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.
Used Tazarotene? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 3, 2009
Cons:
Causes my skin to peel, was worse when I tried using it nightly (as prescribed), so I switched to every other night on my face, but continue to use nightly on my forehead, which for some reason doesn't peel, but does clear up!
It works, but use it only/as you can tolerate it, and my skin can only handle it every other night, so that's how I use it.
July 1, 2009
Pros:
It is supposed to work and make your skin clear
Cons:
Dry, flakey skin.
I started using tazorac, but I am doing exactly what my dermo told me to which is to only do it twice my first week. So i have only done it once and my skin is dry and flakey, but it will work. I am not going to give up just because my skin is peeling, it's supposed to do that. Just make sure you moisturize before putting it on.
June 30, 2009
Pros:
It seemed to work for me when I started using it a year or two ago. I used it for over a year solid, every night. I used the gel and never experienced drying or peeling. My skin is pretty resilient to becoming chapped or over dried.
Cons:
It left behind a lot hyperpigmentation. This was almost as bad as acne because from far away it looked like my acne was still there.
It takes a while to work and can be harsh to most. I was also on anti-biotics during the Tazorac. (Which I regret. Anti-biotics are not the answer, its like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound) It is supposedly an aid for hyperpigmentation but I'll tell you the truth that derms won't. Time, stopping further breakouts and some surprisingly common products will help you more with red marks. All in all, I would try the holistic route. I know, I know it sounds stupid but it makes so much sense when you do your research. Remember: The drug companies want to you to believe the only way to cure your acne is to use their expensive products. (Not simple things like internal cleansing and eating a acne-free diet.)
It's all about money!
June 19, 2009
Pros:
Really does help keep skin pretty clear.
Cons:
Does not help with oil or pores (which my derm said it would); can cause redness or irritability.
I've used this stuff for about 2 years, but I'm trying to wean myself off...i hate being so dependent on a medication. It does help, but I have to apply a thin layer to my entire face, it doesn't work as a spot-treatment. Because of this, my face often appears red (especially in pictures!). Also, I was really hoping it would help with oilyness and big pores, b/c that's my biggest issue...it didn't. My dermatologist couldn't believe how oily my skin still was...she said most people experience major dryness. Sigh.
May 18, 2009
Pros:
reduces redness, makes skin smooth
Cons:
for the first week it stung really badly and made my face extremely dry! it also gave me a horrible breakout at first with even more painful acne than i had before
In about the first week, it made my skin really bad. I'm on my 3rd week now and it seems to be finally working. I still look broken-out, but I can tell it's slowly working. My skin is a lot less red, and it's looking smoother. I really hope this stuff works... I've tried other things like stievamycin and tetracycline which did not work. Now I'm using tazorac with minocycline and I really really really really hope it gives me results :( to reduce dryness I also use Neutrogena Moisture oil-free and it works pretty well.
May 15, 2009
Pros:
Worked very well for the first 3 weeks. Started to get worse. By week 5 I was seeing more improvement. Easy to get from dermatologist. Easy to apply.
Cons:
Itchy and dry skin at first. Feels slimy after application.
An ok product. Works better on face acne, altough it reduced the amount of nodules on my back by about 75%. May take months to kick in and works better when used in combination with other treatments.
May 8, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up acne
Cons:
Causes peeling for first 1-2 weeks of application
Tolerance will build, required stronger medication
It's slow, but it does work if you give it time. My skin was reddened, tight, peeling, and in general: horrible, for the first week. It got better, and I began to see a reduction in acne. After 4-5 months my skin was noticeably clearer, though I still had the occasional cist and breakout. Then my derm moved me from .05% cream to .1% cream. Again, I peeled and was red, etc, but this time most of the acne cleared up with rare breakouts. When I ran out, I stopped using the taz and started using some of my leftover differin, and within a month my skin was very broken out again. After two months of a busy schedule I went back into my derm and she put me back on .05% for a second round. So far, my skin hasn't reacted nearly as badly as before, and this time I'm using a cleanser to improve the effectiveness. I'm on my 3rd week of the second round, and the acne on my cheeks is starting to clear up, though the acne on my chin, forehead, and between my eyebrows is slow to fa
May 2, 2009
Pros:
I'm heard good things.
Cons:
Does seem to be getting a little worse. Redness and sensitivity definitely an issue now.
I have just finished my second week on taz. I'm 27 and don't have horrible acne, but quite a few bumps inbetween my eyebrows, which is where I have been applying the taz. I'm going to keep it up. I'm hoping the taz will start to clear the acne that has resulted from the use. I'll keep you all updated.
April 14, 2009
Pros:
works well after a about 2 weeks of consistent use
Cons:
did anybody else have to pay 457 dollars for this stuf?!
it's good but only worth it if you can get it cheap or your insurance pays for it.
March 20, 2009
Pros:
Clears up whiteheads really well, fades hyperpigmentation, makes skin quite smooth.
Cons:
Sometimes if you get to close to the corners of your mouth, eyes, or nose... a red rash forms. Did not really do much for the deep, red nodules/cysts... it also did nothing for blackheads, only really helps with whiteheads.
You need to start out slow. My derm recommended applying it to your face for a short time (30 sec - 1 min) and then wash it off. Do that for a few weeks, and increase gradually up until you are wearing it overnight. This was side effects are not as bad and it allows your skin to get used to it. Helped a great deal with whiteheads, but like I said - not much else.
Pros:
Really does clear up skin, I only use it on my problem areas (daily on forehead which always has that 'gravel under skin' look) and every other day on my jawline. I use bp the other days. The tube has lasted over a year, so it was worth a $25 copay.