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Retin A Tretinoin: A Review

Retin A is a topical treatment for acne under the generic classification of tretinoin, the acid form of vitamin A. According to studies, tretinoin is the best retinoid for treating photoaging. Products under the tretinoin classification have also been used reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It supposedly works by increasing the production of collagen.

Some research studies have suggested that topical tretinoin has the ability to stimulate mitotic activity. It is also said that it increases the turnover of follicular epithelial cells which results in comedone extrusion.

Comments from users

"Pros: Got rid of red marks. Cons: Completely made my skin so dry to the point of tons of flakes covering my face and not being able to go out in public...Maybe the stronger percent was too strong for my skin."
Excerpt from a customer review on acne.org

"I have the 0.25% tretinoin cream I think and I'll say it's worth a try...Recently I've noticed my face in certain areas improving a lot...I haven't experienced very bad dryness because I moisturize every day...It works great for me, I don't have facial redness any more."
Excerpt from a customer review on rateitall.com

"I tried this at the suggestion of a friend for my acne scars...the scars becoming less noticeable...The drying was not too bad for me because I have somewhat oily skin. For anyone with dry skin this might not be the way to go. Eventually the Retin-a seemed to be less and less effective on the scarring."
Excerpt from a customer review on skincarecompany.net

"My skin started to show drastic improvement! Not as many new pimples, but the old ones were healing up nicely and some of the blackheads on my nose that I have had for years were starting to vanish and my pores were becoming smaller...Stick it out, I am just out of the getting used to it phase."
Excerpt from a customer review on makeupalley.com

Our opinion

Retin-A and other tretinoin products have been used on various ailments, including hair-loss, wrinkles and stretch mark eradication. One particular brand is even used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia. We think that utmost caution is needed before using this product. The Web site of the brand has numerous warnings and has listed several side-effects. As an acne treatment, we don't think that the risk is worth it. However, as a wrinkle-remover, this product has been known to work wonders. The reviews have been mixed, with some saying that it worked for them, while others complain of adverse effects.

Our verdict

We recommend it only as a wrinkle or stretch mark remover. As an acne treatment, we suggest you seek a dermatologist's opinion first. If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, this is probably not the product for you because of its strong effects.

Our Rating

(two stars)

Click here to buy Retin-A

Company information

Retin-A is from OrthoNeutrogena, a company located in Skillman, New Jersey which specializes in making dermatological products and medications.

Product ingredients

• Tretinoin, Stearic acid, Isopropyl myristate, Polyoxyl 40 stearate, Stearyl alcohol, Xanthan gum, Sorbic acid, Butylated hydroxytoluene, Purified water

Directions for use

Apply a thin layer on areas with acne or wrinkles at night and wash it off in the morning

Price

Price varies depending on strength/dosage and seller. A 30-gram cream has a suggested retail price of $21

Return Policy

Not indicated