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:

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September 26, 2008

Pros:

it cleared my acne on all over my face, faded my scars, got rid of my cystic acne.

Cons:

took a whole, about 6 weeks for it to start really working. i got really red for like 2 weeks and my skin would peel a bunch. but my skin got used to it and now im fine.

this stuff is amazing. i had almost every type of acne: blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, puss filled, nodules, everything. and my skin was terrible. i even had scars all over my face that made it look like i still had acne even when i didnt. after 4 months of using this, my skin was COMPLETELY flawless. i had minimal side effects, red skin was my worst side effect. i really like how tazorac draws all the acne i had UNDER my skin out and now i dont have any deep pimples or anything like that. just stick with it because it is extremely worth it.
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September 9, 2008

Pros:

????

Cons:

I have extreme burning all day long. Tons of peeling and tightness in my skin. I cracked all around my lips and the sides of my nouthone day when I yawned.

I have only been on it for a week but, wow, it's tough. I haven't been wearing make -up because during the day I am putting on lotion about every hour or so. I have tried everything-including Acutane so I will stick it out for a couple months. Stock up on the chap stick and lotion if you are going to try this one!
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July 15, 2008

Pros:

dries oily skin up

Cons:

copmletely dried skin TOO MUCH, eventually leading to a ovrcompensatng production of sebum and oilier skin, which in turn led to more break outs. also caused itchy, red, flakiness, especiall yon my back and chest

just use a retin-a micro or something like that. also, if you do decide to get this, don't put this on your back or chest as my new derm told me this is more irratating and less effective
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June 14, 2008

Pros:

Clears the skin, minimizes pimples, evens tone.

Cons:

OILY skin, especially if you are a women who wears makeup, even a small amount. Dryness, even burns if you are not careful!

I have only been using Tazorac for 3 weeks and already see a difference. At first I was like what the...I even peeled and I am a dark complexion black woman, I've never peeled before. But after a couple of days I have seen a dramatic difference. I'm still not 100% clear but very optimistic. My derm instructed me to use Taz along with taking doxocyline one in the am and one right before bed. As with everyone else I have read, I mositurize w/ Cetaphil let it do it's thing for 30minutes before applying the Taz and then go to bed. Every morning I wake up looking forward to looking in the mirror and seeing more results.
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March 13, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

extreme reddness, dry skin

I've heard great things about tazorac. Even my dermatologist urged me to try it twice. But, my skin is very fair and sensitive. As a result my whole face turned bright red. The product sheds the outer layer of your skin, and my face looked raw. it looked like i was attacked but a pumice stone on my face. Do not rec for fair, sensitive skin.
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February 19, 2008

Pros:

I have been using it for about 4 weeks and my skin texture is much better and small lines have disappeared as well as dimisnished black heads. Brown spots seem to get a little darker at first as layers peel off but that too is now improving.

Cons:

Some minor redness and itching

I have very sensitive skin but if you follow the regime and always put on moisturizer at least one hour before the Tazorac it really does work. I have tried to go on it at least 4 times before and always quit after the first week or two because of the redness etc. but the moisturizing tip really does work. And, the moisturizing does not cause breakouts.
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August 14, 2007

Pros:

My skin is completely clear and I have no scars at all - I have used it for 4 years now. I love it, nothing else worked for me.

Cons:

Red at first & some pealing. Then I started using vaseline on my face at night about 30 minutes after I put on the cream & had better results without the redness & peeling. I quit using the vaseline after about a month. Noticed oily skin this year.

Nothing else worked for me and I tried over the counter, infomercials and other prescriptions. I was so unhappy before this product. You do have to follow the doctors directions exactly and be patient. My doctor told me exactly what to expect and he was right. I am very pleased with this product. On the cost I am not sure as my insurance covers it completely and it lasts a very long time.
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August 2, 2007

Pros:

Prevents new ane.

Cons:

Made skin very oily! My friends even noticed.

This just doesn't work, but it helps prevent new acne at the same time makes your skin oily. All in all, it sucked! Used for 6 months with Duac. No changes.
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April 28, 2007

Pros:

It does seem to kill the cysts very quickly, like, 1-2 days.

Cons:

Red face, scars look much worse, peeling, stinging, itching, dry, flaky skin,

I have been using this product for about 5 years and was wondering if it works any more for me. So, I logged on here to see what others think, and conclude that other than oral antibiotics, it seems to be the best topical product out there. It is expensive, but 1 tube lasts me about a year. I only recently started to use moisturizer on top, can't believe I just figured that out. This helps with the redness etc. The red face is just so ugly and embarrassing. So I cover it up with a lot of MAC powder which works fine (I'm female). I just recently started to put the Tazorac on my chin/neck at morning time too, since my neck/chin is the worst. The humid climate here is so bad for my acne.Well, after reading the posts, I guess I will stick with the Tazorac. Thanks guys!
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February 2, 2007

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

light peeling effect in the beginning

You have to make sure you are using the correct dosage- a small pea size amount for the entire face. For the people that are experiencing the burning/tight/bright red effects, I think they are using too much. If you follow the directions, the results are there and one tube lasts a very long time so it is cost effective!
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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.