usually one to two cystic-like pimples always on my face, and tons of blackheads across my chin, and I had two giant red splotches of skin near the corners of my mouth for months! Two weeks of 0.1% and they're already fading! The pimples are already gone too! Only been dealing with some mild peeling, dryness, and slight redness of the skin, but I know that's normal. I never thought I'd feel fine going out in public ever again."

• Csc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2018

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I am in awe of how well this product works! I’ve been on it for 1 week, and my skin is so clear I don’t believe it’s possible! I’ve struggled with acne since I was 12 (I am now a 21-year-old female), and I’ve tried just about everything, including Accutane, but nothing made a big difference. My acne has ranged from moderate to severe. My biggest struggle was the texture-my face was covered in tiny bumps and clogged pores. My derm now put me on .08%. Not only are the pimples gone after a week, but my whiteheads and blackheads have disappeared almost like magic. There is dryness and peeling, which I’m hoping will go away over time, but I’m fine with it because it’s left me with fresh, new skin. I highly, highly recommend this product!"

• Liv...
• August 1, 2020

Tretinoin topical for Acne "Retin-A... wow is all I can say. This product is amazing. I had small, stubborn little bumps (clogged pores) and just overall comedonal acne. Retin-A has completely cleared my skin and made it look even better than it did before I had acne. My skin is so smooth, and it just continues to boost my skin confidence. I've been on Retin-A for about a year and use “Retin-A Micro Pump Gel 0.06%.” I did purge a lot and had slight dryness/irritation in the beginning, but I didn’t mind it because I WANTED to get rid of the small bumps that were clogged pores. My top advice about this product is using it consistently! This product works slowly (but effectively) and will take some time to produce the wonderful results. Also, I still get a pimple occasionally, but nowhere near what I had. The pimple will usually come and go quickly with this product. I use a moisturizer and a good SPF sunscreen. This is the BEST, so stick it out during the purging phase because it is WORTH IT."

• Sea...
• September 8, 2015

Tretinoin topical for Acne "My skin was at its worst in my prime adulthood age, so I decided to try Retin-A. I've been using the 0.025% Retin-A gel for 2 months now. I didn't have the initial 'purge' that most talk about, however, I believe it's because I was prescribed the gel vs. cream. Anyways, I overdid it the first week by not following doctor's orders and applying daily right off the bat. Don't, haha. My skin got so dry and flaky that I even burned my chin on my bed while sleeping from my skin being so thin. After that initial scare, I followed my doctor's instructions and gradually worked up to every night use. Best skin in years. Try it, it works! Just don't forget to moisturize a lot. Sunscreen when you go out! Don't overdo it like I did."

• Ell...
• January 11, 2020

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I have jawline acne, dark patches from pigmentation, and uneven skin tone and blemishes from years of cystic acne. I am 44 and Asian. Day 1 to 2, the gel stung like crazy, itchy and warm skin, and redness. Days 3 to 8, peeling skin, inflamed look after washing face. Stinging and itchy. Days 8 and 9, skin is very taut. I needed extra petroleum jelly plus my regular moisturizer, although my regular moisturizer. Days 9 and 10, skin is sensitive, shiny, that I need to use makeup. For peeling skin, I reapply petroleum jelly at the first signs of dryness or flakiness. I used hydrocortisone on itchy spots. On day 10, I stopped using soap to wash my face as it is drying. I use lukewarm water to wash off the petroleum jelly on my face and pat dry my skin. The dryness has reduced today, day 10. I can use the gel without it stinging my skin or being taut and dry. By day 10, my face appears to be clearer in some places, spots are fading. Skin texture is smooth, though tender."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2019

For Acne "I’ve always had mild acne, redness, and blotchy skin. I started working at a derm clinic and had heard great things about tretinoin from working there. I started using it on the lowest dose (0.025%) and the results were nice, not too overwhelming but nice. I’ve been using the higher dose now (0.05%) for a little over a week and OH MY GOD. My face is definitely flaking and dry, but it has never, EVER in my life, been this soft. I can’t stop looking at myself in the mirror, feeling how smooth it is, AHH I’m so happy. I still have minimal redness and discoloration, but bumps?? Nope. Not one. I have ditched all other skin care items over the counter that claim to work because nothing has ever given me results like this."

• tre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2021

For Acne "I just wanted to write a review in hopes that it motivates people to continue their tretinoin journeys. I began tretinoin over 18 weeks ago. I purged for the entirety of those 18 weeks. I had painful, under-the-surface cysts, and my face was red and inflamed. I stuck to my simple skincare routine, and now, at 18 weeks, my skin is beginning to heal. Don't give up hope! Keep going - it absolutely gets better. Also, I found that salicylic acid was causing my inflammation and dryness. After I stopped using a salicylic acid face wash, my skin began to heal at a faster rate."

• Acn...
• March 7, 2017

For Acne "Started tretinoin cream 0.025%. Three weeks out. Yes, you will get dry and peeling, and yes, possible breakouts. It's the cream working. I am 41 and have acne deeply embedded in my chin. With just three weeks on the cream, not only does the acne embedded seem to be loosening up and such, I didn't realize it also helps with the tone of your skin and fine wrinkles. I love this product. Would like to try a stronger percentage next visit. Follow instructions. I use mine at night, I do my cleansing as always, however, let your skin rest for 20 to 30 minutes as instructions recommend and apply. Pea size does work. Less is more in this case. You will waste product if using too much. Be patient, and results will follow. Love it."

