Skip to main content

Tretinoin topical for Acne User Reviews (Page 3)

Brand names: Retin-A, Altreno, Atralin, Renova, Retin A Micro, Refissa, Obagi, Altinac Avita Retin-A and Renova …show all brand names

Reviews for Tretinoin topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Sea...
  • September 8, 2015

Tretinoin topical "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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • Col...
  • May 20, 2017

"At age 36, my acne started to come back after a stressful time. It was concentrated on my chin and was relentless. New cysts every single day. My doctor prescribed tretinoin cream plus an oral antibiotic (doxycycline). I was so nervous about starting because I read so much about it getting worse before it got better. But to my amazement, after just a few days, I started to see drastic improvement. Not a single new pimple, the existing ones healed quickly, and scars are fading fast. I'm shocked (and extremely happy!) at how well this worked for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Atr...
  • July 17, 2019

Tretinoin topical "Been fighting adult cystic hormonal acne for about 6 years, never would've thought it be basically cured after 2 weeks of Retin-A along with doxycycline, haven't had the slightest of side effects, and I stopped using a moisturizer a week in (I'm in Iraq and mail takes weeks). Although since I work 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., sun exposure isn't an issue. 2 weeks for a 5-year problem though, it's insane how quick this stuff works."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report
  • Edd...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 13, 2019

Tretinoin topical "I was put on Retin-A 0.5 gel to help manage my moderate acne. So far, I have been using this medication for about a month and two weeks and have noticed great results. At first, I broke out more and my skin looked worse. But just a few weeks ago, I noticed my skin starting to really heal a lot. I use this in combination with Cetaphil face wash. I do have some scarring from acne (mainly leftover red marks) and it really helps with that. My skin texture is a lot smoother and more even. I have only had a few new pimples arrive since starting this medication. I continue to keep using it for a very long time to manage my acne and for its anti-aging benefits. If you're curious about starting this medication, don’t be, I wish I had started it years ago when I first got teenage acne."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 Report
  • Ann...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 5, 2016

Tretinoin topical "2 or 3 months ago, I did a review for this product. It starts off around me saying that 'I'm 18 years old and started using Retin-A for 6 weeks or so.' So this is an update... I'm into my 5th month, and WOW! My skin is so much clearer. Trust me, no one likes acne, I've gone through it. But this cream has been helping me so much. The purging sucks! Whiteheads show up, but don't give up on it. After 1 month, you'll see a difference. When I started, I had red blemishes on my cheeks, and now it's long gone. Just some marks here and there. I still get pimples here and there, but not as much as I used to. This product is the best, I'm so happy using Retin-A. I recommend washing my face morning and night (Cetaphil Soap). Take antibiotics. Mine is (minocycline 50)."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
38 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Ale...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 15, 2017

Tretinoin topical "I was on Accutane (isotretinoin) from December 2015 to July 2016. I had severe acne all over my face, chest, back, and shoulders. Post-Accutane, my skin was clear as water, and I got so many compliments on my skin. My skin was clear, and I never got one pimple until mid-April 2017. I noticed pimples reappearing on my skin. I got in touch with my derm, and she prescribed me tretinoin 0.025% and a face wash-sodium sulfacetamide with salicylic acid. I am now on 0.05%, and I have been on the gel for a little over 8 weeks. I have seen significant improvement since I started, and I did experience about a month and a half of initial breakout. I highly recommend this gel, and don't give up! It takes time, and my skin is still clearing up. Patience!!!!!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • mar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 5, 2015

"I have been using tretinoin 1% for 2 weeks now, acne-prone skin applying only at night with my favorite night cream. Yes, my face peeled a lot only for a few days till my skin got used to it, but might I say, oooh my gosh, what a difference! Be patient, it really works. Keep applying your favorite cream in between to keep skin moist. Peeling will stop after the first few days, my skin peeled so much but loved the results. Remember, peeling skin means new, healthy skin!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
62 Report
  • Cou...
  • February 19, 2020

Tretinoin topical "I've been using Retin A Micro for about 4 months now. In the first week of use, I experienced dry, flaking skin. If any area was super irritated, I put Aquaphor on, it was healed overnight. The first 2-5 weeks, my skin broke out worse than before I started using it, however, the pimples were smaller than usual and would clear up quickly. Weeks 6-7, my skin looked like it was finally clearing up, with the exception of two stubborn areas. Those areas didn't improve in this time but didn't get worse. Weeks 8-10, the two problem areas cleared up almost completely, but unfortunately, I was left with hyperpigmentation. I had minor breakouts on my chin. Weeks 10-12, breakouts stopped. No more purging. Skin clear, with the exception of blackheads on my nose and chin. Weeks 13-16, still have the blackheads, although they seem to be dissipating. Skin texture feels AWESOME. Still have the hyperpigmentation on my cheeks. All in all, I LOVE this stuff."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Ell...
  • January 11, 2020

Tretinoin topical "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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • Lau...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 19, 2019

"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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Ann...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 6, 2016

