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Retin-A Micro (Tretinoin Topical) - Reviews, Ratings, Comments by Patients

 



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Below are Retin-A Micro (Tretinoin Topical) reviews, ratings, comments submitted by patients and caregivers. Based on a total of 23 ratings/reviews, Retin-A Micro has an overall score of 7.87. The effectiveness score is 8.09 and the side effect score is 7.30. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. This information is not vetted and should not be cosidered as clinical evidence.
 

Retin-A Micro review by 34 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Ineffective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   acne
Dosage & duration:   .1% (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 3months
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   None that I had experienced.
Side effects:   Redness the first week. Then acne got worse.
Comments:   Decided to stop treatment after three months. I was using it to get rid of small pimples on my forehead. After using the product, I noticed I was getting bigger, and bigger pimples. So I stopped.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 57 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   No Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Clearing skin
Dosage & duration:   rub small amount into fact at night (dosage frequency: daily at first then every 2-3 days) for the period of 6 months
Other conditions:   Sun damage and wrinkles
Other drugs taken:   Welbutrin, Soma
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Did reduce slightly the sun damage brown spots and noticed a small lessening of tiny wrinkles.
Side effects:   At first a tiny bit of dryness but quickly subsided so consider no bad side effects.
Comments:   Applied the cream once a day at night to face. Did the daily treatment for about 2 months and then reduced to applying every 2-3 days.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 38 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   To reduce/eliminate wrinkling
Dosage & duration:   Enough to lightly cover face and neck (dosage frequency: every other evening) for the period of So far, 1 year.
Other conditions:   Helps keep breakouts at bay
Other drugs taken:   None
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   By using this treatment a minimum of every other day, I noted that the lines around the eyes (crows feet)were diminished greatly. Also, the skin tone feels tighter and my pores appear smaller. I have, at times, gone off of the cream for a few weeks at a time, particularly during the summmer when the Florida sun is at its most intense.
Side effects:   Initially, the skin has to get used to the treatment. I experienced redness and moderate flaking in the first 2 weeks (at different intervals). However, the skin eventually becomes tolerant of the product. There is still the periodic sloughing of dead skin cells; but that's okay because you'll have a fresh, healthy glow afterwards.
Comments:   Retin A is a simple topical application to use. I use it sparingly, minimum every other day, on my face and neck. I plan to continue using this product as part of my anti-aging regimine.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 48 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   blackheads,large pores,sun damage
Dosage & duration:   0.1% (dosage frequency: every other night) for the period of 1 year
Other conditions:   fine lines
Other drugs taken:   claritin
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I saw measurable difference in reduction of blackheads and pore size. I was also really happy with the evening of pigmentation. I had sun and age spots as well as freckling and saw a huge difference in the lightening of all these problems. My skin had a much better over all tone a seemed to become firmer over time.
Side effects:   The first few weeks of treatment my skin was peeling a little and I had some red splotches but eventually these symptoms went away.
Comments:   I would wash my face in the evening with a mild cleanser and then every other night when my face was completely dry I would apply a small amount of Retin-A to my face with the exception of the immediate eye area. The evenings that I did not use Retin-A I would use a good night moisturizer.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 60 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   sun damage to face
Dosage & duration:   0.1% (dosage frequency: every other night) for the period of 1 year +
Other conditions:   rosacea in nose area
Other drugs taken:   Stri-Vectin
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   The prescription recommended that I use the gel every night, but this became too drying on my skin. I alternate one night of Retin-A, 1 night of Stri-Vectin. The Retin-A causes my face to peel, so exfoliating frequently is necessary so that I don't look as if my face has dandruff. I use a Clarisonic for cleansing; it has been wonderful. I have also used Benefit's "Bluff Dust" to cover the redness that the Retin-A gel causes, and continue to use Noritate for my rosacea. The Retin-A is very effective, but also quite expensive. I have found a pharmacy in Canada where I can order it online for less than 50% the US price. I hope this doesn't make me sound unpatriotic! I have always taken good care of my skin, and have no big wrinkles or droops --except for those lines between my eyebrows, because I am a committed scowler. I do not believe that Retin-A would be as effective on skin that has already developed a good deal of sagging, but this is my personal opinion and is based only on my own experience.
