I Used Tazorac Cream and Had my Face Waxed

At this point, begin with a ceramide based moisturizer such as Elevase to soothe the skin and avoid direct sun exposure to minimize skin discoloration. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Sorry to hear about your problem. It is actually fairly common.

We have information for our patients on our skin care usage instructions: “Discontinue the retinoids: Refissa, Renova, Retin-A, Differin, or Tazorac to affected area 1 week before waxing or bleaching, or before other procedures as directed.”

Why do we say this? Because if you don’t discontinue them and then you wax, when they pull the wax off, your skin will come off with it. This will also happen if you are on isotretinoin (Accutane and generics) for severe acne. Anyone who waxes any part of your body should ask if you are using a retinoid, or taking isotretinoin.

If they don't ask, and you forgot to tell them you will get strips of skin ripped off. Start with a non-fragranced moisturizer and apply it 3-4 times a day. I like Aquaphor, or Cetaphil cream. Don't put any toner, or active skin care products (glycolic acid, salicylic acid etc) on it until it has healed. Don't scrub or pick. As soon as the skin has healed, (pink, not open, crusted or oozing) wear broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher every single day, whether you normally do or not. Avoid sun exposure over the next several months to help keep the area from darkening over time.

Patients with any amount of natural pigment in their skin may experience either darkening, or lightening of the pigment in the area after healing. Often this will resolve by itself over a couple of months if you protect the area from sun exposure but if not, see your dermatologist who can prescribe a 4% Hydroquinone bleaching cream and talk to you about light chemical peels or microdermabrasion to help resolve the pigment problem.