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

• 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."

• 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."

• Tre...
• November 7, 2014

For Acne "I've been using tretinoin cream 0.05% for one month now. I've had a lot of itching, burning, peeling, and yes, a whole lot more breaking out. I bear the pain and suffering from this medicine, and I'm very happy I did because my face is looking so much better, and my acne is clearing up. I use it only at night, 20 minutes after washing my face with CeraVe face wash, along with CeraVe SA lotion in the morning as my moisturizer, and I have to say it's working very well. If you are using tretinoin and you're getting more breakouts, do not discontinue this medication, keep on using it, you will get great results."

• 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!"

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2014

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I have never written a review about a product until now! I'm a 34-year-old female, and I started getting chin acne in my late twenties. Nothing helped, I tried everything from Proactiv to Tretinoin to antibiotics! About 4 months ago, my dermatologist put me on Atralin, and oh my, what a difference in 4 months! I even go without makeup now! I never get a pimple now, it's wonderful, and it makes my skin look dewy and hydrated, not dried out and flaky as with the Tretinoin I tried. Highly recommend Atralin!"

• Wes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2018

For Photoaging of the Skin "I've been using this on and off for a few years. I started off with the middle dose, which is 0.5. It does peel your skin (THAT’S WHAT YOU WANT!). I want it to peel the dead, scarred, wrinkled layer off. It looks kinda bad peeling, but it lessens in a few weeks. I never had bad wrinkles and look way younger than I am. I would have to say this does the job of peeling away fine lines, giving a smoother and more glowing complexion. It will peel, sting, and burn, but that means it’s working. I have gotten those big cystic pimples too under my skin, but that’s good - it means it’s pushing hidden acne out. I’m glad I got this and will use it as long as they make it. Also, I use Night of Olay as a moisturizer."

• kha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2015

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I was suffering from acne due to my sensitive skin and severe summer heat. I tried my teenage acne cream in my late twenties, but I felt it was too mild to work on my much matured skin like now. Then one of my friends, who was a satisfied user of Retin-A, suggested I use Retin-A 0.05%. I started it in the winter to avoid over-sweating and heat of summer. I faced a little flaky skin. The first two weeks my acne broke out a little more than usual, but after that, the acne seemed to decrease. Whenever I felt too dry skin other than the acne-affected area, I used pure Vaseline. Now I am cured and my skin is glowing. I am continuing the use of Retin-A with my regular night cream for its anti-aging properties. And I am quite satisfied with this."

• Fin...
• February 5, 2016

For Acne "Had severe chronic acne for almost a decade. Despite my struggle, I stayed away from Retin-A and tretinoin because of reviews stating the horrible peeling, redness, and eventual ineffectiveness. Luckily, a year ago I came across a heaven-sent dermatologist who understood this product and gave me specific care instructions, not just 'here, put this on your face, good luck.' Because of the severity of my acne, I didn't see real results until 6 months in (most people see dramatic changes at 3 months). The months leading up to being clear were tough. I broke out WAY MORE than ever before. However, at month 6, people started complimenting my skin. And now at month 9, even the texture of my skin is firmer and more youthful (mine was adult acne)."

• Pia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2013

For Acne "I've had pretty bad acne since I was 12, now I am 18 years old. I would usually get it between my eyebrows, cheeks, jawline, and chin. My nose and forehead have always been clear, just a few blackheads on my nose but never bumps. I have tried so many things, I was prescribed antibiotics first, and it didn't do anything because they were not bacterial. I started using tretinoin cream 0.025% for only one week, and my skin is better than ever. I had surface scars, not deep ones, and they are already lighter. Also, the acne that was present has gotten a lot smaller and lighter, and I have not gotten any new bumps in a week! I usually have a couple of new ones every morning. I have also not had any irritation or peeling."

• 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..."

• ram...
• August 16, 2013

For Acne "This is my first time posting on this site. Anyway, I am writing this because this is the only topical cream that has worked for me. I've tried many medications, but they would either not work or make my acne even worse. Tretinoin, on the other hand, worked in less than a week, and I could see my acne completely go away after two weeks. The only bad thing is that this made my skin peel really badly. It would sometimes cause my skin to sting a little when I washed it."