Tretinoin topical "I have posted early before about my 1st and 2nd week using Retin-A 0.025 cream. My 3rd week was much better than my second week, some of my acne started to calm down, and my face felt less bumpy. During this week, I started to use the cream 4 times a week because my cheeks were hurting. My 4th week was the most improvement. I started to use the cream every night again since my face had stopped hurting. During the 4th week, most of my pimples disappeared, and my skin felt smoother. I still had some pimples popping up, but not as much. Now my cheeks are pretty smooth with a couple of pimples, but my cheeks are really red from the scars that were left behind from the pimples. I'm hoping they will slowly fade later. Will keep updating!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • tre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 12, 2021

"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."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Acn...
  • March 7, 2017

"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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Mon...
  • December 26, 2014

"This was a great cream. My dermatologist recommended this for me mixed with a little hydroquinone cream, and I use it before I go to bed. It helped so much with my acne! I had really dark scars, and now most of them are gone. I even break out less."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
59 Report
  • Tre...
  • November 7, 2014

"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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • lan...
  • May 28, 2017

"I have been on tretinoin for about a month and am definitely seeing results. The only negative was my skin became extremely red all over, but it was still smooth. I had an appointment with my dermatologist, and he told me to use sensitive face lotion (he recommended Vanicream) to put over the tretinoin to help with the redness, and even after a few days, I'm seeing how amazing it is! All you have to do is keep your skin moisturized, and this stuff works like a dream. I go to bed every night excited to wake up and see the results!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Jes...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 5, 2019

"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!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Pin...
  • August 25, 2017

"I've had to battle acne since the age of 13, I am now 46, and I still have acne issues every so often. I was prescribed Tretinoin 0.05% 10 years ago and have been a faithful user all these years. I can honestly say that Tretinoin has been a lifesaver for my skin! Not only does it help with the acne, but it has stalled wrinkles! I've had so many compliments, and no one believes my real age. Lol, that's a huge plus! You must stick to it, though, and don't give up! It took me a whole 8 months before I saw a difference in my acne! I wish I were able to post a pic so everyone could see how amazing it works!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • vee...
  • January 29, 2015

"I started the combination of Tretinoin Cream 0.025, Doxycycline, and Clindamycin Gel on November 2nd. I stopped taking the Doxycycline, and I also stopped applying Clindamycin after 5 weeks, and only continued using the Tretinoin Cream. It's now been 13 weeks since then, and the results are worth the wait. The only thing that you have to keep in mind is that it takes a long time to work. I was expecting to see clear skin by 6-8 weeks, but I was still purging with new acne by the 10-11th week. Toward the 12th week, everything flattened out, and now all I have is scarring and hyperpigmentation. But with the continued usage, I notice that they are getting lighter. So if you are feeling down about the results, wait it out, and it will pay off."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
51 Report
  • Dre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 15, 2014

Tretinoin topical "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!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
52 Report
  • Ale...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 17, 2018

Tretinoin topical "I started using Retin-A .0025% about two to three months ago. I’m 26 years old and have had terrible acne ever since I was a preteen. I was able to get the acne under control by drinking 72+ oz of water a day and switching to a plant-based diet. However, this has left me with noticeable scarring. Retin-A has helped so much with this. I read the reviews of everyone saying it dries out your skin. This is true. USE A MOISTURIZER! Moisturize day and night. This has helped me so much. I don’t even notice dry skin anymore. Also, stay hydrated. Drink lots of water."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • kha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 22, 2015

Tretinoin topical "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."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • Hmm...
  • August 16, 2014

"I've been using Tretinoin for a week now, and it has only made my face break out more. Still using it to see if it gets better. My doctor told me it pushes out all of the gunk out of my pores, which makes sense to why I'm breaking out. Hoping it gets better in the next 1 to 2 weeks from now. Will keep updated. Pray for my skin!"

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
60 Report
  • sam...
  • May 17, 2016

Tretinoin topical "I've dealt with moderate acne since I was roughly 12 years old. I've tried just about every acne treatment out there with no prevail. When I started my Retin-A (0.025) treatment 5 months ago, I became really discouraged by my skin's immediate discoloration, mostly red, and the flakiness it created. I came close a couple of times to giving up, especially when my skin wasn't clearing up and how sore I was some days from the continuous use. But this past month has been the turnaround. I feel I am finally out of the so-called 'purge,' and my skin is becoming clear and smooth like it has been in the past for short stints. The best advice I can give any user is to have patience. It's not an overnight fix, but the long-term results are worth it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 Report
  • kor...
  • October 21, 2009

Tretinoin topical "I started using it when I was 16 when all else failed. Retin-A gave me perfect skin: no bumps, invisible pores, scars disappeared, even coloration. I'm 28 now, and it has stopped working when I was 26, and in the last 2 years, I've been looking for another product to give me those same results. But no luck yet. Bumps are back, pores reappeared, scars are back, skin tone uneven, and nothing seems to work - just the way it was before I found Retin-A. If you can get 10 years out of a product, I say go for it! Now I'm hoping to find the next one that can give me 10 more years, and hopefully by then I'll be done with acne!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
50 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about Acne

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)