Side effects:   Some of the information in this and the following paragraph will be redundant because when I started writing a response to the first question, I didn't see what was to follow. The Retin-A gel dried my skin and caused it to peel. For this reason, I used it every other day instead of every day. I alternate with Stri-Vectin. I also need to exfoliate frequently or my face looks frightening! When exfoliated and moisturized, my skin looks wonderful. I have used Benefit Cosmetics' "Bluff Puff" to tone down the redness; I have stopped using any kind of makeup base if my face is shedding because foundation doesn't tolerate pieces of peeling skin very well. However, my complexion looks great without makeup. I still use mascara and liner and shadow.
Comments:   Before going to bed, I wash my face with the Clarisonic brush. I love it! When my face is clean and dry, I apply a pea-sized amount of Retin-A gel all over my face and neck. I do not avoid the eye area, but I do wash the gel off my eyebrows with a q-tip and water so that the skin under my eyebrows doesn't peel. I also put Talika Lipocils on my eyelashes. In the morning I wash my face, exfoliating every couple of days to rid the skin surface of drying flakes. Then I moisturize with shea butter or almond oil or even extra-virgin olive oil. This does not make my face oily; my skin drinks up the oil and looks good. The following night I wash my face and when it is clean and dry, I apply Stri-Vectin. I alternate so that one night I use Retin-A and the next night I use Stri-Vectin or another moisturizer. I don't think I will be buying any more Stri-Vectin because I am doubtful of its effectiveness and because I would prefer to make my own product. I know that I will be unable to make Retin-A gel, but making other products for my own use is very attractive to me.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 25 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   No Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   ACNE
Dosage & duration:   0.1% (dosage frequency: every day before bedtime) for the period of AS LONG AS THE CONDITION WAS PRESENT
Other conditions:   NONE
Other drugs taken:   NONE
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   This cream was very beneficial for the treatment of acne and some blemishes. I had many pimples around my mouth after getting waxied there and nothing was helping. Further as soon as one pimple went away another formed. This cream began to work within several days. I could tell that the pimples were getting lighter and new pimples that were forming would hardly enlarge because I applied the cream as soon as I saw a new one forming, many of them disappeared without even leaving a blemish affterwards.
Side effects:   I had no side effects because I was applying the cream correctly; only before bedtime and washed them off in the morning. However I heard of some other person whp took the same cream but was not aware of those instruction and instead applied it in the morning and had her face exposed during the day. The cream worked somewhat for her but the spots where she applied them stayed irritated and would turn red when the wind blew in her face. This condition remained for several years afterwards for her. THIS CREAM CANNOT BE EXPOSED TO THE SUN! Otherwise it works beautifully.
Comments:   The treatment was very simple. At night (and only at night!) I cleaned my face with a mild cleanser or atleast with water and did not apply any other medication before hand. Afterwards I simply dabbed a very small, thin layer of the cream over the pimple and allowed the cream to dry and then went to sleep. In the morning I made sure to wash off the cream before going outside. For very sensitive skin the area may turn red but this is temporary and simply means that instead of applying each day one must use it every other day.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 62 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   acne
Dosage & duration:   0.1% (dosage frequency: nightly) for the period of 27yrs
Other conditions:   large pores, uneven skin tone
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I started using Retin-A after the birth of my second child when I broke out with adult acne. At the time it was not advertised as an anti aging cream and as I was only 26 or so I really wasn't concerned about wrinkles. Because of the warning of photosensitivity increase to sun exposure I used sunscreen daily (I lived in Tampa,FL). Now at the age of 62 I have gorgeous skin. Yes, I LOVE products but my basic regimen has not changed. Cleansing,Sunscreen and Retinol-A at bedtime. I had been on HRT for 10 years so that should be factored in to the equation.
Side effects:   The humidity in Florida helped so much in building up tolerance for the drying effect of Retin-A. I had to be extremely careful NOT to introduce any other strong product AHA or Gylgolic Acid and washing once daily with mild cleanser (Cetaphil). Once Retin-A Micro was introduced to the public I switched and I literally can smear it everywhere around my nose and lips and close to my eyes with no problem. However I do not use Retin A in cold dry climates or on vacations because of the changes in atmosphere and environment.
Comments:   Nightly use pea size amount. Wait 20 minutes after exposure to water (cleansing) so that skin is completely dry.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 46 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   wrinkles
Dosage & duration:   small dab , enough to cover face and nec (dosage frequency: nightly) for the period of 20 yrs
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I started using Retin A about 20 years ago in my late 20's to ward off wrinkles. But even at .05% it was irritating and my skin would be fine one day and be peeling like a snake the next. When Retin A micro came out, my dermatologist reccomended it. It has worked much better with very little irritation. I use it nightly as the sun is supposed to render it inactive.I am 46 and with Botox have no wrinkles and little sagging
Side effects:   Peeling with Retin A and none with Retin A Micro .1%
Comments:   As stated I used tretinoins for preventive measures in late twenties and continue to use them today at 46. I use .1% Retin A Micro nightly with no side effects

