I started using Retin-A in 1991 for acne and had worked my way up to the point where I could slather 0.1 all micro all over my face with no irritation. I still broke out, but I figured even if it didn't 100% knock out the acne I was getting anti-aging and pigmentation benefits.

I stopped using Retin-A for a few years while trying to get pregnant (the acne didn't worsen that much but I definitely saw backsliding in terms of tone and firmness). I went back on Retin-A this winter at .025 and found it very irritating. So, I re-read the book and last month ordered Differin from inhousepharmacy.com (cheaper even though I have good insurance).

Wow! ;D I am a lot happier with the Differin. My skin feels a lot smoother, no flakies, no irritation around nostrils or crows feet. I'm trying to integrate gradually the Epionce lytic lotion (salicylic acid) that GucciBear recommended, using the lytic in a.m. and Differin in the pm.

So, if you thought you couldn't succeed with retinoids but only tried Retin-A, Differin might be worth a shot.