Tazarotene
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Tazarotene is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation in...

Tazarotene is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation in the skin.

Tazarotene is usually applied once a day around bedtime.

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3.4
821
5
20.2%
4
33.6%
3
24.1%
2
13.5%
1
8.5%

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February 22, 2008

Pros:

seems to be lightening post-acne spots; in conjunction with MD Skincare daily face peels, appears to have eliminated or at least reduced in size a couple cysts that had developed under my skin afer I had popped their corresponding zits on the surface

Cons:

very drying, use in moderation...DON'T GET ON THE CORNERS OF YOUR MOUTH (not fun, hurts to open mouth when eating, etc)...

if you have cystic acne in a couple areas of your face, I recommend applying this prescription topical cream on the skin above them for several weeks (or as long as it takes to see results if improvement is possible)...Along with MD Skincare Alpha-Beta Daily Face Peels, Tazorac seems to have eliminated two cysts below the surface of my skin (one had been there for at least two and a half months)...This was amazing to me considering I was told I would have to have a plastic surgeon remove them!
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January 4, 2008

Pros:

cream seems to clear the face from severe acne, but won't help much with mild break outs, which in my case haven't stopped after 3 years on Tazorak (used 0.5% and 1% creams)

Cons:

during the first few weeks of use, Tazorak causes severe peeling, not as must dryness though. my skin was peeling while shining with oil at the same time. Mild acne persisted even after 3 years of use, but I don't have large break outs anymore.

I have mixed feeling about Tazorak, since it seems to somewhat work, but doesn't deliver perfect results. Aware of the severe peeling it causes, I always used it very carefully - once every 3-2 days, at night only, while alternating Proactive or Duac during the day. After 3 years of use, I don't think it was really worth it. Large pimples might be gone, but constant peeling and at the same time having oily skin looks hardly attractive. My derm explained that the cream causes rapid turn-over of the skin cells, so skin will be peeling constantly while on Tazorak but less with time; it also causes oil glands work faster, so oil comes out and doesn't build up in the pores. I hated the constant oily skin feeling (used Clear Skin oil absorbing sheets 2-3 time a day to make face look better). Expensive.
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December 11, 2007

Pros:

Does help get rid of acne

Cons:

Dries out skin like no other. Some mornings i would wake up feeling like a reptile from how scaly my dry skin was.

Did help rid my skin of acne, but the dryness made me look almost as bad. I don't think it's worth using a product where the side effect is almost as bad as the disease its treating. Used in conjunction with Cleacin pads. Switched to clenia and finacea.
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November 27, 2007

Pros:

none yet

Cons:

its been drying my face and the skin around my nose has started peeling but cetaphil moisturizing lotion works well for that

i've been using it for less than a week and so far its just made my face burn/peel
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November 8, 2007

Pros:

seeing results from problem areas now after 4 months

Cons:

problem moved to another area.

the acne around the side of my chin that was my only concern has gone away but moved to my middle chin.. have been on taz for 4 months and doxy. was just prescribed klaron too, but not sure if that will help the stubborn chins... basically be patient i guess . used differin before with duac and minocyclin then batrium.. worked well by 6 months stopped it on my own... and then flaired again 6 months later. n now tryin something new with a new doc...... stick with it is my new thoughts
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November 7, 2007

Pros:

uhm, none yet:(

Cons:

face is breaking out really bad right now,dry,irritated.

ive only been on it for two and a half weeks and my dermatologist and everyone else on this site says that its normal for me to breakout for the first 4-6 weeks. But it really sucks because i can tell everyone is staring at my face, my acne has never been this bad. :( I REALLY HOPE IT STARTS WORKING SOON!
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November 4, 2007

Pros:

in the places it has cleared up some acne, it made my skin really smooth.

Cons:

havent very many results AT ALL. my skin got alotttttt worse. but i have been on it only two weeks, so we'll see.

the derm says stick with it, so i guess i will. but i really hope these breakouts calm down!
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October 28, 2007

Pros:

Clears the little bumps and helps to remove scars

Cons:

MAJOR PEELING!! Face can/will be in pain.

When my dermatologist gave this to me I started peeling so I stopped using it. My derm told me it was normal so I decided to give it a shot, and it really works. It peels more where my scars are which have started to clear. I have noticed a big improvement on the amount of scars I have on my cheeks and I have fewer bumps. Thankfully I get this thing for free because the military pays for my perscriptions.
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October 24, 2007

Pros:

Good exfoliator, "anti-inflammatory", easy to apply, free samples are abundant at derm offices (try not to pay for it, it is expensive, $80/tube), comes in cream and gel form (I have used the gel), odorless, absorbs easily

Cons:

Doesn't cure acne, makes skin dry, red, itchy, and shed uncontrollably, makes skin sensitive to sunlight , make skin texture look "not quite normal", skin will become noticeably oily (may have to resort to constantly wiping oil off face),

I have used Taz (gel and cream) for a little over 3 years, so believe me, this is not your cure. As a matter of fact nothing that the dermatologist will give you will "cure" your acne (except maybe accutane, but realize the immense risks you are taking). Tazorac is another drug that addresses the symptoms (acne) of other problems that you are having in your body -be it food allergies, poor digestion, toxins that have built up over time. I don't want to say that this product won't help at all, but I do want to say what no dermatologist ever told me, that you have to take a real good look at yourself and your lifestyle and make real changes. If you keep doing what you've always done, your going to get what you've always gotten. Check out the Nutrition and Holistic healing section of the discussion boards. Dietary and lifestyle changes that I have made in the past 3 months have done for me what Tazorac never could in the past 3 years.
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October 11, 2007

Pros:

skin is clearing up, texture is smooth

Cons:

makes face really red, peeling around mouth

I have been using tazorac for a week and a half now. i know its too early to really see what will happen, but my dermoltogist is amazing and even though this product is making my skin really red and itching i am going to stick with it because the texture of my skin is really even and my dermo promise the color will be with time... i cant wait to see the results...and get past this horrible first month...
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website