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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July 21, 2007

Pros:

My new derm swears by Tazorac, too. I have less side effects (peeling & redness mainly) with 0.05% Tazorac than Retin A Micro 0.1%. I'm fair and sensitive.

Cons:

I had a flare up of three small cysts on my chin at three weeks, which I attributed to the "sloughing phase". I also have had an increase in whiteheads on my forehead and blackheads on my nose. However, this appears to be clearing & I'm optimistic

I had been on Retin A Micro 0.1% for over a year and was having what I felt were awesome results. When I had to change dermatologists, the new doc suggested I try Tazorac (0.05%). I was very hesitant at first, but after reading up on it, I decided to give it a try. I've used it for two months with the following nightly routine, (one which I'd worked out w Retin A): wash w cetaphil (original), moisturize lightly with cetalphil lotion, & then thinly apply tazorac 0.05 30 minutes later. In the morning I gently exfoliate w St. Ives Apricot Scrub for sensitive skin. I use SPF 15 cetaphil in the mornings along w benzaclin on my forehead every 2nd or 3rd day. It's too soon to speak about the effectiveness in my case. But this stuff seems very tolerable at 0.05%. I say go for it and be patient. And do apply with caution. I wouldn't recommend lathering it on, as with Retin A, that routine seems to just increase side effects without impacting the results. And
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July 18, 2007

Pros:

Clears up acne and prevents new ones from coming out.

Cons:

Extreme redness, dryness, peeling, and sensitivity to sunlight.

I tried using Tazorac for a long time, and I have to say, considering how bad my acne used to be, it did wonders. After about 2 months, my skin was clean most of the time. But, the problem is, it made my face so sensitive after over a year of use that every time I laughed, my teacher would ask me if I was okay because my face would get so red (like, tomato red). Also, it made me peel, which is really embarrassing. I remember, one time, I wore some fleece sweater, and that's when I realized how much I was peeling under my jaw area. In the long run, it fought off acne, but I ended up getting off of it due to it ruining my skin. If you're going to do it, go for it, but on the same note, be aware. This thing's the strongest medication available in the topical retinoid department.
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July 16, 2007

Pros:

I've used this product for a few months now, and it works great. It took me some time to get used to it because it does dry out your skin but my doctor recommended using it at night and that helped me deal with side Effects.

Cons:

The first month was horrible. My face got red and it stared to produce more acne and white heads then before. Sometimes i would wake up with even oiler skin. It also caused my skin to peel and showed little sign of improving my acne problem.

I think if you stick with it in the long run it does seem to improve. It also depends on your skin , you may need to increase the amount on the area to get a better result. I find that using some kind of cream on your face helps to control the dryness and also keeps your skin soft and shield it from the sun. Its not so great for a quick fix but if your looking for something that will clean up your acne and makes sure it stays that way then this product is the way to go.
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July 3, 2007

Pros:

It helps to heal pimples faster.

Cons:

Can cause alot of redness, dryness, FLAKING for senitive skin.

Iv'e been using Taz for about 2 months (1%cream). It exfoliates so fast that I can literally peel off flakes of dry skin about the size of a pencil eraser from my face (although peeling is not good of course!). I've discovered applying a thin layer all over the face works best. It helps dry up zits and improve the overall texture of the skin because the outer layer is constantly being shed. However, I'd advise extra caution in regards to scrubbing/picking the face because it will be tender and perhaps scar while using Tazorac.
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May 28, 2007

Pros:

Really does work. You just have to be patient because progress is slow. But all good things take time (LOTS of time).

Cons:

The initial breakout can be hell, just remember that it isn't in vain.

I've been on Tazorac (.1% cream), Solodyn (started with 90mg, but was upped to 135mg at the 3-month mark) and BenzaClin for almost four months now and I have to say that there's a large improvement. The sides of my face and my temples were AWFUL so as a result I have many red marks there, which will fade over time, but almost every part of my face is smooth now. I've had acne since about fourth grade and it got worse at a steady pace until the second sememster of my freshman year in high school and my face just exploded out of nowhere. I wore a ton of make-up and wouldn't even look at myself in the mirror without my "face" on. It looked like I got beat with the ugly stick. And now, almost four months into treatment, I go out in public with no skin make-up on (I threw it all out). Yes, it was mineral make-up too, but my skin is ULTRAsensitive and can't deal with anything on it, so I just decided I was going to face the world with hope. Others in the same boat should too
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May 21, 2007

Pros:

Tazorac is such a blessing in my life. I started it at the end of January and my skin is totally healing. I am writing to give encouragement to anyone just starting it - you must be patient and use a good moisturizer.

