Tazarotene
Results
Side Effects

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.

3.4
969
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Compare To Other Treatments
5
18.7%
4
32.9%
3
25.3%
2
13.9%
1
9.2%

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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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December 17, 2006
I as wondering....ive been using taz for five weeks.. now and it is bringing some pimples to a whitehead....is it okay to pop them? i know that sounds gross but if i dont they seem to just loose the head and turn back into what they were before and not go away...i just cant stand to walk around with a whitehead but i dont want to jsut send the bacteria back under my skin again and have to go through this whole process again....Any advice??????
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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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December 16, 2007

Pros:

works

Cons:

possible hair loss from prolonged use.

i have been using this stuff for a little over 2 weeks mainly to try and lighten some scars, since i dont have much acne anymore. it really seemed to work wonders in a short amount of time, however, i am stopping today after reading how people experienced hair loss from topical retinoids. tazorac is basically the topical form of accutane and since accutane definately causes hair loss, i dont think it is unfair to assume that this product can potentially cause hair loss. just something i thought some of you might want to know when considering whether to take tazorac or not, do a google search on topical retinoids and hair loss and you can find some information. im not saying it definitely will cause you to lose hair, but if your acne isnt too bad, i would try a healthy diet/ lifestyle and steam rooms etc and not have to worry about side affects of drugs. if you have bad acne then just go for it cause it works, otherwise look at the way you live and make some adjustments.
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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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October 3, 2009

Pros:

Strongest med for acne

Cons:

Irritates your skin if you use to much, dry, red, flakes

I started using this product as directed and after about 2 months, my skin completely cleared up. I didn't change anything and then 3 months later, I started breaking out again. As irritating as my skin gets when using it, and now planning on becoming pregnant, I'm going to stop and try Skin ID. I've already tried ProActive and the non-name brands like ProActive with no help, so now onto something else.
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August 20, 2009

Pros:

Helps a little

Cons:

caused my face to burn, itch.

If you have severe acne, this will work hardly at all.
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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