Tazarotene
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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...

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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3.4
821
5
20.2%
4
33.6%
3
24.1%
2
13.5%
1
8.5%

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November 21, 2008

Pros:

First weak, face cleared up, pores got smaller, and cleared out my pores and black heads.

Cons:

LOTS!
made skin dry, itchy, red, and flaky, not to mention very oily, and stung so bad, i almost cried.
it was like beeing burned alive.

IT WORKS. besides all the horrid side effects, it just stopped the acne dead in its tracks. my skin used to be oily, but its not anymore, its smooth and pores are tiny now, im 15 btw it doesnt cause breakouts like other products ive tried when i first use them, with this one, it stops the breakouts, and leaves clear beutifull skin, BUT it also leaves your skin very dry, flaky and red and burning, but skin was pretty much flawless after i used it and side effects went away.
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November 14, 2008

Pros:

Has worked enough for me to notice a difference, my skin hasn't become worse since using it. Helps minimize the scarring and makes skin smoother

Cons:

It makes you skin peel, makeup doesn't work so well when using this product.

I have hormonal acne, so my only problem is the chin--my dermatologist kept trying to get me to go on antibiotics, which I don't want to do because I feel you shouldn't be on them for long periods of time and every time I did go on them, as soon as I came off my acne became much worse. So I wanted to go the topical route...I found that tazorac worked pretty immediately with me, but I am also using a 15% glycolic pad every night which seems to help too. But before I put on tazorac, I put on moisturizer, which seems to help out with the peeling. I only put it on my chin and/or spot treat with it. In addition to the topical cream, I have also changed my diet, cutting out sugar, most dairy, yeast and gluten--which I think is making a big difference.
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November 12, 2008

Pros:

1st week pores were minimized, 2nd week breaks out dont last but 2 days and pimpes flake off

Cons:

itching really bad, dry lips and skin more pimples 3rd week skin feels like its burning off and sore red more pimples deeper in the skin along the jawline im really dissapointed proactiv didnt have this bad of side affects.will update later

i used differin gel in the past and now im trying taz 0.1 i really want this to work so im going to suffer for 3 months. im hopefull but all the comment say that one u get use to the product side effects and bring all the underlying acne youll see results so ill just cross my fingers,
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November 12, 2008

Pros:

I'm not too sure there are any.

Cons:

Redness, Dry, Oily, Flaky...

I have used this product for 4 months now, and I see no improvement. It's a big let down, but my dermatologist insists it will work on me. I have an appointment soon if I hear nothing I like I won't continue this treatment.
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November 7, 2008

Pros:

Clears it up - makes skin smoother,

Cons:

Takes FOREVER to work...if I skip one night it all gets worse. Must be applied every single night.

I use this along with "acne kit 2" for sensitive skin from my derm. It is Effaclar Foaming Cleanser with Effaclar Toner and Effaclar K. Cleanse - Tone - Tazorac - Effaclar K. Along with Benzaclin in the morning....not anticipated results but getting there....
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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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October 28, 2008

Pros:

It does dry up my breakouts and I can see a slight difference.

Cons:

As everyone has said it makes your skin peel alot. I wear makeup and by the end of the day, I look as though my face is coming off. The initial breakout was horrible.

I have been on this product for 8 weeks and I have not quite yet seen any improvement. I will stick with it and see what happens. If this does not work, I have no idea what I will do.
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October 24, 2008

Pros:

seems to clear breakouts faster than over the counter things. Still waiting for better results.

Cons:

Extreme dryness and peeling. Red face (and im already red so this is bad haha). Worse breakouts in temple area.

Everyone says it gets worse before it gets better, and my derm says to keep with it, so thats what im doing. Although there are some cons, unlike OTC stuff it seems to be doing SOMETHING which i cant say for anything else ive used.
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October 21, 2008

Pros:

tazorac has reduced the amount of whiteheads (closed comedones) that usually cover my entire forehead. it's also seemed to improve the overall texture of my skin and reduced the discoloration/scarring on the sides of my face.

Cons:

peeling, flaking, redness/sunburned-feeling skin (especially around my nose and mouth).
i've been on tazorac for about 4 weeks, and i'm still waiting to see more dramatic results.

always use with a mosturizer! i apply cerave before i apply the taz, but i'm sure there are other good, non-comedogenic mosturizers (like cetaphil). one important thing i've noticed is that there is a significant difference between the cream and the gel forms of taz. i was prescribed the .05% gel, but was given samples of the .1% cream to use until i filled my prescription. although the cream form i have has a higher percentage of the tazorotene, it doesn't irritate my skin as much as the gel does. i definitley have less peeling when using the cream. ultimately, i plan to stay on taz for a while, since it apparently takes some time to see the results. i'm hoping this will really work since i've tried basically everything! all OTCs, retin a micro, differin, antibiotics/clindamycin, murad, proactiv... everything short of accutane. i've been consistently breaking out since i was 12, and i'm now 23! maybe i'll write an update in a month and let y'all know if it real
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October 20, 2008

Pros:

so far not too many, but from all of the other comments it seems like i should stick with it.

Cons:

MAJOR initial breakout. my acne is twice as bad as before i started using it. I'm almost on the 4th week.

My skin has become a lot worse, and i'm more embarrassed than normal to go out. I haven't had as much of a problem with dryness as everyone else, i've only been slightly dry. But i'm really hoping this miserable initial breakout will end soon!
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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