You may have heard a neighbor or friend tout the miracle cure for acne called Retin-A. You may have come here to research the acne treatments, because you are at your wit’s end and have decided to pull out the big guns. Or you may have heard about or read up on how Retin-A is a medically questionable solution, that Retin-A was banned, or is dangerous.

Acne is one of those human flaws that unfortunately appear externally, so, unlike a genealogy of family members who are mentally ill or alcoholic, we cannot hide or keep this flaw secret. I agree that acne makes for socially disastrous results. It can hurl us into depression, see us into obsession—into staring at ourselves for hours, picking, poking, squeezing, and popping, and can impel us to study and pursue such seemingly desperate measures as spending hours poring over acne and Retin-A reports and case studies.

First, one must understand that acne is biological and genetic. Acne is bacteria-based--a result of natural skin oils called sebum, clogging pores and hair follicles. Acne is also induced by stress, which sends an increase of sebum to the pores and follicles, which explains why so many people break out just before an important event.

As far back as the seventies, Retin-A was considered to be a prime medication for treating acne. I used it with excellent results, even before serious scientific studies proved it to be a good treatment.

Yes, I washed my face. Yes, I steamed and applied fresh lemons. Yes, I went to a dermatologist, was given a prescription for Retin-A. And yes, that Retin-A was mixed with straight vodka. And…hell, yes, it burned, made my face peel in sheets, and made peers in high school point and ask if I had been in some sort of accident. But, OH, YESSSS…. By day three of the acne and Retin-A experiment, I was once again the beauty I thought I was. So if you’re looking for a testimonial, here it is. I had absolutely fantastic results from using Retin-A, and only wished I had found it sooner.