Tazarotene
5
20.2%
4
33.6%
3
24.1%
2
13.5%
1
8.5%

Used Tazarotene? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 6, 2008

Pros:

Gets rid of stubborn pimples, smoothes skin. USE MOISTURIZER - go to your health-food store and get some (gasp) OIL - like jojobam or squaline or sweet almond and use a tiny bit on wet skin.

Cons:

None - but you MUST wash your face and put moisturizer on BEFORE the Tazorac. I know moisturizer seems like the enemy, but you need it to protect from the excess burning. I recommend a tiny bit of jojoba oil - right onto wet, freshly washed skin.

I am 41,was on antibiotics as a young adult, then Accutane - which was great BTW - worked for 10 years or so. Then over the years I have used Retin-A creme, Proactiv (the cleanser is the only good part of that program), Differen, tea tree oli, sulphur and other preparations to kill my (hormone-stress-poor diet related) mild acne. Recently, nothing has worked, and I am faced with the dreaded wrinkles and dehydration crows-feet. Not a pretty sight: pimples and wrinkles. So I had some Tazorac samples from my Dermo - had never used them - until now. The first morning, zits that I had been fighting with for two weeks had vanished AND my skin was smooth and gorgeous. My skin looked shiny in the am - but I would rather have that than red-flaky mess. It was fine after cleanser & moisturizer. HOW I USED IT:I had first washed with a Dr.B's babymild castile soap, then applied a tiny bit of dqualine oil, then the Tazorac. Viola!
September 3, 2008

Pros:

gets rid of acne, break-outs not as bad as before I got onto the cream, caused some freckles to fade and evened out skin tone

Cons:

patches of dry skin, still get the occasional break-out

I've been using Tazorac for YEARS and it hasn't caused my acne to completely disappear. However, it has worked better than any other product I've tried. I used to have severe acne but now only have very light acne. The caveat is that I have to continue applying it or else my skin will return to way it was before. Even while using Tazorac, I occasionally have moderate break-outs but it gets rid of the resulting acne very quickly. The only reason I give it a "3" for effectiveness, instead of a 5, is that I am still dependent on it to keep my skin clear after so many years. I'm worried that my skin might get resistant to it and I'll have to switch to something that might either have worse side effects or does not work as well.
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September 2, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of my acne, shrunk my sebaceous glands, lightened scaring, got rid of most of my excess oil. A con is that it is expensive, but the pro is that it's worth the money.

Cons:

Very bad peeling, constantly flaking, skin felt dry during treatment (when used every night). Was very embarrassed to go anywhere due to the extremity of the peeling and flaking. Approximately $70 for a 100 gram tube of Tazorac Gel.

This was my last resort. I felt like I had tried everything and my dermatologist didn't want to give me Accutane but instead prescribed me Tazorac. It had some pretty ferocious and embarrassing side effects, but they were very well worth it. I stayed on Tazorac for 1-2 years in middle school. I am now in college and even though it's been a very long time since using this, the results are still there. After going off of Tazorac my skin was just amazing compared to what it was before treatment. And now that I'm a bit older and on birth control I feel that it's just improved even more and my skin is just about perfect. I still use Tazorac as a scar spot treatment and blemish spot treatment, as well as to keep the pores on my back clear from breakouts due to conditioner becoming trapped within them.
August 28, 2008

Pros:

It got rid of the big pimples...

Cons:

Burning, slight peeling.

Um I've been using the Tazorac gel for a little over a week now. It seems like it's really working, but almost right after I apply it I get a massive headache. I find this a little odd but whatever.
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August 25, 2008

Pros:

With insurance, not expensive;only use at night before bed.

Cons:

Takes a a while to see results.

My face got worse before I saw any improvement.I had burning, stinging, dryness and mild peeling. Despite the horrible reactions, I committed to start using product regularly in June. I have just started seeing the benefits of it now in August. My face still has a few acne breakouts but not as bad as before.Face looks clear and those that saw my face with the horrible breakeouts are now saying my face is looking good :O). You just have to deal with a horrible looking face for a few weeks or longer. Now I can honestly say I like this stuff. I wasn't saying that a few months ago. Patience is the key!!!
August 25, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up my mild to moderate acne in about 2 months of daily usage.

Cons:

Sometimes burns and skin peels slightly

It's worth it! Stick with it! My acne got significantly worse before it got better. I thought of it as though the Tazorac was just cleaning all the junk out of my skin. Be sure to not use too much. I am using the gel and do not get the greasy residue I got from the cream. Go to the website and print off the rebate. I paid $30 for my perscription, sent in the rebate w/the upc from the box, and they sent me $35. I ended up making money!
August 20, 2008

Pros:

seems to be working so far I like that I only use it at night does not burn or dry up skin

Cons:

none

Im going to keep using it and see what happens
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August 15, 2008

Pros:

Keeps my pores clear and my skin renewed daily. FREE if you're on Medicaid.

Cons:

OILY. A hazard for foundation usage. Takes a few months to see 'great' results from it. Makes skin more sensitive.

The first month or so I almost quit using it b/c it didn't seem like it was working. But I stuck to it through the second month and saw GREAT results. It takes care of blemishes, mild scarring, AND any new acne that forms. Just be careful when using other harsh products with it. Don't overwork your skin. I'm still not completely clear of the marks, but it's something that needs to be consistently used for several months before you see all of them fade. Stick with it! It also has the ability to fade fine lines and wrinkles over time. It's like a two in one product. I love it.
August 15, 2008

Pros:

clears up blemishes as well as scars

Cons:

extremely oily and itchy skin

I have been using taz for about 2 months, and was very hesitant about continuing because my face would peel very badly. I kept going though and my face really cleared up. The only thing is that my face is so shiny ! I am constantly wiping my face down due to the oilines. Although i dont break out, i have also noticed that my pores have gotten larger...its really bad...not sure whats worse...the oiliness or the zits. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to continue using this product minus the shine? I put on only a bit before bed time and wake up a shily mess. even after i have washed my face, soon after, Im all oiled up again...any ideas?
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

Increases cellular turnover, no additional exfolliation necessary. Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. Evens out coloration, fading dark spots over time,

Cons:

Leaves face extremely oily, at the same time you will notice dry, peeling patches. Almost impossible to wear foundation over shiny "new' skin. Stinging, itching, and extreme redness and irritation for first month or more.

Okay, I've been using this medication for close to six weeks now and I am beginning to see some improvement. Acne wasn't the reason I tried this product, rather fine lines and freckling. Therefore I won't comment on its ability to lessen acne. The tiniest amount of this product should be used at bed time. I started with 0.5% concentration and worked my way up to 1% strength, both in a cream base. You must be dedicated to using this product as it is not for short term use. Your skin will take time to adjust to Tazorac. Don't expect to apply it and see immediate results. You will be disappointed. You will look like an oil slick for weeks. No exaggeration. And your skin will feel sticky and stingy and itchy. It feels similar to applying heavy sunscreen to your face. Thay tacky feel that you just hate, even though you know you its good for you. Change your pillowcase every night and don't rub your skin and then touch your eyes. Ouch! Keep away from your lips. Double ouch!
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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.

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.