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
20.2%
4
33.6%
3
24.2%
2
13.5%
1
8.5%

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February 2, 2007

Pros:

clear skin

Cons:

light peeling effect in the beginning

You have to make sure you are using the correct dosage- a small pea size amount for the entire face. For the people that are experiencing the burning/tight/bright red effects, I think they are using too much. If you follow the directions, the results are there and one tube lasts a very long time so it is cost effective!
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January 27, 2007

Pros:

If you give it time, it works. It works differently than antibiotics, meaning it can be used simultaneously for better overall results. Improves other factors contributing to the quality of your skin.

Cons:

The initial purge (where the acne gets much worse before it gets better) and the risk of extreme irritation are the biggest cons - but get through this and you'll be happy with the results

It cleared my skin up like nothing else has - after 3 years of using antibiotics to keep just cysts at bay, I finally have the near perfect skin I've always wanted. Start with a really small amount the first few days and ramp it up slowly let your skin get used to the drug - the burning and the irritation, and in my case, oil overproduction will subside in a few weeks. Even then, you should only be using something like a pea sized amount on your whole face. Use a non-comodegenic moisturizer (I used jojoba oil, which is its own miracle) to combat dryness and irritation. If your using benzoyl peroxide, make sure not to use it at the same time as tazorac (am vs. pm) because they chemically neutralize each other. I gave it a fair chance, and now I slap myself for not having tried it sooner.
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January 24, 2007

Pros:

No long term pros.

Cons:

Broke out much worse..

Duac 1.0% gel ? whatever the stronger one is.... I started using this product about a year ago. The doctor told me to use it only in the pm. So i gave it about 2 months and nothing was getting better... although my skin was getting VERY irratated and dry. So she suggested using it mixed with a moisturizer at night.. 2 months and the same results... so she added duac in the am as well as a moisturizer in the am. One year later my skin is always dry and i feel as though im more broken out than before, and a LOT of redness that seems to never go away. So when i lost my insurance and i found out how much it really costs, I stopped using it. My husband asked me what i was doing because my face was looking better already. The biggest difference now is not that i dont have acne its that im not uncomfortable all the time and that im not walking around with a red face. So until i get insurance im going to try to eat better and take vitamins daily. Hoping for the best
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January 13, 2007

Pros:

This product definitely gets rid of acne.

Cons:

Depending on the strength, using too much causes burning, redness, irritaion, and pain. Do not use alot. I use the .05% cream.

Tazorac gets rid of acne within the first 5 months I would say. I was skeptical at first but I tried it and the first month was not very pleasing, it made my skin itchy, oily , peeling, but after the initial months, all my acne is gone and I have no clogged pores/ small bumps on my face at all. It is amazing for that. But now I have to get rid of the acne scars, which my dermatologist suggest I treat when the acne is completely eliminated.
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January 12, 2007

Pros:

It works. Period. It just takes a while for the medicine to work through the skin. I've been using it for over 2 months, stopped for 2 weeks (cause I ran out) and have just started it again.

Cons:

It makes my face red when I first put it on but the redness does go away. Also makes my face oily, which is rare because everybody complains of dryness.

I've used this product relunctantly after my first derm. apppointment, this was my last resort before going on Accutane. To my amazement my skin is actually clearing up. I have no pimples but the scars from past zits are still present. The doctor said they would fade though so I'm glad about that. Was on Minocyclin with the Taz but only used it every now and than. (I don't like taking pills, which turned out to be a good thing because my doctor thought that I would flare up after I stopped takin the antibiotics) I had the worse case of acne I had ever seen, every part of my face had a pimple. I didn't even want to walk outside. Now my face is clearing up and I'm feeling more and more confident everyday. The thing about acne that you have to be aware of is IRRITATION! Do not pick, do not touch, do not even think about your acne, don't eat food that you know will flare it up, don't wash your face too much, don't try "home remedies" like toothpaste, just be gentle and patient!
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January 12, 2007

Pros:

TAKES AWHILE, BUT DOES WORK.

Cons:

DRY AND OILY SKIN, PEELY SKIN FOR FIRST MONTH OR SO.

I HAVE SUFFERED FROM WHITEHEADS ON MY CHIN REALLY BAD, AND HAVE SPENT A FORTUNE ON ALL KINDS OF DIFF TOPICAL MEDICINE, INCLUDING PRO ACTIVE, WHICH DIDNT WORK FOR ME. IVE WENT TO 3 DIFF DERM, AND FINALLY THE 3RD ONE GOT ME ON TAZ, AND I ALMOST GAVE UP B/C IT DIDNT SEEM TO BE WORKING, BUT NOW IM FINALLY SEEING RESULTS.
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

this stuff really does work.

Cons:

you have to be patient. if you use too much, you'll wish you could take a fire hose to your face to alleviate the pain and suffering. seriously.

i almost gave up. the direc. say that most people see results in 8-12 weeks. i saw them in 6 months, but was worth the wait. skin actually started to improve at three months- then got all pimply again. much to the disbelief of my derm., this stuff was not as quick or effective as the retin-a that i was on, until i built up a tolerance to retin-a. so the derm rec. taz. it slow going for sure, at least for me. and if you use too much it will burn-no hurt like the dickens. i would definetly rec. a moist. over it. good luck.
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January 10, 2007

Pros:

Initial cleer up

Cons:

Causes white heads to increase appear after night use.

Helped clear up acne some when i first started using it, but acne later got worse. It hasnt worked since. Also makes skin very dry.
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January 7, 2007

Pros:

did not initially break out from it

Cons:

make my face really oily but yet dry

i used tazorac and i heard it was supposed to work really good, and i have tried absultely everything there is.... and it did not work at all for me..im now on solodyn it just came out... and its been about two weeks.. i think its actually working, and im going to start accutane in about two months...
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December 18, 2006

Pros:

After the first couple of weeks and with consistent usage, this medication is fabulous. After several patient months my skin looked better than it did before I began to break out.

Cons:

When I initially started using the medication it made my face very sensitive; it burned, turned red, and was extremely dry. The first couple weeks seemed to plunge my acne into overdrive, along with the SE it was an embarrassing combination.

I have moderate inflammatory acne with the occasional cyst that developed when I was 18. Tazorac coupled with Nicomide and Benzaclin has been the most effective treatment for me, by a long shot. Over the past 5 years I have tried glycolic acid, otc salicylic acid, 10%benz peroxide, sulfur, proactive, and cleocyn T. The bottom line is that you have to give this medication time to work, but it is well worth the wait and I would recommend it to anyone.
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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