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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5
20.2%
4
33.6%
3
24.2%
2
13.5%
1
8.5%

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April 25, 2010

Pros:

easy to use, works effectively

Cons:

none for me.

I went to the dermy after 4 years of emotionally/physically scarring acne. I had many cysts my dermy called them "inflammatory acne" she put me on antibiotics and the tazorac. After i started treatment, i have only had one cyst. yepp, ONE. it has been 3 months, and only ONE! i usually had 3 or 4 a week!!! When i first used it for a couple of days, my cheeks turned really red and warm. But i just put a little less on and that went away. For the first 2 months it made my black heads pop up and open up, some i didnt even know i had, but it is just getting rid of them, they are now gone except for the deep ones on my nose which are just now opening. I can actuallly go to school now without my bangs covering my forehead, and i feel comfortable talking to people again without feeling self conscious. bottom bottom line, THIS STUFF IS A MIRACLE :)
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April 15, 2010

Pros:

No strong scent, absorbs quickly, dries out pimples, leaves skin softer, evens out skin tone.

Cons:

Very drying, can cause peeling, redness, itching, stings a little bit, makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.

My dermatologist gave me Tazorac to replace my Retin-A Micro. Tazorac is similar to RAM, but this is a synthetic retinoid, as opposed to RAM which is naturally derived from Vitamin A. Essentially, both work similarly. When I first started using this, I definitely felt it burn/sting a little on my face. Some people might prefer building up their retinoid tolerance... rather than using this every day/night, use it a couple of times a week, and then gradually work your way up so that you can get used to it. My skin was pretty clear when I was put on this, but I think some people might experience purging, which is common for most new acne meds (I experienced this with Benzaclin). But I'll definitely be sticking to this. It's done a great job of helping me maintain a clear complexion. If you use it during the day, you MUST wear a sunscreen.
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April 9, 2010

Pros:

didn't dry my skin,
cleared my skin,
made it soft,
reduced pore / scar size.
I have normal skin now!

Cons:

terribly expensive! my insurance covers half the cost of all prescriptions making this item cost me 100$. it is nearly 200$ per tube retail at walgreens.

I use the .05% cream and it started working the first night. It reduced the redness, number of whiteheads, pore size, and smoothed out my skin. my new girlfriend actually commented on how soft my face was and had no idea how bad my acne was before she met me (before i used tazorac). Customers in my store even tell me how nice my skin is from when they saw me with acne. I'm allergic to gel retinoids which usually make my skin worse. the cream was magic and worth its weight in gold (literally)
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April 7, 2010

Pros:

Higher acne turnover, smooth skin, scars seem to fade quicker

Cons:

Dries out skin until your skin gets used to it, peeling, the creme is difficult to spread over your face, higher amount of nodular/cystic acne

I've had acne for seven years, starting at age 15. Tazorac is supposed to take three months to be effective -- I am on month four with no end in sight, worse acne than ever before. I am also using Differin in combination. I have used: Differin, Retin-A, Benzaclin, Salycic acid, Minocycline, Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Cephalexin, Amoxycilin, Pro-Active, Desowen, Tazarac. I have also gotten Blue Light treatment done, which has so far been the only effective treatment. Tazorac initially cleared up skin for the first month that I used it. After the first month, all hell started breaking loose. I've had cysts on my face that are literally the size of fifty-cent pieces. I've developed more cysts, and bigger ones, than I have ever had in my life. Before Tazarac I was getting two to three cysts on my face at a time. With Tazorac, 75% of my acne is turning into nodular/cystic acne. Again, I am on month four of the treatment. Bottom line: This is the absolute worst my skin has ever been. I personally would not recomend this treatment. Accutane is now the only hope I've got left.
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April 6, 2010

Pros:

Cleans out my pores and keeps them clean. Got rid of almost all acne.

Cons:

Drying, some blackheads remain, small pimples if I skip one day.

Tazorac was the only thing that worked for me. I used Differin, Proactiv, Acnefree, Neutrogena , Clean & Clear, Biore, Ziana, Benzol Peroxide, Klaron, Retin-A Micro, Minocycline, Doxcycycline, and more. I have oily, sensitive skin. Everyone is different, so my review may or may not work for you. I use Tazorac at night with a very light face wash. I also take birth control for my acne. I take the generic version of YAZ, which is Ocella. In the morning, I use the face wash and then Aczone, which is another topical. I wear noncomedogenic lotions AWALYS. That means that it won't clog pores. I use Biore strips to get rid of blackheads. I use Cerave and Aveeno cream. I hope these products help!
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March 22, 2010

Pros:

softenes skin, gets rid of small pimples fast

Cons:

takes soooooo long

i'm on week 8, still having breakouts, first cyst im my life which is awful, still having around 15 pimples and bumps on each cheek, hope to get some results in the next month was prescribed with doxycicline and 5% panoxyl bar which didn't use that regularly, but now getting back to it, so hopefully will see some results i don't know if to recommend it or no yet
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March 22, 2010

Pros:

Works but takes a while

Cons:

Dries out face...Dont go in sun with it...you WILL get a reaction

Good but be patient
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February 24, 2010

Pros:

DOES SHOW THAT ITS WORKING

Cons:

Skin gets worse before it gets better

I have been using this product for about month now and was not seeing any results. I changed the soap (white dove) to Cetaphil and have seen better results since then. After using Proactive, I was desperate to try anything. Can't wait until the summer. Hopefully, my skin will look like my son's, only darker, lol.
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February 23, 2010

Pros:

cleared up whiteheads, blackheads and cysts
smooth skin
very effective

Cons:

slightly drying
expensive

Great product! I have been using the .1% cream for seven months and it has worked really well on my skin. I had moderate acne and some marks from scars. This cream has attacked both and now I feel I can go out without makeup. This is not a quick fix. . .it did take a couple of weeks to see results. It still has a tendancy to dry out my skin, but the application of a moisturizer with sunscreen does the trick for me. I also make sure that I clean my skin with a gentle cleanser as to minimize the drying effects. This cream is very pricey but it is definitely worth it!!
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February 14, 2010

Pros:

works over time

Cons:

burns, dries skin out, makes it peel

My derm gave me this and warned me at first it will be harsh on my skin, and it was, but after my skin got used to it (took about a month) it started to really work, i used it for about 9 months and was really getting results until i ran out. i feel like my skin is starting to break out again, so i'm back to the derm to see what else to do! *also a little pricey, but it is an rx, and worth it.
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27 user(s) found this helpful

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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