Is retin a good to use for clearing up acne and lightening up the skin alone?

Recently I started using it along with obagi and my skin is starting to look much better, clearer and lighter. But obagi is expensive and when I run out I was wondering if retin a alone would be good enough to use to maintain my lighter skin?

Retin-A removes dead skin cells, an exfollient (spelling). By doing so, it prevents pores from getting clogged. It's difficult to over apply the gel version. Too much Retin-A will cause skin cracking.

You skin can easily get red by exposure to wind and sun.

Omega or flaxseed oil is good for your skin.
I prefer the flax because I don't like fish
Also zinc (do not take more than the bottle says)
Vitamins C


Diet – stop bad fats, drink water, and eat fruits and vegetables

Supplements – zinc, vitamin C, acidophilus or probiotics or yogurt, omega or flaxseed oil

Skin treatments – lemon juice wash or tea tree oil

Obagi contains hydroquinone, so you may find that you experience some degree of darkening when you stop using it. Retin A is good for overall brightening, but you may have to think about replacing your obagi product with some sort of lightening product, even if it doesn't contain HQ in it, and maybe is more natural.