Tretinoin topical and Dryness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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!"

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2015

For Acne "I started tretinoin 0.05% 6 weeks ago every other night. I applied right after washing my face. Big mistake. Very red with lots of peeling. My second mistake was to rub the skin off when it was softened in the shower. While skin felt smooth instantly, there was painful stinging the minute I tried to moisturize. I had to wash it off. Since then, I've started waiting 30 minutes before applying, and I definitely don't rub it off in the shower. I'm still just at twice a week and having dry, flaky skin within two days of applying-makeup looks awful. So I went to a derm who is also the owner of a med spa. She explained the difference between hydration vs. moisturizers and put me on hydration serums. So much better!"

• Lyn...
• July 25, 2017

For Acne "I used to have terrible acne all throughout high school that I was very insecure and self-conscious about. After getting on Tretinoin cream, my acne cleared up tremendously. It did take about 6 months to clear up and made my face very dry and sensitive, but it was all worth it. I hardly ever get acne now, and my face is so clear now. It does take time, but wow, it works!"

• Soo...
• February 11, 2016

For Acne "I am 43. I've had acne since I was 12 and was very self-conscious-especially at my age. I mean, how crappy is acne in your 40s and wrinkles? Ugh. I started taking tretinoin 0.05%. I had terrible peeling and dryness for a few months, but I noticed my face starting to get clearer. Was the drying and peeling worth it? To have dull skin is not cool. So, I used an exfoliating face wash each morning and once a week used one of those face scrubby things in the shower. Also, I put on a moisturizer with SPF 30-that's important because this stuff will make you burn in the sun! That all worked for me! At around the 6-month mark, there was no more acne-only a few zits around the time of my period-and I get compliments on my youthful skin!"

• tss...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2016

For Acne "I have had on-and-off acne since I was a teenager. Now 22, my acne became more hormonal on my cheeks. I had tried everything and decided to go to my doctor for a prescription. I was prescribed Stieva A 0.01%, and I am so happy! I have only been on it for 7 days, but there has been a dramatic change already. Over the first few days, I had a breakout with the acne that had been under my skin. After they cleared up, I had a bit of drying (still do) but nothing too bad! I have also noticed that my skin feels a lot less oily, which I love! I will definitely continue and can't wait to see results after a few months! From what I have read online, you are prone to breaking out at first, get through those first few days/weeks, results are worth it!"

• Zit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2017

For Acne "I began breaking out once I started my junior year of high school. It affected my self-confidence a lot, and I am very much into makeup and all that. But after breaking out, I rarely wore any due to embarrassment. I went to my annual physical, and the doctor prescribed the tretinoin cream. I avoided it at first, but I am about two months in, and my terrible acne is going away, along with the peeling and dryness. New skin is under the shell, and I am in love with it!!"

• dan...
• February 10, 2017

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I've read so many reviews about Retin-A being amazing and working almost immediately, but I have been using this gel for about 7 weeks, and my skin is still so much worse than before I started using it! I broke out in deep, painful acne almost immediately, and it still hasn't gone away. Breakouts all over my face, and my skin is red and very, very noticeably dry and peeling. Hoping it will start to work soon, I'm getting pretty discouraged that it's taking so long! :("

• nik...
• March 22, 2013

For Acne "I've suffered with moderate acne since I was 13 and tried everything, right down to home remedies, and nothing seemed to work until I was prescribed tretinoin 0.1 cream along with minocycline. But the cream did leave a residue on my face that would peel in the shower and left flakiness along with redness at first. But after a few weeks, your skin looks brand new, and all the unevenness goes away, and your skin just overall looks healthy. Aveeno lotion helps with the dryness! Highly recommend it!"

• Acn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2016

For Acne "Okay, first off, you ain't got patience keeping that acne! Like, boy, I started breaking out in the beginning of 7th grade, then my face started being so greasy, and you could easily see my pimples. My doctor recommended the tretinoin cream, and so I didn't worry much about my acne at that time, so I only applied it like once a week because I kept forgetting. But when I actually applied it each night, my face started being so dry and peeling, it was embarrassing. It lasted for about a week. So then, in the middle of 8th grade, I still had that same acne, so I actually got my lazy butt off every night to apply it, and let's just say it takes about 1-2 months depending on how bad your acne is to see results. Just takes time, don't give up."

