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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October 28, 2008

Pros:

tend not to break out on massive scale

Cons:

dry skin flaky..

MAKE SURE YOU BUY A MOISTURIZER! wash your face at night with an cleanser that does NOT have anything in it that will dry out your face, no salcylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Once your face is DRY put on moisturizer (lubriderm is wonderful) when that dries then put on tazorac. Exfoiliate in the morning then put on an moisturizer with a sunblock (neutragena is great). Tazorac makes ypur skin freak out in the sun so sunblock is important!!!!!
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January 10, 2012

Pros:

smoother, softer skin
acne scars and fine lines fading
acne cleared
Free samples from my derm

Cons:

horrible peeling
initial mass of breakouts
redness
burns
Very expensive

I had developed lots of cluster acne on my cheeks and a moderate amount on my chin as well as tiny little bumps all over my face after having a facial with dermaplaning. Apparently it caused the bacteria from some of the pimples I had to spread to the rest of my face. I tried peels and facials to try to get rid of the problems but it all made it worse. I finally went to the derm. I was placed on a pretty hardcore regimin. Tazorac, Doryx and Spironolactone. I started at the end of Oct 2011. I am in absolute shock with how well I've responded. Prior to the facial I had been getting more breakouts than usual and blackheads which I never had before. Most likely hormonal changes since hitting my 30's. The first month on the Tazorac was so awful. My face peeled terribly and my breakouts were so bad that I didn't even want to leave the house. I'd smile and my face would crack by my mouth and start bleeding. After about 5-6wks I started seeing some improvement. I decided to make an adjustment to my regimin. Again, I started peeling and breaking out but I stuck with it. I'm about to go on my 11th week of treatment and I can't even begin to describe how happy I am. I have to admit that I picked at them which of course led to scars but the med is helping to fade them and my skin is so incredibly smooth and soft. Yay! In case you'd like to know here is my regimin: am: Wash with Panoxyl with my Clairisonic brush (ok'd by derm to use) Moisturize with Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion SPF 15. pm: Wash with CeraVe foaming face wash. Very important: Be sure to dry your face completely before applying Tazorac. If you do not wait then you apply it will burn your skin which will cause terrible peeling for at least a week on top of the regular peeling. After the Tazorac I used the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Soothing Cream. Patience is the key!. Good luck to you all and thank you for all the posts. This really helped me to continue the med when all I wanted to do
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December 30, 2011

Pros:

Clears scars Non sticky Clears existing pimples

Cons:

Makes skin peel. And burns

I started to use this with benzefoam and yea it makes your face peel but beauty cost! It fades scars and you get new skin! Also clear existing pimples and doesn't irritate with makeup! I have free bottles thanks to my dermatologist !
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July 25, 2009

Pros:

This has a 60% efficacy which is the highest in the industry for treatment of acne compared to Clindamycin which is at 30%.

Cons:

Very Expensive especially for those without insurance.

I've tried many topical treatments, anything from Proactiv, to Murad, to Acne Free, and all of the drugstore brands. All have proven to be ineffective. I even tried birthcontrol pills, but that only made my breaking out sessions more erratic. I finally seeked advice from my family doctor and she put me on Doxycycline (antibiotics), and Clindamycin (topical). Almost after two months of using them, my acne has started to spread and gotten worst. So Tazorac is my last effort in dealing with my acne before I seek a derm. They're just ridiculously unaffordable. And so...lets just knock on wood. I'll keep you up to date.
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October 1, 2007

Pros:

It has cleared up my acne!! I occassionally get a break out. My Dr. says that is normal due to hormone changes. My skin is dry so I use a good moisturizer. I like this product alot

Cons:

It took about a month to completely clear my skin. My skin was worse before it got better. The wait was worth it.