 

Retin-A Micro review by 40 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   cystic acne
Dosage & duration:   .04 (dosage frequency: once daily) for the period of 3 months
Other conditions:   fibroids
Other drugs taken:   yasmin
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I didn't get any blackheads, and my cystic acne was considerably reduced. If a I started getting a giant underground pimple, it would clear up in a week. Without treatment, it could take a month or two to go away.
Side effects:   Extremely dry skin - flaking and patchy around mouth and chin. Although the peeling wasn't as bad as with regular Retin-A, the redness and flaking skin affected my appearance. My skin is too sensitive and I could not consider using this product on a long term basis.
Comments:   After washing my face in the evening before bed time, I would apply a thin layer.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 49 year old male patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   acne
Dosage & duration:   .1% micro gel (dosage frequency: 1x a day) for the period of 1 year
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   reduced acne breakout, redness from breakout went away quickly, smoother skin
Side effects:   flaking, sensitivity to acid products
Comments:   Cleansed face am and pm. Pat skin dry. Used non-alcohol toner only in pm. Applied retin-a micro in the evening. Nothing else on top. Cleansed in the am and applied sunscreen with out chemicals-titanium dioxide based product.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 47 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   pre cancer cels and aging
Dosage & duration:   .04% (dosage frequency: once daily) for the period of currently using
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   allergy medicine Singular
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Helped rid nose of pre cancer outbreaks
Side effects:   Dry skin in all areas treated. Dry area would develop after about a week of use and then would need to discontiue use for a few days.
Comments:   Use once daily at nighe before bed on problem area and any part of face for anti aging.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 28 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Acne - Blackheads and acne scars
Dosage & duration:   45g (dosage frequency: twice a week) for the period of 5 months
Other conditions:   Some noticeable pores on cheeks near the nose area
Other drugs taken:   None
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Blackheads are gone. Pores on my cheeks are noticeably smaller. Acne scars faded. Skin looks more polished.
Side effects:   A few days a week, my face would be red, very sensitive, and peeling. Then it would be back to normal and then a few days later the peeling starts again.
Comments:   I use this drug to help with the overall appearance of my skin, especially blackheads, pore size, and acne scars. I don't have any wrinkles, so I can't comment on how well it worked for that. But hopefully it is preventing wrinkles from ever developing. I only use it twice a week now coz my skin is very sensitive. Once I get more used to the drug, I will slowly increase the frequency. During the first two weeks of use, I didn't really notice any changes except that my skin was drier and started to peel a little. By the third week, I started seeing my blackheads disappearing and my pores changing. They actually looked bigger. Then after 2 months of continued usage, my pores got smaller, acne scars faded and blackheads are almost completely gone. Few days a week I would have red, irritated peeling skin. But nothing extremley terrible or intolerable. With good moisturizer and calming face creams, I'm able to minimize my peeling to a point where it doesn't bother me that much. I've heard that Retin-A takes awhile to work and see results, but I've already seen positive changes in less than 6 months. I can't wait to find out the long-term benefits it will have on my skin, especially after I start increasing the frequency and concentration.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 31 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Uneven skin tone and wrinkle prevention
Dosage & duration:   Once nightly (dosage frequency: once nightly) for the period of 1 year
Other conditions:   None
Other drugs taken:   Birth Control
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I only have mild acne but my skin improved even from that and I noticed more even, bright skin as I continued to use the product. My skin also felt smoother and softer over time.
Side effects:   I have fairly sensitive skin and I only noticed the mild side effects that were listed. Some flaking at first and a little bit of sensitivity but nothing major or worth stopping use of the product.
