Retinoids are prescription medications that work to improve the appearance of aging skin by decreasing wrinkles and discoloration, unclogging blocked pores, and increasing epidermal thickness. These medications can be used to treat psoriasis, acne, or photoaging. They come in both topical forms to apply to the skin and oral forms to take by mouth. They are often effective for improving the appearance of photodamage, but they can cause serious side effects.
Tazarotene is a synthetic retinoid that can be prescribed in cream, foam, or gel form to be applied directly to the skin. This medication can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including psoriasis, rosacea, and melasma. It can be used alone or in combination with other topical medications, such as corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory agents. It can also be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it may be useful in reducing sun sensitivity and photoaging.
A clinical trial found that tazarotene can significantly improve the appearance of facial skin and decrease the severity of fine lines and mottled hyperpigmentation after just 12 weeks of treatment. The study also found that this topical medication was well tolerated by the subjects, and that the 0.1% formulation was the most efficacious of 4 different concentrations tested.
Topical tazarotene can be applied to the skin once each day, usually in the evening. It is important to use this medication precisely as directed by the doctor, and to use it at the same time each day. This will help to ensure that you do not miss any doses, as missing dosages can worsen the condition you are treating.
If you have trouble remembering when to apply your tazarotene cream, consider setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. It is also a good idea to store your medicine in a cool, dry place that is not easily accessible by children or pets. If your medication is close to the expiration date, talk with your doctor about whether it is still appropriate to use.
This medication can cause itching, burning, stinging, or redness in the areas where it is applied. If these side effects are severe or persistent, talk to your doctor. They may recommend using the medication less often, or recommending a product to help alleviate the irritation.
When using tazarotene, it is important to avoid contact with the eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse thoroughly with cool water and contact your doctor immediately. It is also recommended to use this medication only on the areas of the body that require treatment. Moreover, you should not cover your face with this medication or other types of treatments, such as moisturizers or other emollients, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
Tazarotene can increase your sensitivity to sunlight and may cause a more intense sunburn than usual. It is therefore a good idea to stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear protective clothing when going outside. You should also be sure to use a high SPF sunscreen when you are in the sun, and reapply your sunscreen as needed. tazarotene cream