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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October 14, 2008

Pros:

N/A

Cons:

N/A

Just got this scipt, I am reading a lot of dry skin comments. The best way to get your skin used to this med and get the full benefit of it is as followed: 2x's a wk for 2 wks., 3x's a wk. for 3 wks. 4x's a wk. for 4 wks., 5x's a wk. for 5 wks. then continue the 5x's a week as long as prescribed by Dr. If done slowly like noted, you will not go through the drastic red, dry peeling, ect. stage. Hope this helps!
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October 12, 2008

Pros:

I just started using Tazorac. I had a prescription from my dermatologist and took it to Rite Aid, where my insurance would not pay for it and it cost me $223.00 I cannot believe I see people here who paid as little as $5.00?

Cons:

The price! I see the majority of you paid around $25.00. Am I just a sucker? I have had acne and pimples for as long as I can remember. I took a course of Acutane as a teen and also months on Tetracycline.

I just recently thought maybe the pharmaceutical companies had made some new strides and developed something that really worked. I was willing to try anything, and I paid through the nose for this stuff. I feel I was duped though, if you all only paid from $5.00 to $25.00 dollars. Mine is the white cream .05% 60 gram tube. Some one please tell me where I can get it cheaper! Did I even need a RX?
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October 9, 2008

Pros:

My skin has cleared up completely. Besides the acne, I had severe sun damage on my cheeks and that is now cleared up along with acne scars.

Cons:

The burning feeling and the peeling/flaky skin.

Under the advice of my dermatologist, I wash my face with a very mild soap (Ivory) and wait over 20 minutes before applying the Taz. This seems to make the burning and peeling a little more tolerable. It has made a tremendous difference in my complexion and is well worth the wait. Be patient, it will pay off in the end. One of the ladies I work with actually said I look younger now then when I started!!!
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August 28, 2008

Pros:

zero so far.. i've been on it for 5 and a half weeks..

Cons:

takes a very long time to see results. makes skin oily ( never experienced the dryness) initial breakout is disgusting, pimples get worse.

i tired tazorac upon recommendation of my dermatologist. she thought it would clear up all my blocked up pores and closed comedones ( whiteheads.) i had a few pimples, but nothing severe. i used to never wear makeup during the day, just at night if i was going out with friends. now, i cannot leave the house without makeup because of the horrible breakouts tazorac has causes. also, it makes me skin so greasy when wearing makeup. it has made my existing pimples huge from inflammation and cyst like. ive been using it for 5 and a half weeks and have seen minimal results. the damage it does is not worth the results. my self esteem has lowered immensely, as has my social life.
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July 9, 2008

Pros:

One tube lasts a long time! I mean at least 6 months

Cons:

The price

I started using Tazorac about 2 years ago and I love it. I used to have really bad redding acne but when I use this along with Oscion Cleanser (3%) my face looks amazing. I've noticed what works the best is washing my face before bed, then apply a thing layer of Tazorac on my face RIGHT before I go to sleep. I've noticed that if I apply it and stay up for a few hours, it doesn't seem to work as well.
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June 17, 2008

Pros:

It starts out good, severe acne gets better but it doesnt completely go away. Scars start to blend in but it eventually stops.

Cons:

Face peels and looks oily at night, rubs off on pillow if its still oily when u go to sleep. Took way too long to start to work.

Ive used this for a couple months and it started out well- getting rid of about 1/2 my acne and lowered its severity. But it takes long to work so give it time. I still havent gotten rid of mine completely but im hoping it will go away eventually. If it doesnt start to work within the first 3 weeks stop using it and find something else.
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May 16, 2008

Pros:

Speeds up Cell Turnover
Renews Skin Surface
Reduces Redmarks

Cons:

Drying,Peeling, Sensitive to sun
Some Sensitivity to other products

Tazorac has worked when no other topical worked on me. I've had acne for 16 years and this stuff rocks! Yes, you will have some Initial breakout from the product. It will unblock your pores and you will get more zits before they subside. I had both Cysts and pustules and after 4 weeks of continual use, I have no active acne. Scars,yes...but no zits. I did peel like mad at first. That's good but annoying. The normal skin take 36 days to renew itself, more when your older. this stuff can renew cells in less than 7 days. Giving fresher skin, less clogged pores. I previously was on Differin which left me with bad scars. Tazorac is Awesome!
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May 15, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

it made my mild acne worse

I guess its not for everyone. You just need to find what works for you. I'm still searching.
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April 15, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne w/in first few months, nice glow to face, smaller pores

Cons:

Drying only around pimples

Okay, so I started using Tazorac once a day for 5 min. and then washing it off w/Benzic Wash 5%, since I have an oily face. I didn't know, but my Dr. was setting up my skin w/using it 5 min. in the morning and then washing it off. Well, my acne got so bad that I stopped using it and getting depressed. He didn't tell me it would make me break out! I stopped using it and immediately scheduled an appt to see him because I was so upset that I wasn't clearing up. He told me to use it at night from now on and leave it on. So, I listened to him and I was taking Spironolactone (75 mg in the AM and another 75 in PM to reduce oilyness) and washing my face twice a day with the Benzic Wash 5%, applying 0.5% Desonide cream to reduce redness, then the TAzorac and I was still breaking out so bad, all over my forehead I was getting a ton of little pimples and my only problem areas before were my cheeks!! I decided to stick it out and finally! 8 weeks later I am finally clearing up!
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April 5, 2008

Pros:

Immediate visible clearing within one week.

Cons:

Itching, drying, but okay if you moisturize.

I used this for an outbreak of acne on my chest. For months, I had been using salycic acid body gel, with no improvement. It just got worse. Then my doc prescribed me Tazorac. Within a week, all the whiteheads, are on their way out. I over-applied on days 1-2 and got bad itches and burning. Do not over-apply! Within a week, my chest acne is virtually gone. I think in another week, I will be clear. On the recommendation of others on this board, I will use this for spot treatment on my face. Used only at night.
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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.