• Eli...
• March 22, 2015

For Acne "I love this cream. My doctor prescribed this to me for acne (cystic and blackheads). This was a dream cream for me. I am 23 years old and have been suffering from acne since about 14. I've never had clear skin since using this stuff - and I've tried every product - even expensive luxury products. This smoothed my skin after 2 weeks of use and made my hyperpigmentation from years of acne drastically improve. I do understand this is very drying because it is speeding up creating new layers of skin. Because I don't want to be blotchy with dry patches all the time, I use this cream every other night and moisturize thoroughly the next morning. I couldn't be happier with this cream because I'm finally able to not wear as much makeup!!!!"

• Sam...
• March 22, 2016

For Acne "This medication does work, you just have to be patient. At first, you're going to peel and be all red in the face. Every time I woke up and saw myself in the mirror, I felt horrible from all the dryness, but after some time, it does get better. I can truly say my skin is clearer, and I see less acne as time goes by. The key point with this medication is patience, at first, you're going to look like a monster, but after a few months, you'll be looking like a princess."

• foo...
• September 7, 2015

For Acne "Stick with this medication. I've never written a review before, but seriously, I am about 6 months in and am seeing really great results. In the first three months, I wanted to give up due to the clusters of huge, painful spots of acne on my cheeks. But I kept using tretinoin, along with Onexton, and I believe it was around month 4 that the breakouts subsided. I had moderate drying but got a good moisturizer that helped tremendously. Like many users have stated, the trick is to stick with it, and also use an antibacterial medication with it as well. At about 6 months, I am thrilled to say that I do not have a single active blemish!"

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2018

For Acne "I decided to give this treatment an 8/10 because I have only been using it for about 3 weeks and have not yet seen the full results. However, so far this cream has been amazing! I can really see the difference in my skin. The first couple of weeks, your face will become extremely dry, begin to flake, and even burn a bit, but after, your skin will get used to it. I apply the cream every other night and usually try to moisturize with CeraVe SA cream (although meant for the body). This has helped tremendously with the dry skin. I broke out a little the first week, but after that, I have had no issues. I also see my blackheads going away as well."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 26, 2015

For Acne "This medicine is to be used only once or twice a week and then increased to every other day/every day. I've been using it every day for over a year. I have combination skin, and even though it can make my skin dry if I don't put on lotion, it has helped my skin so, so, so much. I went from having extremely bad acne to having not a single pimple on my face. My skin is smooth, and my acne marks are fading, and most are hardly visible. My dermatologist has told me that after using it for a while, it will make your skin look better than it did years ago, and she is correct. This stuff is the best, and insurance covers so much. I use a bottle every 6 months and only pay $20 each time."

• GVa...
• June 6, 2018

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I have used Retin-A .01% cream for acne for the past 20 years. I find it to be very therapeutic to my skin. Recently, my doctor switched me to the gel, and it's incredible the way it feels. It is not tacky or greasy. It's a very greaseless, lightweight gel. There is a little bit more alcohol in the gels than cream, but overall it feels great on my skin and is keeping the acne at bay. I highly recommend this gel, or even the creams for acne, but you have to know how to use it. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions and do exactly what he says. Your skin needs to get used to the strongest strength of them all to treat the acne. It's a wonderful, wonderful product."

• Hap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 5, 2016

For Acne "I LOVE THIS CREAM!!! I am 30 years old and have battled with acne since the age of 12. My doctor recommended this cream about 7 years ago, and it's the only thing that works for me. I also struggle with chest and back acne. It clears my skin within 2 months, and I see results sooner than that. In the beginning, the sides of my mouth did blister, and my skin would be extremely sensitive and dry. The end results are worth it. I recommend that you stay consistent because my acne would come back once I stopped using the cream. In all, I love it and would recommend it to anyone struggling with acne and scars."

• Bri...
• January 31, 2011

For Acne "I will admit, I was worried about using this product. I use Tretinoin Cream 0.025%. At first, you will experience some dryness in your skin, however, if you skip a day and use an oil-free lotion, it does help. I've been using it for close to a year, and the results are amazing. Yes, I do get a few breakouts here and there, but it is to be expected. Wonderful product, though."

• Lau...
• July 25, 2019

For Acne "Have been using it for approx. 2 weeks and experienced absolutely zero irritation or dryness using it (I have normal/dry skin which has had issues with flaking in the past). I did use some retinol for a month or so prior, which might've helped. So far, I cannot comment on acne yet as I only just got off the pill (which cleared my acne). However, little individual pimples I have had have healed really quickly, so I suppose that's due to tretinoin and I'm hoping it'll help my acne too when it breaks out again. Just decided to comment on this so people know, irritation and dryness don't always happen. I started using 0.05% every night straight away due to no irritation, and the first night or two nights I moisturized right before, then moisturized an hour beforehand, and now I apply it to a dry face and wait 20 or so minutes before applying Nivea crème and almond oil over the top."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2016

For Acne "To avoid serious dryness and peeling, I started off using this product (0.025) every 3rd day for the first two weeks. I have oily skin prone to blackheads and medium-sized pimples in my T-zone. I never experienced the 'purge', however, my skin certainly didn't get better for around 4 months after adding clindamycin. Now I rarely experience breakouts (except occasional hormonal) and have an overall better complexion. I would suggest washing your face before with Cetaphil because it is so gentle and moisturizing every morning."