Cons:

It can really dry out your skin and make it a lot worse before it gets better, but it's so worth it. Be sweet and tender to your face. And use a great moisturizer. I love Egyptian Magic for dry spots and Toleriane by La Roche-Posay for moisturizing.

See the forest through the trees...meaning, know that any dryness or breakouts at the beginning will pass and is paving the way to clear skin. It works, and skin just keeps getting clearer and looking more and more lovely. The key is MOISTURIZER! and for any women out there, I have been working with a hormonal health doctor (Alyssa Vitti with Laughing Sage Wellness in NYC) and she had me start taking Saw Palmetto gel caps. this is typically an herb for men, but some women can't breakdown testosterone (which we also have) efficiently and thus, get acne. These gel caps are just HUGE in helping my skin to be healthy and clear. As well as for helping with mood swings, which I just don't get much of anymore. Try it - I noticed improvement within a week. This plus Tazorac and a few other lifestyle changes have really been very good for the health of my skin.
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May 6, 2007

Pros:

beautiful clear skin. Free of the tiny oil bumps covering my face. Gets rid of my monthly pimples within days. Has created a smooth complexion......no more bumpiness

Cons:

Can cause me surface dryness around my mouth, but my skin is still oily. But no wrinkles and I'm 34yrs.

Love it love it love it. I'm afraid to stop using it. I can't. Once I didn't use it for 3wks. and my skin reverted back to its old ways.
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May 6, 2007
I've been on taz cream and and tetracycline. Summer of 7th (going into 8th) when I returned to 8th grade I was clear and happy. I've also been using proactive and that didn't do anything. middle of 8th grade my mom didn't want me doing all this stuff to my face. stopped the pills. middle of year broke out, so after the horrible burned face grossness end of the year and I cleared up again?! half way thru summer I had the worst breakout. Developed cysts and nodules. so the docter prescribed me minocycline 50 mg and tazorac. a month into it I came back for a check up and it looked so bad she told me to go to a derm for accutane and gave me erytho. Didn't completely clear me up derm gave me tretinoin .25 4 months uglyness. I was like *beep* it and just went bak on taz. and got tetra 500mg. 3 months into it my face has less break outs but my forehead is like 4 shades reder than my cheeks. i have like 12 bumps im hoping befor school year ends I can be clear for once
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April 29, 2007

Pros:

I'm prone to both cystic acne and ezcema:
since using Tazorac 0.1% Cream, my cystic acne “zits” have been shrinking, and I have NOT had an ezcema flare-up.

I've been using Tazorac 0.1% Cream nightly for about a week. I was prescribed Tazorac when my old medication, Benzamycin, lost its effectiveness after 3 years. I'm prone to cystic acne (adulthood onset) and eczema (childhood onset), so I was nervous about trying any retinol, for fear it would flare up eczema, but Tazorac has impressed me. Since using Tazorac, my cystic acne 'zits' have been shrinking. I get some pinkness/redness, but it goes away within 20 minutes of applying the Tazorac. I haven't experienced the initial break-out yet; however, it has only been a week *knocks on wood*. I have not noticed any burning at all. I get little flaking. MILD exfoliation with Cetaphil, followed by Aveeno moisturizer with SPF 30 in the morning seems to cure the flaking. To those, who experience(d) burning, stinging or severe peeling while using Tazorac: I think you should talk to your doctor/dermatologist; it sounds like an allergy to an something in Tazo
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April 22, 2007

Pros:

it helps for scars, and might even help for an emergerncy pimple

Cons:

it dries up your skin, it look like if the skins on ur face is coming off.

along w/tozarac,i use a oil that has worked pretty well,i know ur probably thinking that oil is probably worse but its natural &works awesome,it's like BP. damp & it dries. its called "tree tea oil' u can buy this @ any health store,along w/jojoba oil which works well for dryness.i also read in a health book,that u should reduce products like, soda,coffe, animal meats, fish, milk, candy, fried food, beer, chips, & all those yummy foods,because some break out because of what they eat & other have no effect, like me its just my hormones, i guess but i did notice that fried food make me break out more. ***oh yah & working out helps, cause u sweat out the bad in ur body. &try not 2stress out cause that triggers it, *-* i know its painful but ur not theonly one out there,so have faith cause u will soon c results.oh yah forgot,4 all those that wear stuff on their hair& don't wash daily i would recommend wearing a shower cap or something,cause those products can make it worse when u sleep.
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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