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
January 22, 2009

Pros:

None Yet...

Cons:

Broke worse than before...alot worse. Face is peeling like a mother. Extremely Dry.

I'm not really sure what to say, I was on Proactiv and that was working decently, but i wanted all my acne gone so i went to the derm and she prescribed Tazorac. She did not tell me it would get worse before it got better, but after reading the comments on this website I am relieved because I only had mild acne before, and now im getting moderate. Its really the worst my face has ever been. I'm gonna give this the benefit of the doubt and stick with it for 2 more weeks or so, but if my face only keeps gettign worse, I'll have to try something else. I don't recommend this if you can;t handle having the worst acne you'll ever have for a while.
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January 2, 2009

Pros:

sometimes it gets rid of existing pimples

Cons:

dryness, burning, itching, would create pimples where there normally wasnt

it might work for some but not me. ive been using it for a month and they keep saying it takes time. so far i havent seen any improvement and its just making my face worse.
December 31, 2008

Pros:

None

Cons:

Uglyness, more acne, burning, red spots from acne UM which tazorac caused by the way!

There are no F***ing pros to this. I am so pist. I went to my derm cause i was stressed about a couple big reacurring pimples on my face. Ok seriously my face was perfect before I just had a few annoying ones on my chin big deal right but i just thought i culd get a quick fix but Tazorac has ruined my life. I look like a fricken pizza!!! and i'm definately getting scars i guess they're called ice picks casue they small and sunken in but still EW. I use to be able not to wear makeup thats how good my face lookt NOW i havta wear makeup everywhere i go. I hate going out this is so embarrassing. Please somebody tell me what to do. ANYBODY
December 21, 2008

Pros:

stay away from tozorac, this product suxs, if u want acne all over ur face then use it!!!!!!

Cons:

skin dry, nasty, red, acne all over face when i had like 3 or 4 spots once a month, one day its super dry the next min oily

k so i hated breaking out every month when it was not even that bad like 3 or 5 spots the most, went to my derm and she said to use this sh*t she must be dumb bc this is for severe acne breakouts when i only had 2 spots when i visited her...after two weeks my face was covered with acne spots and there ugly and red i refused to go to work or anywhere bc it made me feel so ugly, even my mom couldnt believe how bad my skin got....after i stopped using it i used proactive and that stuff is amazing it made my face back to normal only bad thing is it blaches my towels but i dont care as long as my skin is nice:). Tozorac is a mess dont use it, u will break out more then it will help u. oh and thank god i only used the samples that she gave me bc the tube is about $150.
December 20, 2008

Pros:

None.

Cons:

Turned what was a few minor blemishes into acne war zones.
Made skin dry, red, and oily.

If you have normal/combination skin, DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT. Worsens acne in every way possible, causes psychological grief, makes small blackheads and whiteheads into LARGE blackheads and whiteheads that eventually become cystic.
December 1, 2008

Pros:

Big red pimples that hurt

Cons:

My face seems to be smoother

I have been on Tazorac for two weeks now. I have big red pimples which seems to be put on a fast ack with Tazorac. I have tried Proactiv, Differin which gave me no results whatsoever. My Derm. had allowed me to try samples of Retin A which worked very well by my insurance wouldn't cover it so she put me on Tazorac. It worries me that a medicine like this will caus my face to worsen before it gets better. I need to have her explain that one to me. I have yet to see any major results with Tazorac.
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November 20, 2008

Pros:

At first, my pores appeared to be getting smaller and one forehead scar I had disappeared

Cons:

Too many to list

This product SUCKS. I went to the dermatologist because I was having breakouts due to hormone imbalance, it was mostly painful cystic pimples here and there on my face. She gave me Tazorac and swore to me that it would make a big difference. Three weeks later, my skin looks like a lizard; it's red, it's bumpy, it's rashy. I have little whiteheads EVERYWHERE. What started as a few painful zits became full blown acne all over my face. I don't even want to go outside anymore. I know you're supposed to wait awhile before it works, but how long can one suffer with skin peeling off in sheets and skin that looks a billion times worse?>
November 13, 2008

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

This product really made it worse.

They say it takes 3 months to see full effects. I used this product for almost 3 and a half months, my acne is still the same, barely any difference. Maybe a few pimples went away, but the scarring this product left is horrendous! I'm so frustrated! It may work for others, but for me, this ruined my life.
October 31, 2008

Pros:

smaller pores

Cons:

more breakouts, dry flaky skin around mouth area

I feel like this isn't working. in the last 3 weeks my skin has become blotchy, red, irritated, flakey and now I am getting way more breakouts all over my face than I had before. I have no idea what is going on. the zits are soooo sore and painful and they just keep popping up intsead of going away. I feel soooo annoyed what a waste of time and money!!!!!
October 31, 2008

Pros:

skin gets a bit clearer...

Cons:

skin dries up majorly, almost to the point of painful

i'm 15 and have terrible skin and ive been using tazorac for over a year now and I know the cardinal rule of skin care is "it's always going to get worse before it gets better", but my skin gets ridiculously dry and I peel practically sheets of skin off and sometimes it hurts and gets red. i'm going to quit tazorac and try an oral treatment maybe. i don't really know if it's because i'm younger, but i really don't think tazorac is working for me.

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.