• Col...
• January 26, 2016

For Acne "This worked fantastically for me. I had really bad acne. I put it on every day at bedtime, and now my face is like brand new-no more acne or scars, my skin is like baby skin now. But you have to stick it out, it takes time for it to start working. You have to use it every day, and after about 3 months, you will start to see a big difference, and after 6 months to a year, you will not believe your eyes. You will go through the burning, redness, and a lot of peeling in the first few months, but that's the signs of showing that it's working. After a few months, your skin will adapt, it did for me. I also used a skin moisturizer in the mornings to give my skin some relief before I went to work. I can't stress it enough that you have to STICK IT OUT."

• mpw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2017

For Acne "I developed severe acne in August of 2016. I had many different types, and I had it everywhere. I saw a doctor in October who prescribed me minocycline (antibiotic) and gave me a referral for a dermatologist that I saw in November. I was prescribed tretinoin (Retin-A) that I use at bedtime every night. For a while, I saw no results. My acne had even gotten worse. My skin was also very flaky, so it looked terrible when I tried to cover it with makeup. Finally, about 3 months in, I am seeing big results. Everything has healed and is starting to fade. And I still have another month before I see my dermatologist again, which is supposed to be the 'peak' of my treatment. Don't get discouraged, this stuff takes time, but it works."

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

For Acne "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!"

• zay...
• March 4, 2015

For Acne "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
• October 6, 2011

For Acne "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."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2017

For Acne "I am an 18 y/o female who has never had severe acne before. But in August of 2016, I broke out like crazy. I got incredibly painful cystic acne. In December, I was prescribed tretinoin 0.05%. I was on both doxycycline pills and the tretinoin for a couple of weeks. The first 2 weeks were pretty bad. I didn't want to touch my face from how much the acne hurt and because I was peeling so badly. But after the first couple of weeks, my skin started to clear up. It was nice to be able to wash my face without it hurting or feeling all the unevenness. I've been on it for about 3 months now, and I get breakouts on my period, but that's it. The scarring is fading away slowly, but I can't get over how smooth my skin feels. Just wait it out. It really does take time to work."

• Mla...
• April 13, 2017

For Acne "I've been using the 0.05 percent (worked my way up from 0.025) for almost 2 years now. I started off with it because my usually very clear skin started developing small spots that just weren't going away. They weren't very visible, but I have grown up with people complimenting my skin all the time, and to me, the small spots felt like a blow to my self-confidence. My doctor recommended the cream to me. Within 2 weeks of usage, my skin cleared up. There was some peeling, but that went away after my skin adjusted to it. Anyway, I continued with the use for almost 2 years now because my skin has never looked this beautiful and glowy as it does now."

• 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 less than 1 month
• September 19, 2016

For Acne "28-year-old female. Suffer from cystic acne. I get big, painful cysts under the skin. Around my jawline and all over my chin. I would get two or three in the same place at a time. Also, my skin is very oily. Most likely caused by hormones and stress. Absolutely no over-the-counter medicines worked. I have been using Tretin 0.025 GEL, not cream, for about 2 weeks now and have not had one new cyst or pimple. My skin is peeling a little, but it looks so much better already. I highly recommend the gel for cystic acne with super oily skin like mine. Also, my skin is not sensitive, so I use it every night with no problems."

• KKM...
• July 1, 2016

For Acne "I have been using 0.025% tretinoin cream every other night along with 1% clindamycin in the mornings and alternating each night with the tretinoin for a little over a week, and I already am seeing huge results!!! I've had minor peeling and some itchiness, but minor and well worth it."

• Art...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 27, 2020

For Acne "I am 36 years old. I have been using this cream on and off for more than 10 years. And my skin looks amazing. I don't have any acne, and it glows. I am on 0.025 right now, and I never break out, and my skin never gets dry. 0.05 was a bit too strong for me, and my skin would peel. This is a miracle cream, and I love the fact that it is so cheap."

• 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."

• 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 :)"