Darrell W. Gonzales, MD
San Diego Dermatologist
Recent answer posted by Darrell W. Gonzales, MD
Q: Is it safe to use Proactiv with Tazorac?
Many of the Proactiv products contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These products can work for acne, but they can also generate some dryness and irritation to the skin.
Tazorac is a topical retinoid that may also work well for controlling acne bumps and comedones, but for many people it can be very irritating and cause excessive dryness, peeling, and redness.
If you combine both the Proactiv products with the Tazorac you might substantially increase your risk of irritation. If you believe that the combination of therapy has improved your skin, but leaves you dry and irritated, it is okay to use a light moisturizer, such as Cetaphil.
Besides causing an increased risk of irritation, combining these products should be fine. Don't forget that applying Tazorac may increase your risk of sun sensitivity while using it and careful photoprotection should be practiced. Good luck!
| Education | Undergraduate: 1997–2001 B.S. in Psychobiology, University of California, Los Angeles Medical School: 1991–1995 M.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine |
| Post-medical school training | Training: Internal Medicine, Pennsylvania Hospital, 2001-2002 Residency: Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, 2002-2005 Dermatology Chief Resident |
| Aesthetic medicine experience | 5 years (post-medical training) |
| Professional memberships | American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD) |
| Hospital affiliations | Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla |
| Medical or professional license | CA |
| Requesting an appointment with Darrell W. Gonzales, MD using RealSelf.com is free & confidential. Consultation fee: $75 fee, which will be applied to any cosmetic treatment. Mention RealSelf.com when making your appointment today! | |
| Location | Coastal Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology 9850 Genesee Avenue Suite 500 La Jolla, CA View map |
Treatments offered by Darrell W. Gonzales, MD
AccutaneAcne surgery
Blue peel
Botox
Chemical peel
Dermabrasion
Dysport
IPL
Jessner peel
Juvederm
Laser resurfacing
Mohs surgery
Mole removal
Perlane
Photoderm
Photodynamic Therapy
Photofacial
Phototherapy
Radiesse
Restylane
Retin-A
Scar removal
Sculptra
Skin rejuvenation
Tattoo removal

