Tretinoin
"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."