Comments:   I simply applied a thin layer of the cream each night as presecribed and was careful to wear a good sunscreen during the day.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 44 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Acne
Dosage & duration:   0.1% (dosage frequency: once daily) for the period of 6 months
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   acne cleared up and the whiteheads and blackheads and bumps disappeared, and pores visibly shrunk and skin got smoother and softer.
Side effects:   Some dry and flaking skin. Some irritation near mouth and nose. Sensitivity to sun. Used sunscreen and hat to protect against sunburn.
Comments:   Apply the cream once daily, usually at bedtime.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 45 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   No Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Anti Aging
Dosage & duration:   .04% (dosage frequency: every other day) for the period of 6 months
Other conditions:   hyperpigmentation
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   smoother skin
Side effects:   dryness
Comments:   I used Retin A Micro every other day for several months then began using every night. I noticed a small difference in skin smoothness but my skin was very dry. I began using it with Revale Skin which is made from the Coffeeberry and noticed that my skin was much more hydrated and my fine lines and wrinkles began to improve. The Revale helped me tolerate the Retin A and kept my skin hydrated. I have noticed that my sun spots are slightly lighter now.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 48 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Acne
Dosage & duration:   .1% (dosage frequency: once a day at night) for the period of 5 years
Other conditions:   Aging
Other drugs taken:   Synthyroid, Advair
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Helped with clearing up my skin and keeping in clear. It also helped with fine lines around the eyes and mouth.
Side effects:   At first my skin was very sensitive, dry and flaky. After approximately 4-6 weeks all the side effects disappeared, my face cleared and has stayed that way. It has however made my skin extremely sensitive to the sun.
Comments:   After washing my face at night, I was to wait around 15 minutes before applying a small pea size amount all over my face and neck.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 41 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   acne
Dosage & duration:   0.04% (dosage frequency: every night) for the period of 6 years
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Skin became smoother, fewer breakouts
Side effects:   Dry skin was easily remedied with moisturizer. My skin is aggravated by sunscreens and that concerns me, but using Clinique moisturizer has assisted with the dryness and I have not experienced any irritation. For sun protection, I just put on a hat when I am exposed to the sun and thus far I have had to problems with sun irritation.
Comments:   I use the retin a every night as needed if there is a breakout for about 4 weeks.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 29 year old male patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   acne/wrinkles
Dosage & duration:   .04 (dosage frequency: once per day (at night)) for the period of one month
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   This gel works really well for my acne. I only had mild acne. More importantly, the gel improved my fine lines and wrinkles. I continue to use this product.
Side effects:   The gel is only slightly drying. I did not experience the side effects that most people report.
Comments:   I use this product every night. I would have liked to use a moisturize in conjuction with the product, but the company that produces Retin-A micro discourages it.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 46 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Adult Acne
Dosage & duration:   once per day (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 5 + years
Other conditions:   Melasma
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   The treatments stopped my monthly acne breakouts. This allowed my skin to heal and broke the breakout cycle. My skin has not wrinkled as fast as my friends of the same age.
Side effects:   At first I had dry skin. I used it every other day rather than every day until my skin adjusted. Other than the initial dry, peeling skin, I had no side affects.
Comments:   I applied the Retin-A to my face every night. At my dermatologists suggestion, I did not wash my face before applying the cream. As mentioned above, when I first started treatment, I used the product every other day until my skin adjusted to the Retin-A micro

