Tretinoin topical and Dryness: What Users Say

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2021

For Acne "I have been using 0.05% cream for about 4 months, along with 100 mg of spironolactone. Due to the drying and irritation that the tretinoin causes, I started off slow, only using it once every 3 days, then every other day, and now I use it every night. It really doesn't dry my skin out much anymore. Just make sure you're exfoliating regularly and moisturizing. The first 3 months my skin 'purged' horribly. I had bumps all over my face and spent most of my summer hiding out from embarrassment. It was really painful and hard to deal with! This is your skin's way of clearing all the yucky stuff out. Now, 4 months in, and my skin looks beautiful. I still get a zit here and there, but it's so much better. Start off slow with this and hang in there. It will probably get worse before it gets better, but it'll be worth it in a few months when your skin is gorgeous and clear. This also prevents wrinkles too!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Lea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2017

For Acne "Prescribed well, given to use by a face surgeon for acne, and used 3 days. I basically ended up with a home chemical peel, meaning my face was dry, flaking, and shedding old skin off, lol. Applied and treated, and now only use when I see a pimple coming. I dot it on, and it takes care of it ASAP without my face peeling. I found this works best for me. I only wash my face with PCA Skin line face wash, works great for makeup and everything. Buy online, costs way too much at the doctor or spa, etc."

• 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 :)"

• 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."