How Do You Properly Use Tazorac Cream?

Tazorac is a topical form of retinoid cream that is useful for acne. In our office, we often advise patients to use Tazorac in combination with a ceramide cream such as Elevase cream to help reduce dryness of the skin with use. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Tazorac cream is one of the topical retinoids (most people know Retin A) that has great benefits for not only treating the whiteheads and blackheads of acne, but it also has been shown in clinical trials to be a very effective product to use, like Retin A, forlong-term skin health and rejuvenation of the skin. Like all retinoids, Tazorac can be somewhat irritating, and in clinical work the gel was found to be prettyirritating to some. The cream formulation is definitely less irritating. Your board-certified dermatologist will best be able to review with you the proper way to use your medication, and it should be standard procedure in today’s world for the prescriber to go over the best way to use the medicine. For Tazorac, you can wash your face before bed, pat it dry but not totally dry, and apply a pea size amount which can cover the entire face. A moisturizer can be applied directly after the medicine, and this will, in my opinion, keep theirritation potential to a minimum. If irritation occurs, ask your doctor.

Tazorac is an excellent topical retionid for any (and anti-wrinkle side effects) but it, like other retinoids, can be drying. To get best results use just a green pea-sized amount on the whole face at bedtime only. Moisturize twice daily. It does not matter if you put the moisturizer on over or under the Tazorac. Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser and avoid scrubs. Don't forget to use sunscreen in your morning moisturizer.