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Tazarotene topical and Dryness: What Users Say

Brand names: Arazlo, Tazorac, Fabior, Avage

Dryness: mentioned by 8 users (10.8%)

Based on user experiences from 74 Tazarotene topical reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

acne 21.6%
peeling 20.3%
burning 12.2%
redness 12.2%
dryness 10.8%
dry skin 8.1%
itching 8.1%
vomiting 6.8%
rash 5.4%
pain 4.1%

Reviews for Tazarotene topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • hea...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 11, 2019

Tazarotene topical for Acne "HOLY COW! OK, I’ve tried everything, and my doctor randomly prescribed this nightly, and I honestly didn’t think it would work. For some reason, this did the trick, and ever since I started nightly, it’s been getting progressively better, and my skin is clearer than it’s ever been in my life. I love it, I got some dryness, but less is more with the gel. I didn’t have any “purging” either. If you’re using this, keep at it!! You will see results."

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Sen...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 24, 2019

Tazarotene topical for Acne "I have not found an acne product that works and keeps me clear until Fabior. I used Retin A Micro for years and was constantly breaking out, then peeling, breaking out, then peeling. And it burned when I applied it. I have been using Fabior for the past year and finally found something that works. I got dry after using it for two weeks, but not crazy peeling. It only lasted a weekend and wasn’t noticeable to anyone but me. I only use Fabior Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and I use CeraVe moisturizer with it, which I think helps. If I am breaking out (which is rare now), I may use it two days in a row, but don’t need to often. It’s been life-changing for my skin and has helped even out my skin and the leftover color that lingers from breakouts. I refilled for the first time a few months ago, so it lasted me a couple of months, but maybe because I only use it a few times a week. ONLY USE A SMALL AMOUNT-seriously! Don’t irritate your skin with too much, and plus it lasts longer that way!!"

9 / 10
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11 Report
  • Kri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 20, 2019

Tazarotene topical for Acne "I am really impressed. I just started using Tazorac 0.05, but definitely can see an improvement. It does purge your skin, and it is drying at first, but the pimples go away fast, and my skin texture looks more even and firm. Hopefully, in 3 months, I will be acne-free. I was on Epiduo, but it stopped working, and my skin really was oily."

7 / 10
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10 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Spe...
  • April 23, 2015

Tazarotene topical for Acne "I've had moderate to almost severe acne for at least four years prior to using Fabior. Now let me tell you this medicine will probably worsen your acne or dryness or redness the first couple of months you are on it, but once you've used it for a long time, the results are amazing. My advice would be to use a morning and evening moisturizer because Fabior and any retinoid will dry you out. This product should last a long time for one bottle and never overuse it ever."

8 / 10
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13 Report
  • Emi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 23, 2024

Tazarotene topical for Acne "I used this to help with my acne that would not go away. This helped pretty well in clearing it up, but my doctor prescribed Accutane anyways. After treatment, my doctor had me on this medication again as a “preventative measure”. The first time I got back on it, I forgot that my skin was not used to it anymore, so it got painful, dry, and flaky for a week. When you use this, really use a small amount in the beginning and mix it in your hand with a moisturizer, or you will not have a good experience. Anyways, I avoided using it for a couple of days to help my skin recuperate, and my acne began showing up here and there. Right now, I use a very small amount of Arazlo every night, and it keeps my skin clear. Really just be careful with how much you apply and be aware that you might have to push through purging (personally, I didn’t)."

8 / 10
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1 Report

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  • jd3...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 20, 2020

For Acne "I am 22 years old and have struggled with acne since middle school. Most of it is hormonal acne on my chin and jawline and occasionally on my cheeks too. I tried Epiduo for a long time, and all it would do is dry my skin out so bad. I finally went back to my dermatologist, and she switched me to tazarotene medication. I use it at night, and after just three weeks, my acne is completely gone, and my skin tone is so even. It makes my face so smooth, and I can tell it is preventing me from new pimples. It is a little drying at first, but nothing like Epiduo was, and if you just put a little extra moisturizer on, you will be fine."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • Ala...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 22, 2022

Tazarotene topical for Acne "I was given a very small sample of this, but when compared to another expensive medication for acne, this Tazorac I find to be three times more effective. I’ve been able to use the little tube several times, and each blemish dies off quickly, almost overnight. There is a little dryness and sometimes peeling, but no more blemish, so this works wonderfully. I give it two thumbs up! Great job to whomever invented it!"

10 / 10
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2 Report
  • dyt...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 14, 2022

For Acne "Dryness is a huge side effect. I couldn't tolerate the drug for more than 3 days. The itching, burning, dry skin, and rash were NOT worth its supposed benefits. Everyone is different, but I personally would not recommend it. With how painful it is, I'm actually surprised by the higher end rating. Maybe some people can tolerate it better than others."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.