• Sar...
• January 8, 2016

For Photoaging of the Skin "It is effective on both aging and acne, but I used it so long I think I built up a tolerance of sorts. I switch it up with Tazorac to keep my skin guessing. I like the cream better in the winter (less drying) and the gel better in the summer (when my skin gets oily)."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2019

For Acne "So I’ve never had acne in my life besides the 1-2 pimples I would get on my period. I started breaking out Oct. 21, 2018, and it was small inflamed bumps on my forehead, and it got worse every day! After a week, it was drastically worse, and I went to the derm & got tretinoin & never used it because the reviews scared me bad because of the purge. After a month, my skin got so bad, and the acne migrated to the side of my face, so my forehead & side of my face were covered in acne. The forehead was inflamed, pus-filled acne, & my side of my face was comedones that looked like sandpaper. I finally used the tretinoin, and within a week, my skin improved. I used clindamycin every morning and tretinoin every other day. Within two weeks, my skin looked 80% better. Now, 2 months later, it looks 100% better. I never experienced severe dryness/flaking. I started using it every day after 2 weeks. I never experienced a purge either. Now I'm left with scars, but they've gotten so much lighter with this cream! Just try it! Not everyone has a bad experience!"

• bye...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2016

For Acne "I started using this cream about 5 months ago for my moderate acne (0.025). I started using it every day after I washed my face before I went to bed. For the first 3 months or so, my face became dry, red, and irritated. I used moisturizer to combat the dryness, but it was irritating. Using my old s acid face wash stung so bad. My acne also got worse during these first three months. A lot of whiteheads and bumps that never fully emerged. I pushed through thanks to these reviews, and by the 4th month, things started looking up. Now my face is mostly clear, and scars are beginning to fade, and the irritation and dryness have improved a bit. To all you struggling, keep it up!"

• It...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2015

For Acne "As someone who's had moderate-severe acne for 8 years and tried just about every typical prescription for acne, I was finally put on tretinoin combined with antibiotics. It's caused a lot of dryness and peeling, which was to be expected. I know that this medication is supposed to take a long time to see the positive results, but 3 and a half months in, I still haven't seen too much improvement. It actually smoothed out my forehead a lot, which I'm glad to see, but in contrast, the sides of my cheeks (which weren't my problem areas) have broken out into small, rough bumps for many months now. And my chin, which was full of painful, deep cystic pimples, has not changed at all. It was worth a shot, but I think it's just not for me..."

• Anonymous
• August 24, 2010

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I am 33 and using Retin-A. I have found the product to work wonders while using antibiotics as well. The cell turnover rate is so much faster and heals the acne like nothing I have seen. There is some dryness in areas, but overall has been my magic in a tube. LOVE IT!"

• Sar...
• August 22, 2016

For Acne "HAVE PATIENCE!! I am not one to write reviews, but I feel like I needed to, as reading these are the only things that encouraged me to stay on this cream. I am 28, and one day out of the blue, developed cystic acne around my chin and jawline. The dermatologist suggested it was due to hormones and stress. She prescribed me tretinoin 0.025%. I started using it every night, but the dryness and peeling became too much, so I switched to every other night. The first 2 months were absolute hell. My face broke out more than ever in places it never did before. Every morning I woke up, I would have 1-2 new cysts. I am on week 10 and am finally starting to see an improvement. It gets better, just stay patient!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2016

For Acne "I'm 18 years old and have been struggling with acne since I was 10. When I first started tretinoin, my skin broke out and was peeling for about a week or two. I started seeing a lot of improvement by the end of the first month. I've been on tretinoin for almost two months now and have barely any acne. Only one noticeable pimple next to my nose. I still have a few tiny white bumps along my hairline, but I'm sure they will go away with time. One thing I have to say is DON'T use more than a pea-sized amount. If you use more than that, it dries your skin out and it peels even more, especially around the mouth area. I wish you good luck and I hope you achieve the same results as me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2014

For Acne "I have recently been prescribed tretinoin 0.25%. I have been applying it for about a month now. At first, my skin was terribly dry and painful. With the use of moisturizer, it's not noticeable. I apply the medication at night before I go to bed. My acne has not gone away yet, but my skin is much smoother, and any new zits that do pop up are gone immediately. From the experiences of other people, it sounds like this medication just needs time and a patient with patience!"

• zoe...
• August 15, 2016

For Acne "I HIGHLY recommend this medication. I am 15 and have had mild to severe acne since I was around 12. I have been using this for 2 years off and on. About 4 months ago, I started using it religiously and saw a dramatic difference. The only problem is it makes your skin dry and/or flaky during the first period using the medication, which is why I gave it 9 stars. But nothing compares to the result. I only get very small pimples, and I also have decreased my acne scars dramatically with use. Overall, if you are having problems with acne (especially with confidence issues resulting from acne), then I HIGHLY recommend this medication! I use 0.05."

• Soo...
• November 6, 2013

For Acne "I've been using tretinoin the last 3 months, and this worked great on my face, but now little pimples are back and go away quickly. My only problem is my face gets so much dryness. I don't know what I should do? Please help."

• mim...
• November 16, 2016

For Acne "Just started using this product maybe 3 days ago, and today I started to notice the dry and peeling skin around my cheeks, mouth, nose, and chin. I will start to use a moisturizer to help with the dryness. But I also notice my skin becoming very smooth in some areas. I've read that it's supposed to get worse before it gets better, hope it doesn't take too long, though. 18 yr old female :)"

• Jda...
• December 10, 2018

For Acne "I was so scared to use this product as I have read some scary reviews. But TRY IT, it has made me so confident and my skin is beyond clear. BUT put Cetaphil on 10 minutes before you put the cream on, it helps with dryness. Don’t stop using tretinoin because you experience bad dryness, it makes it worth it."