Can Tazorac be used as a permanent regime and what are the side effects?

Question

My nightly regimen is PanOxly10% facial wash followed by pea sized amount of Tazorac0.1% spread all over my face. I was recommended this for acne treatment and have been following it religiously since February (8months). Now my skin is fine, no more acne. My question is; can I stay on this routine permanently (forever) or is it only good for a period? If I can stay on it permanently are there side effects like reaching a point of 'diminishing returns'?

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Tazorac is great for acne treatment also collagen production and speeds skin cell yieldover. Tazorac is a Vitamin A based drug called retinoids. If the skin is tolerating the use of it every night, then continue and make sure to use SPF 30 with zinc everyday. Tazorac is a photosensitive drug. I hope this helps!

Sally Booth, MD · Answer

Tazorac is safe to use indefinitely unless you are planning on becoming pregnant or are pregnant.  If you are planning on becoming pregnant, discontinue 2 weeks prior to attempting pregnancy because Tazorac is a category X medication in pregnancy.  Tazorac is an excellent choice for the treatment of acne and the prevention of acne.  In my experience, Tazorac has benefited some of my patients with photodamage on their face from the sun.  I hope this helps.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Tazorac cream can be used long-term.  Not only is it a treatment for acne, it will also continue to keep your pores unclogged, will smooth the texture of your skin and will help prevent lines since it has anti-aging benefits. You cannot use it during pregnancy however and should use daily sun protection.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Tazorac is a retinoid and related to tretinoin (Retin-A). As such it can irritate the skin causing burning or itching, and can dry out the skin. With continuous use, these side effects usually go away. Allergic reactions to it are rare. As for how long you can use it, is unknown. You CAN use it continuously for as long as you have acne. Once your acne stops, which it probably will, you won't need it anymore. It, as well as any medications, can stop working. This is called tachyphylaxis. When tachyphylaxis occurs, switching to a structurally different medication usually works. In this case, switching to Retin-A, which is chemically in the same family of medication but structurally different, would be the first consideration.          jlr

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Answers all in the video - hopefully this explains everything you want to know about retinoid use. You have to stop if you trying for conception, when you are pregnant and when you are breastfeeding, but after that... its Vitamins for your skin- for life. All the best, hope the video explains in detail. Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Can Tazorac be used as a permanent regime and what are the side effects?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tazorac

Answer: Tazorac

Answer: Yes, except for pregnancy and lactation but retinoids should be for life.

Answer: Yes, except for pregnancy and lactation but retinoids should be for life.

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Everything you need to know about Tazorac

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Can Tazorac be used as a permanent regime and what are the side effects?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tazorac

Answer: Tazorac

Answer: Yes, except for pregnancy and lactation but retinoids should be for life.

Answer: Yes, except for pregnancy and lactation but retinoids should be for life.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tazorac

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.