Tazarotene
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
3.4
821
5
20.2%
4
33.6%
3
24.1%
2
13.5%
1
8.5%
Write a Review
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
September 1, 2008

Pros:

Absolutely the best product I have ever used for acne treatment. I have moderate acne due to insulin resistance. After a month, my skin was clear and stayed clear! My skin felt like a 16 year old's skin too!

Cons:

You really do have to wait out the redness. I had to go to a corporate conference, and my face was bright red and peeling all over. I was so embarrassed. But two or three weeks later, voila, perfect skin.

Just wait it out. Please don't give up on it for the first eight weeks. Yes, I know your face will turn bright red, and will kinda burn, and it will peel like crazy. It's worth it though. Seriously. Especially if you have insurance that will cover it. I stopped using it awhile back, and went on the Regimen, then switched over to ProActiv. I have decided to go back on my Tazorac though, because my acne just isn't getting cleared up despite my religious use of the products. The Regimen's BP is too heavy for my face, even after working it all into the skin. But it is indeed effective. Also, for us women, the Tazorac will make your skin feel like a baby's butt, because it's basically peeling the layers off your face. Just grin and bear the first four to six weeks. You will love it.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 7, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin within a month and makes blemishes disapppear.

Cons:

Very abrasive and drying to skin. You must use a good moisturizer and Dove soap. Also if you are a woman you must not get pregnant on this med since this is a Category X drug which can harm a fetus.

Good medicine overall. The only thing that works for my acne. I've tried Proactiv and Benzamycin and that did not work. If you are going to be on this medication ladies, remember to use birth control.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 24, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne. Makes skin soft. For all you people out there who are unsure, i recommend using it for SEVERAL months before you decide. Really great for wrkinkles. highly recommended. this should be free if you have medicaid!

Cons:

Makes skin shiny looking so i recommend using it when you know that's you're not going to go out. Not that great for scars, but i've only used it for two months so that could change.

For me, Tazorac was practically heaven sent. I have suffered from moderate acne for the last two years and the doctor put me on Tazorac. My only problem is that I had not tried it sooner. I used to be so ashamed of my acne and now it's all gone. Tazorac is not really all that great with scars, though, but I've only used it for about two months. The first month was absolutely horrid and I got many new pimples and was quite unsure of whether or not it would work, but now my skin is AMAZING. Trust me, all of this is coming from a girl who's used PROACTIV, Retin-a, Dr. Ci Labo, every possible Neutrogena and over the counter product out there. I use the .1% cream and it is really oily but i put it on in the afternoon or early evening after my shower and let it soak in for several hours and the next morning my skin is soft and clear. I adore it! Ask you doctor for the cream because it is not as harsh and should work well. I was flaky at first but not any more.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 9, 2008

Pros:

get rid of acne scars, heals acne quickly

Cons:

it can be drying, expensive

I love this product. i've only been using it for a week, but i can already see a big difference. my skin is more even and ALL OF THE ACNE IS HEALED. the only thing i don't like about it is that it can make my skin dry... to avoid that apply the medicene 30 minutes after you wash your face
This Was Helpful

Report
July 9, 2008

Pros:

Leaves skin soft, smooth, and clear.

Cons:

Initial breakout

This product works very well for me. I noticed a very slight increase in breaking out just in the first month of use. I followed the directions exactly and only used Taz every other day for the first week or so. I also only used a tiny amount. I had no redness, drying, or peeling that others have described. After the first month my skin was very clear and smooth. I've been using Taz for a year now and haven't had any problems...only great skin!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 20, 2008

Pros:

I AM 61 STILL BREACKING OUT AND BLACKHEADS I LOVE THIS PRODUCK MY SKIN NEVER LOOCKED SO GOOD MY FINE LINE ARE DISAPEARING. WILL TAKE THIS FOREVER

Cons:

NOTHING LOVE IT

LOVE IT
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 5, 2008

Pros:

Works fast

Cons:

None, except for maybe the price.

I've been using Avage for a little over 2 months. It's been great! I use it in conjunction with spironolactone and my face has improved dramatically. I've been on tons of prescriptions, including Accutane, and none have completely controlled the cystic acne I started to get after the birth of my daughter (13 years ago!!!!). My derm wrote me a script for it, and it was $168!!!! When I go see him, I'm going to ask for Tazorac cream instead because it seems to be cheaper (probably because it's not marketed for anti-aging) even though it has the exact same ingredients. But, I'll continue to use this as long as possible. I've seen a great improvement in the clarity and texture of my skin.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 20, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne and prevents new acne from forming.

Cons:

Peeling, dryness and redness the first few weeks.

After using Taz for almost 12 weeks now, I would say its the best topical I have ever used. I have not had a breakout of any type for 6 weeks and my skin tone has evened out. It has also taken care of fine lines. I look younger, my skin looks great and I now wear minimal makeup if any at all -- that was the goal! I combat the occasional dryness by moisturizing about 30 minutes prior to using it in the evening.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 16, 2008

Pros:

Speeds up Cell Turnover
Renews Skin Surface
Reduces Redmarks

Cons:

Drying,Peeling, Sensitive to sun
Some Sensitivity to other products

Tazorac has worked when no other topical worked on me. I've had acne for 16 years and this stuff rocks! Yes, you will have some Initial breakout from the product. It will unblock your pores and you will get more zits before they subside. I had both Cysts and pustules and after 4 weeks of continual use, I have no active acne. Scars,yes...but no zits. I did peel like mad at first. That's good but annoying. The normal skin take 36 days to renew itself, more when your older. this stuff can renew cells in less than 7 days. Giving fresher skin, less clogged pores. I previously was on Differin which left me with bad scars. Tazorac is Awesome!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 24, 2008

Pros:

Could see an improvement over night!

Cons:

I am so nervous to see how my skin will react over the next couple of weeks

I have had acne since 7th grade (I am in college now) and it recently got so bad that I was too embarassed to leave my apartment, even to go see the dermatologist! Once I made it there, he recommended Tazorac. Last night, I washed my face with Epicuren Acne Medicated Cleanser, then used the Epicuren Glycolic Peel (I am switching from Epicuren products to Cosmedix products in hopes that my skin will clear quicker), applied a nickel size amount of Cetephil moisturizer, then a pea size amount of Tazorac. I woke up this morning with noticeably smoother skin and less redness around infected areas. This happened in ONE NIGHT. I am dreading the next couple of weeks, seeing as how everyone says their skin got a lot worse before it got better, but what is a couple weeks compared to the years I have suffered from acne? It is worth a shot, I would say! I will update you all in a month or so with the conditions of my skin. Best of luck, don't let acne get you down!!
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Alyssa Darden
January 3, 2025
Hi!! How did you find continuously using the medication? Did you experience purging?
Report
Previous
1 … 9 10 11 12 13 14
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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