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
November 23, 2007

Pros:

NONE!!!

Cons:

Burns, Itches, Irritates, Redness, Sorness

This stuff sucks, it irritated my skin so bad when I got my eyebrows waxed it took off my skin, luckily I used Neosporin and it heeled up. My skin was so dry no moisturizer would work, not even vaseline. The funny thing about this whole thing is, my skin isnt sensitive at all!! I have tough skin.
August 13, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

i don't have sensative skin and this still managed to make my face feel as if it were on fire. side effects were terrible terrible acne every i applied it. even if u accidently rub some on where there wasn't any acne, a new pimple would rise there

gave many blackheads on my cheeks where there never was any. ever. everytime i would work out, my face got soooo red it was ridiculous. there is no way i was going to stick with it. i am goin to try accutane in a couple weeks n hope that will work. i read isotretinoin is the only effective wa to treat bad cystic, nodule acne. while on it it can also get rid of acne you have any where else on your body.
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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

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.