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 21, 2008

Pros:

tazorac has reduced the amount of whiteheads (closed comedones) that usually cover my entire forehead. it's also seemed to improve the overall texture of my skin and reduced the discoloration/scarring on the sides of my face.

Cons:

peeling, flaking, redness/sunburned-feeling skin (especially around my nose and mouth).
i've been on tazorac for about 4 weeks, and i'm still waiting to see more dramatic results.

always use with a mosturizer! i apply cerave before i apply the taz, but i'm sure there are other good, non-comedogenic mosturizers (like cetaphil). one important thing i've noticed is that there is a significant difference between the cream and the gel forms of taz. i was prescribed the .05% gel, but was given samples of the .1% cream to use until i filled my prescription. although the cream form i have has a higher percentage of the tazorotene, it doesn't irritate my skin as much as the gel does. i definitley have less peeling when using the cream. ultimately, i plan to stay on taz for a while, since it apparently takes some time to see the results. i'm hoping this will really work since i've tried basically everything! all OTCs, retin a micro, differin, antibiotics/clindamycin, murad, proactiv... everything short of accutane. i've been consistently breaking out since i was 12, and i'm now 23! maybe i'll write an update in a month and let y'all know if it real
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October 15, 2008

Pros:

My insurance covered most of it. It doesnt make my skin flake, dry out, burn or turn red like everyone else.

Cons:

Makes my face really oily through out the day.

I have been on this for 7 weeks to be exact. My skin looks a little better but I think its still going through the purging stage which is really horrible. I never had any side effects other than breaking out. My cheeks are absolutely the worst and at 22 its embarassing. My derm prescribed me Taz .05% cream and I will be in to see her again in a week. I am gonna see if I can get either the gel or the .1% cream and see if that helps the oily skin situation and also I thought I would see some results by now. I havent worn makeup in weeks and everyone asks whats wrong with my face, I turn 23 in a couple weeks and just want to have clear skin!! I still have faith that this will help just how much longer!! I dont even take pictures anymore.
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October 10, 2008

Pros:

Goes on smooth. Large pustules reduced in size in a few days. Post acne marks beginning to fade. Texture of my skin a lot more even and smooth.

Cons:

Makes my face red and shiny. And I think it's the Tazorac that's giving me major dry lips.

I was told by my derm to just use Tazorac at night and wait a good 10 mins after washing my face before applying it to my skin. Since I just use the cream at night I don't care much about the shine and redness I get after application. But I have noticed a very real reduction in the size of my cysts, as well as fewer blackheads. It also seems that it draws out the deep pimples to the surface, which sounds like a bad thing but actually helps heal my skin a lot faster. As for moisterization, I use an herbal concoction of water, glycerin, and lemon oil. I spray that on my face after putting on the Tazorac and I haven't gotten any major dryness except for my lips. And it's cheaper and more effective than Proactive.
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September 16, 2008

Pros:

i dont know yet

Cons:

made my skin VERY dry and burned a LOT. Had to leave work early one day, due to burning of skin. Flaky and dry!

I started using this product 2 weeks ago, and in the first week, i dabbed a little bit of the cream on my face, the pimples reduced a little in size but there was a little redness. Then one night, I got generous with it, and applied a lot all over my face. BIG MISTAKE!!!! I broke out 10 times worse, had horrible burning and flaky skin the next morning. I was stupid by applying extra. (lol) and it was dry and peeling for about 5 days. My doctor said i was stupid for doing that, but told me to continue on the cream.. so i've started using it again (VERY little amounts)..so far i've seen no change...but im hoping it will help....fingers crossed..(i've also been told to start Minocycline antibiotics and yasmin)
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August 28, 2008

Pros:

It got rid of the big pimples...

Cons:

Burning, slight peeling.

Um I've been using the Tazorac gel for a little over a week now. It seems like it's really working, but almost right after I apply it I get a massive headache. I find this a little odd but whatever.
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August 20, 2008

Pros:

seems to be working so far I like that I only use it at night does not burn or dry up skin

Cons:

none

Im going to keep using it and see what happens
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August 8, 2008

Pros:

None I'm sorry to say.

Cons:

Absolutely rediculous initial reaction/breakout. Laughably so...turns plain old acne into an over inflamed poison ivy/chicken pox-ish mess...really quite a bad med in my case.

WOW...hahaha this was a real mistake in my case...Luckily for me I used this on my moderate/severe chest acne and not on my mild facial acne or i may have just opted to have my face surgically removed. I itched so much I bled. I don't care what these drug companies say about their product in terms of initial bad reactions/waiting "x" amount of time for the product to work. 1 1/2 months of hell. Be careful.
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August 7, 2008

Pros:

Clears skin within a month and makes blemishes disapppear.

Cons:

Very abrasive and drying to skin. You must use a good moisturizer and Dove soap. Also if you are a woman you must not get pregnant on this med since this is a Category X drug which can harm a fetus.

Good medicine overall. The only thing that works for my acne. I've tried Proactiv and Benzamycin and that did not work. If you are going to be on this medication ladies, remember to use birth control.
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August 2, 2008

Pros:

First it cleared up breakouts

Cons:

dryness.....incrased breakouts

i am not so sure how i feel about this product..when i started using this product i had mild/moderate acne and now i feel as though my acne has gotten much worse! im feeling so discouraged and i dont even want to go out in public
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July 9, 2008

Pros:

Leaves skin soft, smooth, and clear.

Cons:

Initial breakout

This product works very well for me. I noticed a very slight increase in breaking out just in the first month of use. I followed the directions exactly and only used Taz every other day for the first week or so. I also only used a tiny amount. I had no redness, drying, or peeling that others have described. After the first month my skin was very clear and smooth. I've been using Taz for a year now and haven't had any problems...only great skin!
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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.