Review: Tazorac .05% Prescription Gel

I went to my dermatologist about three years ago when I was in high school (wow that seems weird to say WAS ha!) because I was getting acne under my skin on my cheeks. I didn't have bad acne just some stubborn white head like bumps underneath my skin that I could not get to go away on my own no matter how much I tried to get em' out. I thought they would prescribe me a typical acne treatment like Differin and send me on my way. Instead my dermatologist said that this Tazorac gel would be perfect for my skin. She even recommended to use it for YEARS if I keep refilling my prescription. She gave me samples to use so I could make up my mind if this is something that I wanted to purchase from the pharmacy. Well I am still filling my prescription three years later.

This is an odorless topical acne treatment that comes in a clear gel or white cream form which come in .05% and .1% strength depending on the severity of your acne. It helps blackheads, white heads, red pimples, pus filled pimples and smooths the skin altogether. Use a pea sized amount and spread a very thin layer over the problem areas only (avoid eye area). It's a retinoid which is why it is only available by prescription. I'm not a dermatologist so if you want to know full detail on this product along with other reviews visit: http://www.tazorac.com/default.aspx

This is not something that you can just slap on your face and think you are going to be fine. You really need to take this treatment seriously because it has some nasty side effects (which lasted about two weeks for me). You really have to go through some slight pain and suffering with this product but I PROMISE it is worth it. For me personally my skin didn't start showing improvement with the acne until almost the 4th week but really if you learn to manage the side effects and have some will power its not too bad for the sake of beauty!

Now the side effects....BOOOO!
The worst thing about this product because it makes your skin look terrible and disgusting for about two weeks. It makes it itch like crazy, peel (and by peel I mean shed, baby), redness, extremely dry skin, stinging up the arse, increased sensitivity to products, and hella tightness. I am pretty sure there is no way around all or some of these side effects but the severity depends on your skin. This is why you don't want to put this all over your face only in the places you absolutely need it.
I read somewhere that if you only put on the Tazorac for 20 minutes instead then wash it off that it can minimize the side effects but I have not tried it because I took it like a real woman mhmmm but feel free :) OH! and I found out that you can also apply this every other day instead of every day too to help reduce them too but they wont go away of course. After about three days of using this product you will experience the side effects but using the right products can help you get through this.

Before using this product you will need to get products that are fragrance free, alcohol free, and formulated for very sensitive and dry skin. For me this was tricky because even some of the sensitive skin products still stung my face so you need to play around with options. I recommend purchasing from a place where you are able to return products like Walgreen's, Sephora, Ulta and also let them know your situation.


Adjust to your changing skin:

1. The hardest thing to find was a cleanser for my skin that did not sting. You really just need something plain without a lot of chemicals. I ended up using my Yes to Tomatoes shampoo because I swear it was the only thing that did not burn my skin :( I know that sounds so odd but it was calling to me in the shower because of its naturalnesss. I used it out of curiosity since I couldn't handle any other cleanser I had and it was a total blessing! Also African Black soap did not sting my face so im hoping other natural soaps like this wouldn't sting either. I would also try a cleansing oil which I did not but I can't imagine they would sting. Do not use anything with sulfate! 
2. You will have peeling skin which you need to exfoliate so dont whip out the Clarisonic oh hell no. You need something extremely gentle. After a hot shower is the best time to exfoliate because it will soften up the skin cells. Usually I would take a wash cloth and gently rub off the flaked up skin. I also used oat meal mixed in with different cleansers I was testing. Make sure if you are using foundation that you get off all the flakes completely or else they will be accentuated esp in the sunlight. During the day I found that my skin would flake back up which leads me to the next point......
3. Moisturize all throughout the day to help keep the flakes away! I liked to use Cetaphil Moisturizer and also Vaseline body lotion because it was the only thing that would not burn my skin when I applied. You need to apply a very generous amount every single night and morning, even mid-day if you find that your skin is to the point where its getting flaked up again and dry. Your skin needs to be hydrated as much as possible. Refreshing skin throughout the day with some glycerin water stored in your purse will help a lot. Always keep back up moisturizer and even some sensitive baby wipes on the go just in case some flakes form. Dabbing some cream on and gently wiping them away with the baby wipes will save you the embarrassment if you cant make it home yet.
4.  Do not forget the sunscreen buddy. These are kinda hard to avoid with the stinging but it is a must even if you are being exposed for just a short while you need to protect your highly sensitive skin but you should always use SPF regardless. Powder foundation that had SPF didn't sting on me too much just a little on the cracks of my nose ( I wouldn't recommend applying Tazorac to the nose area from my experience).

So just go through the normal skin care routine steps and then apply the Tazorac 20 minutes AFTER you have moisturized at night. After you stop having the side effects then you should be able to start using your favorite skin care again but gradually. Just make sure you ease into it ya know you don't want to put your crazy alcohol toner on or scrub your face with harsh exfoliates until you feel your skin is completely healed.

The results:
I wish I had a before picture but I dont unfortunately. I remember I took this picture about two months after I started Taz in highschool (I was actually outside of English class in the hall lol). I remembered this picture because it was just an awesome time for me and my skin. As you can see my skin is so clear and smooth when before it wasn't this great and this is only with a tinted moisturizer on.

After all the side effects went away completely I was left with baby soft skin like I have never felt...kinda like I had a primer on at all times. It was so clear and I could not believe the change in my skin. My skin is back to its normal balance too while continuing to use the Taz for months. I also did not get any more acne after I started. It got to the root of the problem and magically fixed it. Its seriously my holy grail. Now I just use it on my chin where I have my most problems and its never failed me.

Just dont give up when you see your skin getting worse. Thats a great sign actually! Push through and in no time you will have the most amazing skin of your life. Just remember if you decide to stop the Taz and then restart it you will have to go through the side effects every time so make sure to get your prescriptions consistently so you don't have to be tortured again.

If you are considering going to the dermatologist for acne I would deff ask if you are a candidate for this prescription. Make sure you have insurance also because it is not cheap. It was about $50 for (2) 30ml tubes like above or one 60ml tube with my blue cross insurance. One tube lasts me a little over 6 months so you get your moneys worth.

I am sorry this was so long but I wanted to be as detailed as possible. I really hoped this helped because I was so lost when I used this product and I had to learn on my own how to manage this crazy stuff so I really want to make your Tazorac experience as informed as possible :)

Pleaaaaase let me know if you have any questions!

<33 Caraalisa