I would recommend this product.
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September 21, 2007

Pros:

exfoliates, does clear acne (a least for me)

Cons:

very dry skin, peeling near mouth, nose and forehead

I works, but when I was my face in the morning and put on my moisturizer, it BURNS LIKE HELL. And then I put on my make up and it burns like hell, but a little less. I hope this goes away soon.
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August 31, 2009

Pros:

clears skin fast....smoother texture ....brighter skin

Cons:

dry skin, itching, flaking, large bumps,

I have been suffering with acne for 11 yrs and nothing has worked, if anything all the products i used made it worse. My derm prescribed this with antibiotics and Ive only been on for a week in a half but besides me having more bumps then i strayed with the first few days, a couple days after u could really see the smoothed areas in my skin...I am really impressed and I hope it continues to improve..I'll give it some time.
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

Saw results within the first NIGHT of using it. I was so suprised. When I looked in the mirror, my skin appeared to be very smooth, and calmed down. When I washed my face, I was also a little suprised to see that the top layer of my skin peeled off.

Cons:

Within two more days of using it, my skin became very irritated, and I couldn't go to school. I had to stay home and moisturize my face, because it was very tight and dry. But it did help clear most of the blemishes.

I was prescribed Cetaphil gentle face wash with the cetaphil SPF 15 moisturizer along with the Tazorac and aczone. I was told to use the Tazorac starting out every other night, until my skin got used to it. Then I would use it every night. Also, I was supposed to use aczone every morning. This combination is alright, so far. The cetaphil is pretty good with the Taz, except I'm having problems with the moisturizer burning very badly after spreading it on my face.. Not sure if the tazorac is doing this or not. DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE OF USING THIS AS A SPOT TREATMENT. You must apply it evenly over the affected area. I tried using it just on the blemishes on the second night, and it made my skin very blotchy. It is now peeling in only certain places, and it looks bad.
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November 4, 2007

Pros:

in the places it has cleared up some acne, it made my skin really smooth.

Cons:

havent very many results AT ALL. my skin got alotttttt worse. but i have been on it only two weeks, so we'll see.

the derm says stick with it, so i guess i will. but i really hope these breakouts calm down!
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January 28, 2012

Pros:

CLEARS SKIN AFTER THREE MONTHS
MAKES COMPLEXION FLAWLESS
LIKE YOUR WEARING MAKE UP EXCEPT FOR PARTS THAT ARE PIGMENTED

Cons:

STOPS WORKING AFTER 9 MONTHS
PURGING PERIOD SUCKS
EXPENSIVE W/OUT INSURANCE
NO GENERIC

I LOVED THIS PRODUCT AS SOON AS IT FINALLY BEGAN TO WORK. MY DOC GAVE IT TO ME WHEN I HAD LIKE 4 HUGE I MEAN ENORMOUS CYSTS SEPT. 2010. THE CYSTS TOOK A COUPLE MONTHS TO CLEAR UP THEY WERE SO BAD BUT THE REST OF MY SKIN WAS REALLY NICE AFTER ABOUT A MONTH OF USING THE PRODUCT IN COMBINATION WITH ORAL ANTIBIOTIC AND CLINDYMAYCIN LOTION WHICH IS AN EXTERNAL ANTIBIOTIC. IT WORKED AMAZING FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS BUT THEN MY ACNE BEGAN TO FLARE UP GRADUALLY STARTING IN JULY 2011 AND BECAME MORE WORSE UNTIL I JUST ENTIRELY STOPPED USING IT IN OCTOBER 2011. I ALSO CHANGED MY FACE WASH FROM AVEENO TO MURAD BIGGEST MISTAKE WHICH COULD OF WORSENED MY ACNE TOO AT THE TIME OF SEPTEMBER 2011. IM DISAPPOINTED TAZORAC STOPPED WORKING. IF I DIDN'T LOSE MY INSURANCE I WOULD SWITCH TO .1% FROM .05% WHICH WAS THE TAZORAC I INITIALLY USED TO CLEAR UP. NATURALLY I BUILD TOLERANCE AND I WOULD DEFINITLY STAY WITH THIS BRAND IF I UPGRADED THE DOSAGE BUT RIGHT NOW I CANT
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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