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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August 27, 2009

Pros:

Face is smoother.
Breakouts heal quicker.
Not too bad of dryness.

Cons:

Bad initial breakout even on my first week!

I'm hoping my face will clear because it's gone from light to moderate very quickly. The acne is hard to conceal because of the dryness and it looks bad with makeup over it. I can't wait to see the results and i'm hoping it will be better after another week cause i can't take the breakouts much longer!
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July 22, 2009

Pros:

None yet.

Cons:

Bad burning (probably worse cuz I live in the desert), Itching, Dry Peeling skin. (but I didnt know before the reviews that I you're supposed to moisturize first)

Only been a few days & Im only using it to spot treat. AVOID SUN EXPOSURE. It looks like huge welts all over my face now!
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July 3, 2009

Pros:

Really does clear up skin, I only use it on my problem areas (daily on forehead which always has that 'gravel under skin' look) and every other day on my jawline. I use bp the other days. The tube has lasted over a year, so it was worth a $25 copay.

Cons:

Causes my skin to peel, was worse when I tried using it nightly (as prescribed), so I switched to every other night on my face, but continue to use nightly on my forehead, which for some reason doesn't peel, but does clear up!

It works, but use it only/as you can tolerate it, and my skin can only handle it every other night, so that's how I use it.
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July 3, 2009

Pros:

GERAT, made skin smooth, less pimples, cheap.

Cons:

dry, redness, peeling!

At first, i totally mistook it for a SPOT treatment, and applied more on teh affected areas. WRONG. DO NOT DO THAT. i applied a bit more on the tip of my nose, and now my nose is peeling MORE than my whole face ;( but i can tell ive been getting less breakouts! (ive been using for 3 weeks). my nose is horrific..peeling and red skin, but it was entirely my fault. if you are suffering from acne, this stuff works. DONT PICK PIMPLES, and DONT PEEL THE SKIN!! let the dry skin come off itself. i peeled it,and there was red raw skin ;( GOOD LUCK!
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May 16, 2009

Pros:

After applying Taz only three times, my skin was smoother than I ever remembered it being. After the moisturizer, it seems to have that healthy glow that I thought you only saw on airbrushed photos. I have not had more breakouts since I started Taz

Cons:

My skin is a little more pink now and definitely dry and a flaky. Now I moisturize at night and in the morning so the peeling is kept under control.

This gives you super smooth skin and although I've only been using it for a week, it's impressed me so far. I know that you have to wait around three months to see acne disappear. It's very important to apply a moisturizer and make sure your skin is Completely dry before applying the Taz. It's normal for your skin to feel more sensitive and for it to sting a bit when you apply moisturizer but your skin will get used to it over time. It works wonders for lightening recent scars I've also noticed. This product works by sloughing off the top layer(s) of skin and speeding up skin renewal. I'm looking forward to seeing what my skin will look like in a couple months; it's already baby soft! Also, it's $30 with my copay but is horribly expensive ($400+) without insurance. You can ask for the generic prescription which costs about $60 and I imagine would be worth it.
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

Peels off the superficial top layer of skin, helping rid of scars.

Cons:

Peeling, redness, initial breakout.

I'll admit, I used to use (I use that word loosely) years ago when my dermatologist prescribed it, but he didn't tell me exactly HOW to use it. I know now that I did not give the medicine a chance, and was definitely using too much. I also gave up only after a week or so. I guess I was too young and expected it to be an overnight miracle. After reading this board, I have decided to get back on Taz and wait out that initial few weeks of red, peeling skin and minor breakouts. I started using it routinely last week...I put on moisturizer before I apply the Taz every evening. I am also using Cetaphil to cleanse and moisturize. I promise to come back in a month or more and update on how my skin looks!
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March 20, 2009

Pros:

Clears up whiteheads really well, fades hyperpigmentation, makes skin quite smooth.

Cons:

Sometimes if you get to close to the corners of your mouth, eyes, or nose... a red rash forms. Did not really do much for the deep, red nodules/cysts... it also did nothing for blackheads, only really helps with whiteheads.

You need to start out slow. My derm recommended applying it to your face for a short time (30 sec - 1 min) and then wash it off. Do that for a few weeks, and increase gradually up until you are wearing it overnight. This was side effects are not as bad and it allows your skin to get used to it. Helped a great deal with whiteheads, but like I said - not much else.
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February 22, 2009

Pros:

For most people it will clear up any acne, photodamage, wrinkles, and psforiasis. You should see a significant difference in your skin. (You must stick with it for atleast three months unless severe side effects occur, consult your dermatologist)

Cons:

Redness, flaking, peeling, dry lips and itchy skin, increase in sensitivity to the sun and while washing your face. You will most likely have an initinal breakout that is severe. The price can be expensive depending on your insurance or health care.

I'm specifically talking about the 30mg Tazorac cream with 0.01% Tazarotene, too be used every other night. You must gently exfoliate your skin atleast two nights of the week to remove the peeling skin, moisturizer should be used after you cleanse your face and before you apply the Taz, and you must use a very thin layer of the Taz. Using a generous amount will only give you worse side effects. Taz will cause a sever breakout in the first month (approx.) of using it. I recommend you visit your dermatologist after a month of use to check that the Taz is having the desired effect. You must always apply Taz according to your doctor's orders (every other night in my case), if you miss a dose return to your schedule and do not apply two doses to make up for the missed one. Any severe side effect should be consulted with a dermatologist immediately. Taz shouldn't be used with other topical medicine and face should not be cleansed with soap or alcohol based products. Good luck.
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February 16, 2009

Pros:

After 6 weeks my skin is beautiful! I am not completely acne free yet but I can sincerely say my face is glowing!

Cons:

The acne got so much worse before it got better.

My dermatologist warned me that I shouldn't judge the product until I have used it for at least 12 weeks but that I should start to see results in 6 weeks. During the first 2 weeks of use my skin broke out so bad that I wanted to cry. As a women in my 30's I was mortified. Slowly I noticed that the pimples began to heal extremely quickly, sometimes overnight and the new pimples occurred less and less. I've notice only mild redness and dryness. My Dermatologist has helped me experiment with all 4 levels of Tazorac to find the right dosing for me. Currently I switch off between the 1% cream and .5% gel, and use the 1% gel on any tough break outs.
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February 10, 2009

Pros:

made skin less oily for a while.

Cons:

left skin in sores and lesions

I dont know if its just my skin or what, but after a month or so of using this product, my skin was so dry, it would fall off and leave bloody lesions and scabs. it was horrible and they took forever to heal. so in the long run, it destroyed my skin for more than a month [as in time for sores to heal] other than making it worse, this product didnt do anything for me. maybe was because my acne wasnt severe enough and this product was too strong? i dont know, but would NOT recommend this.
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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.