Tazarotene is a prescription medication that helps treat acne, evens skin tone and reduces wrinkles. It is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works by slowing skin cell overgrowth that leads to acne or psoriasis and unclogging blocked pores. It also works to increase the thickness of the outer layers of your skin, which can help with aging and sun damage.
It is available by prescription only and comes in a topical cream form. You should use it only on the areas of your face that have acne or psoriasis. It should not be used on any other areas of your body. It is important to wash your hands before and after applying this medication, and not to let it get in your eyes or nose. This medication may cause a stinging sensation when it is first applied. It can take up to 2 weeks for tazarotene to start working, but it can take up to 12 weeks to see full results.
If you are using tazarotene to treat acne, it will probably work best if you apply it once each day in the evening. It can be applied after washing your face, but before you moisturize. Be sure to avoid putting it on any irritated, sunburned or scraped areas of your skin.
The main side effect of tazarotene is that it can cause the skin to become dry or flaky. You can help with this by moisturizing often. If you notice this, talk to your doctor. They may suggest you use it less often, such as every other day, or try a different product.
In one study, tazarotene was shown to reduce histological changes associated with precancerous growths. This was due to the normalization of cell proliferation in keratinocytes with treatment.
A second study showed tazarotene to be effective in improving the appearance of aging facial skin. This was due to the decrease in the depth of creases and thickening of the epidermis, which helped make the skin look firmer. It also reduced mottled hyperpigmentation, discoloration and tactile roughness of the skin.
If you have extra tazarotene medication that is past its expiration date, ask your pharmacist about how to dispose of it safely. This will keep others from accidentally taking it, and it will prevent the drug from being absorbed into the environment.
It is best to store tazarotene at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept away from light, and it should not be stored in the bathroom. This medication can be flammable, so you should not store it near anything that could burn. This medication can be stored for up to two months, but do not exceed that time period. The manufacturer of this medication recommends that it not be stored for more than a month. It is best to throw out any unused medication after that time. You should not flush it down the toilet, because that can contaminate the water supply. tazarotene uk