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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 8, 2008

Pros:

havent found any

Cons:

horrible burning, extremely dry, skins peels A LOT. Trying moisturizer but it doesnt seem to do ANYTHING

ive had horrible acne for years and i already felt like a nobody. this stuff is making me feel worse. i desperatley need for this stuff to work but i dont know how long i can keep this up. im not sure if i would recommend this i need more time to know for sure so until then its a no.
October 5, 2008

Pros:

clear skin!

Cons:

very oily

I have used tazorac for 2 years, and my skin rarely breaks out. I even get compliments about my skin, people say it is flawless. Yet, I have to blot my face about every hour with those oil blotters. And almost the whole sheet goes clear. It is disgusting, and wierd because tazorac is supposed to dry out your skin. I am in the same boat as you Help81! My dermatologist doesn't believe me either. In the beggining my skin was really flaky, now its like totally oily. Plus, i use tazorac WITH ProActive, with no stop to my oil. I am left with clear, oily skin that won't go away.
September 16, 2008

Pros:

It WORKS! I've been using Tazorac for two years, and I look and feel cured. I get complimented on my skin all the time. My friends don't even understand why I still use it because my skin is so clear. It helps fade hyperpigmentation too!

Cons:

Definitely causes flaking/peeling. I began gently exfoliating every morning before putting on make up and applying a moisturizer every night. Exfoliation is key to diminish the look of peeling. Might not be appropriate for severe acne pustules.

Try it. Stick with it because it works. For mild/moderate acne it is amazing. Smoothes away whiteheads and causes blackheads to disappear.
September 12, 2008

Pros:

not sure yet ...

Cons:

oily

So my derm prescribed tazorac to me becase my skin was so oily. I don't know if I have damaged my skin so much but when I put tazorac on it just makes it more oily. I am not even peeling or burning - just oily and breaking out more in whiteheads. I told my derm and she looked really confused as it is supposed to dry your skin out. I am using the 0.1% gel (the strongest) so I'm not sure what's going on! Did anyone experience oiliness and then clearing up? I don't know how it can clear my skin up if it's making it more oily.
September 9, 2008

Pros:

gets rid of big pimples

Cons:

makes skin red and VERY dry like most say its embarrasing. It burns pretty bad too. Flaky skin and it seems to make my skin instantly oily when i put it on

Ive only been using it for a week so i cant say overall
September 4, 2008

Pros:

nice, smooth gel

Cons:

made my face a total disaster, worse than it has EVER been. Zits come in sets of two and three, especially near my mouth and in places where I never had problems before.They are huge and painful, my face is oily, peely, red, and so gross.

I hate this stuff. I was on it almost 3 months - giving it TIME to work, and it has made everything go from bad to WORSE.Last night was the LAST time I will ever use this crap. Glad it worked for some of you. For me it was 3 months of HELL.
September 4, 2008

Pros:

Overall works really well. When I first used it I broke out more, but it eventually cleared up.

Cons:

It's very costly, and I am still not completely clear skin

If you can afford it, get it.
August 25, 2008

Pros:

With insurance, not expensive;only use at night before bed.

Cons:

Takes a a while to see results.

My face got worse before I saw any improvement.I had burning, stinging, dryness and mild peeling. Despite the horrible reactions, I committed to start using product regularly in June. I have just started seeing the benefits of it now in August. My face still has a few acne breakouts but not as bad as before.Face looks clear and those that saw my face with the horrible breakeouts are now saying my face is looking good :O). You just have to deal with a horrible looking face for a few weeks or longer. Now I can honestly say I like this stuff. I wasn't saying that a few months ago. Patience is the key!!!
August 16, 2008

Pros:

None for me

Cons:

burning, oiliness, awful breakouts, peeling, some insurances won't cover the cost (expensive!)

IF THIS MEDICATION IS NOT WORKING FOR YOU, CALL YOUR DOCTOR! I kept holding out, hoping the medicine would start to work (the oiliness and chunks of skin falling off my face indicated something was happening)... and it never did. I called my doctor after 10.5 weeks near tears. I am a 24 year old newlywed. My experience with Tazorac has been scarring -- emotionally and possibly physically. My social life suffered greatly, as my skin was so terrible that I avoided many situations. I know this medication works well for some, but call your doctor if things start to get really bad. After reading many reviews, I had false hope that things would suddenly turn around. My facial inflammation disappeared within two days of quitting this medication.
August 15, 2008

Pros:

Keeps my pores clear and my skin renewed daily. FREE if you're on Medicaid.

Cons:

OILY. A hazard for foundation usage. Takes a few months to see 'great' results from it. Makes skin more sensitive.

The first month or so I almost quit using it b/c it didn't seem like it was working. But I stuck to it through the second month and saw GREAT results. It takes care of blemishes, mild scarring, AND any new acne that forms. Just be careful when using other harsh products with it. Don't overwork your skin. I'm still not completely clear of the marks, but it's something that needs to be consistently used for several months before you see all of them fade. Stick with it! It also has the ability to fade fine lines and wrinkles over time. It's like a two in one product. I love it.

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.