Questions regarding Tazorac!

Dr. Irwin
January 31, 2011
I have been using Tazorac 0.1% cream for about 5 years and tolerate it well accept for a few days in winter(live in Utah). I read that Tazorac 0.1% gel is the most affective retinoid for wrinkles and sun damage but is more irritating. Is this true? Should I use the gel in summer months and the cream in winter? Which is the most effective retinoid? I am 38 with combination skin and have a lot of sun damage.

It’s actually not true that Tazorac is the most effective for wrinkles and sun damage.  The studies done showed a slightly faster onset of improvement but there is no difference long term.  To me this is a good example of confusing science and scientific reporting.  With the topical retinoids (tretinoin, Retin A, Renova, Tazorac, etc) that are used over many years and are known to help with cosmetic issues and prevent skin cancers and percancerous growths, who cares if the onset of improvement is 4-6 weeks faster?   It’s the long term results that count and I’ve not seen a study yet that proves one is better than the other long term. 

The important thing is to use one of the retinoids listed above regularly and to sunscreen religiously!   Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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