Have you heard about Tazorac, Avage and Zorac? These are popular brand names of tazarotene for acne , another topical treatment for your acne problem. Tazarotene is part of the Vitamin A family retinoid and comes in cream or gel that keeps the pores free from acne-causing bacteria and other pollutants.

Tazarotene is also the widely prescribed topical medicine for psoriasis because of its effectiveness as a psoriasis treatment as published in Medical News Today. The gel type tazarotene is preferred for treating acne, while the cream product is used by psoriasis patients.

How to Use Tazarotene

How do you use tazarotene for acne? Before applying tazarotene, make sure to wash your face with a cleanser that is mild and non-irritating to your skin. Gently dry your skin and wait for 20 to 30 minutes before applying a thin layer of tazarotene to affected areas.

Tazarotene must be used once a day at nighttime only. Using more than what is recommended may be harmful to your sensitive skin. The treatment can last for 8 to 12 weeks to see results; however in a month use results can already be observable as reported by the National Institutes of Health.

Tazarotene Side Effects

Are there any side effects when using tazarotene? Like any topical products for acne, the most common side effects are skin irritation, itchiness or rashes, and a burning sensation if skin is sensitive. Watch out for any rashes to appear and immediately consult your doctor.

Some reported cases of skin irritation when using tazarotene can be linked to the weather such as sunburn or windburn. The NIH advises that you see your doctor if you observe any unusual rashes on your skin.

Tazarotene Warnings

If you have been diagnosed previously to be allergic to vitamin A or retinoids like isotretinoin (Accutane), tretinoin, acitretin and etretinate , then you must mention it to your doctor or dermatologist so he will not give you tazarotene for acne. This will minimize the possibility of experiencing side effects of tazarotene.

Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers are not allowed to use tazarotene for acne. Some serious prenatal defects can result from tazarotene use. If you are breastfeeding, your infant can be also be affected.