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

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June 30, 2009

Pros:

It seemed to work for me when I started using it a year or two ago. I used it for over a year solid, every night. I used the gel and never experienced drying or peeling. My skin is pretty resilient to becoming chapped or over dried.

Cons:

It left behind a lot hyperpigmentation. This was almost as bad as acne because from far away it looked like my acne was still there.

It takes a while to work and can be harsh to most. I was also on anti-biotics during the Tazorac. (Which I regret. Anti-biotics are not the answer, its like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound) It is supposedly an aid for hyperpigmentation but I'll tell you the truth that derms won't. Time, stopping further breakouts and some surprisingly common products will help you more with red marks. All in all, I would try the holistic route. I know, I know it sounds stupid but it makes so much sense when you do your research. Remember: The drug companies want to you to believe the only way to cure your acne is to use their expensive products. (Not simple things like internal cleansing and eating a acne-free diet.) It's all about money!
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June 29, 2009
I've just started to use this medication 4 days ago and my skin is peeling off, and it's starting to hurt a lot...Is that suppose to happen? will the pain go away later if I continue this medication?
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June 25, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

alot of breakouts, redness and inflammation, itching like crazy,skin irratation

it didnot help, i stopped it last night after 1 month use, i have more breakout than before, am using ABX sonoldy which is helping dry out pimples, am takings herbs pills that helped my friend, and soap called Roberts Antibacterial sold in Afrrican store it real helping with blackheads.am using Baby johnson's lotion. i will update later
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June 19, 2009

Pros:

Really does help keep skin pretty clear.

Cons:

Does not help with oil or pores (which my derm said it would); can cause redness or irritability.

I've used this stuff for about 2 years, but I'm trying to wean myself off...i hate being so dependent on a medication. It does help, but I have to apply a thin layer to my entire face, it doesn't work as a spot-treatment. Because of this, my face often appears red (especially in pictures!). Also, I was really hoping it would help with oilyness and big pores, b/c that's my biggest issue...it didn't. My dermatologist couldn't believe how oily my skin still was...she said most people experience major dryness. Sigh.
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June 17, 2009

Pros:

i have NOT yet started using taz. just saw my derma today and she suggested taz as a last resort before going on accutane. i started reading reviews about this prduct and was getting worried at first but then i noticed that everyone who wrote

Cons:

something bad about taz had "light" acne. well duh...of course you wouldnt like it, taz is for patients with moderate to severe acne!!! first thing first, if your derma would prescribe taz for light acne...maybe you should consider going to a

doctor and leave the harsh stuff for people with more severe acne . and by severe i mean people who's everyday lives are affected by having acne. my derma prescribed it for me today as a last resort before going on accutane so obviously this isnt going to be like the differn gels or any other gel like that. taz is a retinoid just like retin a (which i've used) and is designed to pretty much destroy your skin before making it better and any GOOD derma will tell you that. i'm fully aware of what i'm getting myself into by starting taz but my derma swears by it because she used it to treat her acne. also, a helpful which i also read in another review on here was to use the taz along with duac. i did hear they were a great combo. and just remember that not everyone's skin is the same. we've all probably written some horrible review about another cream, gel or pill on here before out of anger that it didnt work for you but if you really want your acne to clear up...TRY ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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June 14, 2009

Pros:

It has brought pimples to the surface.

Cons:

It does not seem to make any noticeable improvements.

I have been only using it for a month recently. I am 25 now with acne, and had used Tazorac during high school when my acne was similar to how it is now. I had stopped using it before when I went to Hawaii for vacation and never used it again because it didn't seem to help reduce the acne. Since my acne flared up a couple months ago, my dermatologist put me back on it even though I told her it didn't really work for me before. I am wary or the pore stretching that I have read from other Tazorac reviews though. I have noticeable blackheads on my nose and under my eyes, the pore size is not huge. I have to be a foot away from the mirror to notice some of the open pores and blackheads on my nose and closer to view the rest of the pores. I am wondering, does anyone have any topical recommendations that have really worked for their severe or moderate acne?
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June 13, 2009

Pros:

none.

Cons:

oily skin, makes acne worse even after the first 8 weeks, dries skin like a mofo, did I say super oily skin? too much $$ for the damage it does.

makes your skin oily, really oily. tends to irritate the acne on the skin at the point where it becomes red and inflammated..ive been using it for more than 6 months and it hasnt done anything. the improvements that i had on my skin was thanks to the benzaclin I was using during the day, but it caused me severe colitis in the long run so I stopped using it. My acne worsened like Ive never seen it before and I think it was thanks to the tazorac, I stopped using it 2 days ago and went with Neutrogena on the spot, cause it has benzoil peroxide like benzaclin does minus the clyndamicin, that is what causes the colitis, and my skin is MUCH MUCH better, I can see improvements in just 2 days. Amazing. I used the gel 0.1%
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June 11, 2009

Pros:

-got it for free from derm
-pretty smooth skin
-helped with scars

Cons:

-first week intense dryness which passed quickly
-little irritating
-face is a little oilier

alright so i started this cream mid-late march and have been using a good amount once daily.i have seen pretty good improvement but recently i have random little red bumps all over my face (non-inflammatory) is this part of the process? and i use cetaphil daily moisturizer in the morning and sometimes a little benzoyl peroxde.
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June 9, 2009

Pros:

My skin is so much smoother than what it was before!

Cons:

It made my face red the first couple of weeks and oh yea, my face peeled off! It happened right away and was awful. I've now been using for two months and can see the results.

It was frustrating at first and I am still dealing with black heads but it seems to be working and my dermi said that it will keep getting better.
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May 26, 2009

Pros:

purges pores

Cons:

irritation, flaky skin, redness, caused extremely oily skin, breakouts

It caused havoc on my skin. It purged my pores but made me break out in places I never did. It made my skin extremely sensitive and really oily. It left small capillary vessels in the areas around my nose. I started every other day and dosages got adjusted by my dermatologist but after 2 months I couldn't stand it anymore and had to stop.
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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