Tazorac and Acne - My Experience

Getting there...2 months on Tazorac

2007-01-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

Well it definitely hasn't been as quick or as efficient as I would have liked. There was a really bad phase towards the end of month 2 where I broke out a tons, scabbed and pussed. Gross.

And I am extremely peely, often. I call it my weekly molting. About one a week my entire face would just peel. Pretty mortifying. Especially when you skin is so bad and you have to wear foundation. I'll let you know if that stops.

But in the last week or so, the break outs have really calmed down and my skin is beginning to take on a human like texture. Hopefully soon the scabs and scars will begin to fade entirely and the remaining smaller zits will go away.

I find it odd though that the blackheads on my nose have doubled in size, amount, and spread. Maybe because the medicine makes you more oily blackheads are more likely. I don't know, but i'm hoping those will go away too.

So far, I am giving my Tazorac a B-. But I promised I would stick with it. At least until I am done with the first tube.

What is Tazorac?

2006-12-19T23:52:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia -

Tazarotene (marketed as Tazorac, Avage and Zorac) is a prescription topical retinoid sold as a cream or gel. This medication is approved for treatment of psoriasis, acne, and sun damaged skin (photodamage). It is commonly sold in two concentrations: 0.05% and 0.1%.

Common side effects include worsening of acne, dry skin, itchiness, redness and in some cases extreme drying and cracking of skin. For most patients these side effects are uncomfortable but mild and decrease markedly after the first 2-4 weeks of use.

For best results dermatologists recommend applying the cream or gel once daily before bedtime after washing the face with a mild soap.Results take at least 12 weeks to see optimum improvement. While Tazarotene's exact mechanism of action is unknown, it is thought that its effect on acne may be in part due to a reduction in sebum production.

Tazorac - Almost 3 weeks

2006-12-19T23:42:00.000-08:00

Well, after 3 weeks, I don't feel like much is changing - except my skin is peeling. I looked in the mirror at work today and I looked pretty gross. But I am not getting itching or irritation. If i scratch my face or rub my eyes, I notice my skin is a little more sensitive by not bad.

As for the acne itself, I feel like the breaking out has spread a little, and it's much redder but at the same time smoother, less scabby and less bumpy. Ugh, I wish it would just go away. I just took some pics that I will upload soon and I want to cry that I have looked like this for so long. I do notice that new zits seem to heal faster though, so there's hope!

Tazorac and Acne: Peeling and New Routine

2006-12-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the update - I've started peeling. Not a ton, but as if I had gotten sunburned. It's just really tough to wear foundation (which I need because my skin is gross). I also went and bought cetaphil face wash and mosturizer - both seem good. Very gentle and mosturizing - no stinging when I put them on like with what I was using before.

Tazorac Day 4 - A few tips

2006-12-01T21:48:00.000-08:00

I am really nervous about using Tazorac because I am afraid if it gets a lot worse before getting better I won't stick with it and the adult acne will become senior acne. So I am working at trying to make sure that I avoid any avoidable side effects. In response to that, here are some things to do.

Drink lots of water - it can't hurt!
Use lip balm - it's winter and my lips get chapped so easily. So I am trying to avoid getting the product very close to my lips and using balm often.
Moisturize your hands after you wash Tazorac off.

So far my zits are just a little bit redder and my skin is a little tender (almost like a super mild sunburn, I only notice when I scratch my face), but it's really almost unnoticeable. It's hard to say whether my chapped lips and hands are from Tazorac or because we had a windy, freezing snow storm!

Day 2 - Not much changing

2006-11-30T17:56:00.001-08:00

My skin might be a little more sensitive and it does feel greasier - otherwise no intense itching or burning...yet!

Day 0 : Tazorac and My Acne

2006-11-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

I'm 26 years old and have acne for probably the last 5 years. I never had that many problems when I was younger but since hitting my 20's it's been steadily getting worse. I've tried doing some things about it - such as Benzoayl Peroxide and Birth Control Pills but it hasn't made that much of a difference. As it was getting worse, I guess I didn't realize how bad it had gotten until my doctor asked me if I wanted to try something at a physical. That woke me up and made me realize how bad it is. So she started me on Tazorac and here's my documentation of how it's doing. I'm not related to any company that makes or promotes the product.

From my doctor and internet research, using this medicine is a bit scary - apparently it gets worse for about a month before it gets better. Apparently your skin gets red and can even burn. I don't know if I can stick with it. We'll see! Here are my day one photos. I am using the .1% Cream which luckily my insurance covers with a $20 co-pay.

I am currently washing my face with just regular soap and using some mosturizer from Origins that I have sitting around. However I've read that I should use really mild products, so I will get those as soon as I get to the store - especially something with SPF.

I would love to hear anyone's comments on their experiences - how did it go for you? how bad was the bad period? did it work? what was your routine.

Here's to having clear skin - I don't know if it can ever happen.