 

Retin-A Micro review by 14 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Acne
Dosage & duration:   A tiny dab on my finger (dosage frequency: every night) for the period of 6 Months
Other conditions:   Blackheads, Whiteheads
Other drugs taken:   None
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   At first, the acne on my face just went away. It's best for when you use it only once in a while.
Side effects:   I got my prescription for Retin-A Micro refilled about 2 months ago because it worked so well that I ran out of it! Now when I get acne and I apply the cream before bed, I wake up and there's no difference. The acne's still as big and as red as before. My skin must've gotten used to it or something, because it doesn't get rid of my acne.
Comments:   I apply it before bed each night and the acne's still the same. It worked great at first, but now I don't use it anymore.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 25 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Ineffective
Side effects:   Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Acne
Dosage & duration:   0.1% (dosage frequency: every night before bedtime) for the period of 3 months
Other conditions:   None
Other drugs taken:   None
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   None at all; my acne went from mild to severe. I woke up everyday with big new, painful whiteheads. Each time a group of pimples went away, several new ones formed immediately. I also have oily skin, and I read that Retin-A rapidly reduces oil; my skin is just as oily as the day I started and my acne is as bad as when I was a teenager.
Side effects:   My skin has been extremely red the entire time I've taken this medication. It is so drying that even my ears and lips are persistently dry. I need to wear chap stick all day, everyday just to keep my lips from peeling. The area where I most use the cream has also been extremely dry and flaky.
Comments:   I applied it every night before bedtime.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 31 year old male patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Acne
Dosage & duration:   .1 % (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 5 years
Other conditions:   Wrinkle Prevention
Other drugs taken:   Azelaic
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Cleared my acne after 2 months with sporadic breakout but not as severe before starting regiment. Wrinkles reduced and cleared scarring as well. My skin texture improved dramatically. Hyperpigmentation disappeared and skin seems to be resilient to wrinkles.
Side effects:   Severe dryness and some skin peeling.
Comments:   Washed my face with non-soap over the counter cleanser (Purpose or Neutrogena), waited for about 30 minutes and applied a pea size amount of the cream and massage it over the face until fully absorb. I use neutrogena 100 SPF during the day to ameliorate/deter any future sun damage.

 

Retin-A Micro review by 61 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   photoaging
Dosage & duration:   pea sized amount at h.s. topically (dosage frequency: nightly) for the period of 2 months now
Other conditions:   large pores
Other drugs taken:   hctz
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I noticed significant smoothing and softening of lines on face, lightening of uneven coloring, reduction of frequency of blemishes, reduction in oiliness of skin and some tightening of the tissues of the facial skin. I would hope that the effects are long-lasting, but I have only used it for 2 months now.
Side effects:   I noticed dryness, photosensitivity, irritation of mucus membranes. I had to use moisturizer more than usual and reapply it during the day due to dryness. I used a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock with it (Avene SPF 50
Comments:   I applied nightly to dry clean skin. I did not apply any moisturizer afterwards in order to avoid diluting the product. I used a mild cleanser for dry skin and exfoliated with a microfiber cloth once a week. I did not have any peeling. Some irritation in places.
 


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