Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.4
969 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
51%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Retinoid
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Produces similar results to the two other topical retinoids, tretinoin and adapalene, which means only partial clearing, and comes with far more sensitivity and side effects when you first start using it. It probably won’t be a total game changer and don’t be surprised if it’s too much for your skin to take.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Tazarotene
Compare To Other Treatments
5
18.7%
4
32.9%
3
25.3%
2
13.9%
1
9.2%

Used Tazarotene? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 2, 2015
Pretty Good Product
I've been on this product for about a month. I switched over to Tazorac from Atralin. I am using the Tazorac at night and taking Atralin (an antibiotic). Tazorac has shown minimal clearance, but I am hoping it will start to work. I never went through the "purging" phase, though. I will keep this updated!!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 7, 2014
Yay for Tazorac!
I was using Duac & Differin for a couple months (after 2nd round of Accutane my acne came back) and 6 months later I switched to Tazorac & so far so good. I like it a lot, it's been keeping acne under control. I put a pea sized amount (THAT IS IT- I normally use a lot but I listened to my doctor) & my skin is looking much better. Also, I put moisturizer on top just so my face doesn't get too dry and start to peel. The one thing I hate is when active acne starts to heal - you see the scars much better lol my fellow acne sufferers understand the struggle!!!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 21, 2014
The best thing I have ever used
I am 19 years old and have struggled with acne since I was around 12 years old. I've been seeing the same dermatologist since I got my first pubescent break out and nothing has ever worked as good as my Holy grail in a bottle Tazorac. It does leave your skin extremely sensitive for the first few weeks so I would avoid waxing your eyebrows, lip etc. From my experience you should only wash your face with non-salicylic soaps and cleansers, It'll only exacerbate the issue of dry skin and peeling that comes with the first few weeks of using the treatment. ALSO stay out of the sun as much as you can and if you do go out in the sun please wear sunblock. I restarted my Tazorac regimen a week or so ago due to my acne reoccurring after being taken off my year long course of antibiotic I take for my Kidney Disease to start a new one. I was out in the sun and experienced a burn around where I had applied the tazorac the night before. Overall I love Love LOVE this product. I cant wait to see the results I will have in a few more weeks. Best of luck to everyone. Ari
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 26, 2013

Pros:

smooth skin
clears acne
clears everything wrong..blackheads etc..

Cons:

gives you oily skin
takes a VERY long time
expensive

I have had acne ever since the age of 13. I am not 21 years old! my skin is VERY oily. the first time i ever got prescribed something was my senior year of highschool and i was given Epiduo. It worked but i got used to it and suddenly stopped working. I went to my dermo a month ago and she gave me Tazorac cream for the night and cylndamycin phosphate for the morning. Thankfully i had NO side effects what so ever (peeling,redness,drying,flaking) I guess its because i have oily skin. I did get really bad breakouts, and i felt like the medication wasnt working. i still stuck in for the 4 week mark, because thats what the website said to do. and now im finally seeing improvement. I had mild acne and now i only ave one active breakout. Unfortunately because of the purging period, you will get more breakouts and more scars. but i have seen a significant amount of change in my scars as well.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 24, 2012

Pros:

Mostly free of milia, whiteheads, and blackheads after 4 months
Skin renews itself quickly

Cons:

Took 4 months to work
Skin was horrible during the IB period (never had skin as bad as it was in my whole life)
Had to play with different products to finally get results