• Qan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 10, 2021

For Acne "The first couple of months on tretinoin were a little rough as my skin was adjusting to it - dryness, flaking, and redness, but that was expected. Definitely get your hands on a good moisturizer and consider using something like Aquaphor as a top layer at night. I started by applying every 3 nights, then every 2, etc., and I now apply daily, just taking a day off every other week or so when I feel my skin getting dry. Before I started, I had about 15-20 active acne spots at any one time and I now usually have 0-3! I haven't had this clear of skin in years. I have a lot of red scarring from old acne (I'm quite pale), but that is gradually fading. Overall, the best decision I've made for my skin and hoping to continue seeing progress!"

• Meg...
• August 18, 2016

For Acne "Okay, it's only the 2nd day that I've used this acne cream, but I am telling you it is the best!! Since using it twice, my acne and blemishes are already disappearing, and I'm seeing results! After reading several reviews before initially using the medicine, I knew that this was a very drying cream, so I have been using my regular moisturizers, and I've added a great product to give my face just a little extra moisture: Rosehip Oil w/ Vitamin E. I wash my face gently with a foaming cleanser and then use my face serum. Then I will add one or two drops of the Rosehip oil to my moisturizer and apply it. I have not had any dry spots or peeling so far, and hopefully continuing this routine will prevent any in the future. Extremely happy with this stuff!"

• Hon...
• January 19, 2020

For Acne "I recently talked to my derm about my acne and got tretinoin, clindamycin, and benzoyl peroxide cream, and I'm currently a little over two weeks in. And my face is mad! The first week I had huge cystic pimples on my face and super dry, red, and flaking skin that was so embarrassing, and now the big ones are gone, but I still have a lot of breakouts and a little dryness in some areas. I'm sure my skin is purging, and I just need to stick with it. My acne was pretty bad anyway, so I can deal with it getting worse before it gets better. I'm using tretinoin 0.025 at night, topical clindamycin, and benzoyl peroxide in the mornings, witch hazel toner, and CeraVe face moisturizer. It's only been two weeks, and I do see some slight changes. Even though the breakouts are really bad right now, I used to have little bumps all over my cheeks and chin. Those have gone, and my skin is a lot smoother, and now I just have the spread-out pimples that keep appearing all over my face. I'm hoping I start to see real results soon."

• Hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2016

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I had clear skin up until about age 18 when I went on birth control, and my skin got pretty out of control. I'm 20 now and finally went to the doctor. They gave me Atralin and 14 days of 100 mg doxycycline once daily. I've been using Atralin for about 2-3 weeks now, I started seeing results immediately. My skin did get a little dry and flaky, but finding a good moisturizer really helped that. I quit using Atralin for about a week after getting really sick, and I did break out with some whiteheads once I started applying it again. Those went away pretty quickly, though. This stuff is AMAZING. I look forward to using it every night, and I don't get upset when I look in the mirror anymore! Definitely recommend this! I love it!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2016

For Acne "When my dermatologist first gave me the cream and I began using it, my acne cleared up and I had great skin. But once I kept using it on my breakouts, I noticed them becoming worse and worse. My skin became so dry, red, puffy, and peely that there was nothing to do, I felt helpless. I couldn't even apply my moisturizer because it made my skin burn. But my derm assured me it was part of the process. Come to find out, I was actually getting minor chemical burns, which currently cover my entire chin and under my nose area. In the beginning, I thought this cream was my savior and my ticket to clear skin, but now my skin is worse than ever, and I regret ever using it."

• Anonymous
• November 22, 2010

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I'm 20 years old and have mild to moderate breakouts that I've tried to fix with Epiduo and other topical creams. None of these creams seem to make a difference in my acne. I started using Atralin and Acanya about 2 weeks ago. At first, my skin broke out horribly, as I was told it would, the initial breakout period was pretty bad. I'm just about 2 weeks into using both of these products, and my face is already clearing! My skin feels different, and my blackheads and chin acne have started to disappear. My skin is a little sensitive and dry, but the Cerave moisturizer and wash that my dermatologist recommended definitely help. I'm very happy with the results from this product so far."