Tretinoin topical and Peeling: What Users Say (Page 4)

• spe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2013

For Acne "A ton of reviews consisted of people saying this product just dried their skin out and made them break out way worse. In those reviews most of them also stated they started using this cream every other day from the start. Don't! I have not had the same experience. My dermatologist told me to start by using this cream once a week for the first two weeks and then gradually increase up to every other day if needed. I started this cream 3 weeks ago using it once a week for two weeks and now have started using it twice a week. I haven't had peeling, burning, or redness, and I've actually seen my acne improve already! I will use it twice a week for another 2 weeks and then use it 3 times a week. It appears better to think long term, not a quick fix."

• Ski...
• November 16, 2011

For Acne "Results could be seen 2-3 weeks after using the cream. Complexion is clearer with more of a glow to it. Blemishes heal quicker. Skin does peel initially but is manageable and resolves fairly quickly, which means a lot coming from a person with OCD."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• JCW...
• January 16, 2015

For Acne "I am a 17-year-old girl, an acne sufferer for nearly 8 years now. This is the end of week 1 on tretinoin 0.025, and my face is peeling and itchy, but I know to expect worse breakouts before the better results. My problem area for acne, however, has not been my face in five years. It's always been my back and shoulders. While I'm noticing a fade in scars already, I'm going to keep an eye on it. I wish I'd been prescribed a moisturizer or at least told to find one."

• san...
• November 26, 2013

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I started getting small bumps (not exactly pimples, but should be taken care of immediately, else, it would grow into pimples later) on my forehead and chin areas. It started to spread to my cheeks too. I first started using Retin-A cream. Initially, I had lots of new breakouts, but didn't give up my patience. New breakouts started to fade out on continuous application at only nights after cleansing with Episoft lotion. After a month I started applying Retin-A, my skin texture, pimple marks, and uneven skin tone have improved drastically. The only thing is to use this product only at night after proper cleansing. Initially, this will cause skin peeling and irritation."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 14, 2013

For Acne "I've been using tretinoin (0.05%) for one year now to treat acne on my back, which I had not been able to get rid of with any other topical cream for the past seven years. At first, the tretinoin cream dried out my skin to the point where it was peeling. I gently exfoliated every morning and used an oil-free moisturizing gel, which helped quite a bit. Then, my acne got worse for a month. However, since I do not feel comfortable using oral medication, I stuck with it, and after 6 months, my acne was 80% better! There are certain times of the month when some acne does come back, but in general, this medication has drastically improved the appearance of my skin. I continue to use it every evening because otherwise, the acne seems to return."

• 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."

• man...
• October 31, 2008

Tretinoin topical for Acne "This medication is extremely effective when used properly. I developed whiteheads on my cheeks and had rather large pores on my nose with blackheads. I have been using the medication for a total of six months now. Initially, I had some redness, moderate peeling, and some slight burning right after applying the medication. After about three weeks, the side effects subsided, and I started to notice my skin clearing, pore size minimizing, and an overall evening of complexion. I used Phisoderm Deep Cleansing face wash morning and night and then used Neutrogena Oil-free moisturizer with SPF 15 in the morning. My face is very oily, so I did not experience much dryness."

• acn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2022

Tretinoin topical for Acne "Been using it for 2 months. Acne cleared up. Been having the occasional painful cyst(s), though. Skin burns and stings quite a lot, and moisturizer is a lifesaver. My skin has been so dry! It's peeling and flaking, and no matter how much moisturizer I use, it stays dry. I've even tried Vaseline, which is a big no-no for acne-prone skin. It's currently one of the only products that don't sting as much and provide the needed moisture."

• acn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2022

Tretinoin topical for Acne "Been using it for 2 months. Acne cleared up. Been having the occasional painful cyst(s), though. Skin burns and stings quite a lot, and moisturizer is a lifesaver. My skin has been so dry! It's peeling and flaking, and no matter how much moisturizer I use, it stays dry. I've even tried Vaseline, which is a big no-no for acne-prone skin. It's currently one of the only products that don't sting as much and provide the needed moisture."

• May...
• November 19, 2017

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I’m 49, with hereditary cystic acne with a hormonal component. I’ve tried everything with various degrees of success for a limited time. Birth control pills; Accutane; Minocycline, which helped but caused teeth discoloration! Topical washes, BP, Proactiv—everything limited. Blue light therapy seems to help but caused hyperpigmentation for me. My sister recommended 0.04% micro gel, which I have been using for about 3 weeks. Redness and bumps ensued but didn’t know to wait the 20 minutes to apply after washing! Also using 302 (brand) for inflammatory skin, which is helping (recommend). My skin is still breaking out but healing way faster with some peeling, but pitting is improving! I’m hopeful at last. Definitely, the cystic pain is better. Clarisonic at PM helps."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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..."

• jad...
• June 30, 2016

For Acne "I've been on this tretinoin gel for two months, and it has its ups and downs. The first month I saw results, my face was clearing, but the peeling and burning were not what I expected. The second month my face seemed to go back to how I started, which was not okay. I am still using this gel, hoping the third month will bring better results."

• Noo...
• December 19, 2015

For Acne "I have to keep this concise since I can only type so many words. I used this for acne. Using it every other day left my skin oily and peeling. I switched to every 3-4 days, and the flesh-colored bumps on my forehead went away. The problem? This stuff will dry out your skin. I used this followed by a thick moisturizer. Still had super tight skin. After doing some research, I learned that this stuff thins your skin out. The cleanser that I used for 7 years started to burn. Every moisturizer (even Vaseline) made my face burn. I trashed any product that had exfoliators (i.e., microbeads, acids). I started washing my face with oatmeal and applied a sunscreen moisturizer. The severe dryness went away. The bumps have not returned."

• Kar...
• September 4, 2015

For Acne "This is my third week of using 0.025% tretinoin cream. I am 18 years old and had always clear skin, would get the occasional zit, but until the end of my junior year started noticing my skin changing. I began to get bumps on my cheeks that didn't bother me, but up until my senior year, I had multiple bumps, little ones and big ones, on my cheeks and jawline. My self-esteem has gone down so much. I'm a freshman in college, and I have so much hope for this cream. I began peeling, and my skin got irritated by the first week. It's not so bad, not sure if I'm going through the purge phase, I think I am since I think I've been getting more bumps. So I really hope this works."

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2009

Tretinoin topical for Acne "I started out on Differin, Duac, and an oral skin antibiotic, which improved my acne about 90%. About 2 weeks ago, my dermatologist took me off the oral antibiotic and switched me over to just Atralin. So far, I am breaking out again, but I am hoping it is just the initial adjustment period causing it to do this (getting better before it gets worse). I will give it another week or two, and then I will probably go back in if it doesn't improve. The upside is that it does not cause a lot of peeling or irritation, as did the other creams. I have very sensitive and maturing skin, so I thought this would be a great choice for me."