I had light acne since high school, and always dreamed of totally clear skin. At the age of 34, I finally decided to try Taz for my acne and hyperpigmentation, after having tried minocycline, clindamycin lotion, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone and salicylic acid products. I learned that adjunctive products (cleansers and lotions/creams) make a big difference in how my skin reacts to Taz. I finally found a regimen that works for me after 3 months of trial and error. After washing my face, I apply clinda lotion and benzoyl peroxide lotion, then I use First Aid cream mixed in a 1:1 ratio with the Taz at night. I realized it made a huge difference once I started using a really moisturizing cream (not lotion, for my super oily skin). Otherwise my skin got really irritated from using Taz, and would start peeling off in sheets (really painful) or would not really have an effect- other than make my skin really oily. This was even after I waited the 30 minutes to apply it, or would use every 2-3 days. I always use lotion with sunscreen during the day. I also starting taking minocycline b/c the IB was so bad, I didn't even want to leave the house, but had to go to work. I had the worst acne of my life- so many whiteheads (hundreds!!) over parts of my face I never get acne like my forehead, jawline and chin. Finally, my face has a nice glow to it. I still wear make up mostly for the areas of hyperpigmentation, which have gotten lighter, but I'm still pretty self-conscious. Now my skin peels a little bit every day or 2, but not the the degree where other people can notice. I use a light scrub to help exfoliate every few days. I'm mostly clear now, but still have a few whiteheads and blackheads here and there, esp during that time of the month. The pimples seem closer to the skin surface, and tend to heal quickly. I just wanted to share my experience b/c reading about how other peoples dealt with Taz really helped me get through the hard times. I hope this hel
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 2, 2009

Pros:

Gets rid of 75% of my acne incredibly fast. It makes my skin soft and smooth.

Cons:

My entire face where it was applied peels every 3 or 4 days and it peels BAD. I look like a snake that's molting and everyone always asks me what's wrong with my face. It just dries out my face.

I've been using Tazorac since February so it's been a while, but only recently does my face peel like crazy. I don't use a moisturizer because I'm not sure which moisturizer to buy. I don't want to get one that isn't right and will cause more acne.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 14, 2009

Pros:

Skin clearing
Better Tone and texture
Hyperpigmentation goes away

Cons:

Lots of flaking in the morning

I have been using Taz for 5 weeks now. The first few weeks my acne got really bad! I was so self-concious i didnt even want to leave the house. There was so much flaking and scabing and i have learned DO NOT pick the flakes, or peel the dry skin, pop or poke at the pimples cuz it just takes a lot longer and looks way worse! Just put a little bp on it. Finally my skin is starting to clear up! I just once in a while get a whitehead when i wake up but about 80% of it is clear! I Am really happy. STICK WITH IT! It is totally worth it. This product does work. You need to make sure to apply it EVERYNIGHT no matter what! and only a pea sized amount for the entire face. Good Luck!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 20, 2009

Pros:

Clearing skin! This is awesome and is the only thing that I have found to stop my massive breakouts! This feels great too...it doesn't itch or burn it just does the job.

Cons:

takes a while to work (but all do)

This takes a while to work so give it some time I am at week 3.5 and I just saw improvment a couple of day a ago and ever since it looks better everyday! Aparently you are supposed to go through this purging period where you breakout like mad but then after that it is supposed to get a lot better. My derm said it was supposed to happen around week four so either i didn't have or it is still to come idk. Anyway this gets you under CONTROLL so you don't have breakouts every week like I used to, and that is the bottom line...if I have a few zits here and there...eh...w/e. I also used this with klaron which is an anti-bacterial agent nd aparently you are supposed to use an anti bac agent like bp or some other agent...so keep that in mind.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 23, 2008

Pros:

got rid of bacteria. cleared me up. didnt have bad side affects like other people had, no irrition or dryness.

Cons:

cant fine much to complain about

not saying it works for everyone, but it totally agrees with my skin. no irritation, no dryness. its my miracle cream.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 2, 2008

Pros:

I am using the Tazorac Cream 0.05% and it is clearing up my skin. The cream prevents future breakouts while getting rid of those nasty cysts/pimples.

Cons:

The cream causes your face to peel. The cream causes severe redness too. I can compare it to a minor chemical peel. Not bad at all if you use the right moisturizor.

I have tried almost every acne medication on the shelf and this cream is working miracles. I cleanse my face on a daily basis with Proactiv and apply the cream in the evenings. To get rid of the dryness, I use Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizor! It is the ONLY moisturizor that doesn't cause me to break out. I highly recommend you purchase the Tea moisturizor with this medication otherwise your face will look dry.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.