Is Tazorac Right For Me? - Part 1

Acne is a condition which is often difficult to deal with, both physically and psychologically. Many teenagers suffer for days and months at a time when they must attend school or see their peers with an acne outbreak. Unfortunately, too many times teenagers are also the brunt of teasing and bullying because of a particularly bad outbreak of acne.

Due to the psychological and emotional trauma that teenagers can suffer they may attempt to use a variety of products in order to treat and cure the skin condition, and thereby alleviate their suffering. A new topical medication which is available for teenagers and adults is Tazorac. Tazorac, or Tazorotene, is a translucent gel which contains a drug in a class of retinoids. This is a class of chemical compounds which is related to Vitamin A. (1)

These retinoid compounds are used in medication to regulate epithelial growth of cells and are especially useful for their treatments of whiteheads and blackheads. Retinoids work by increasing skin cell turnover. This means that it decreases the number of days skin cells will remain on the face before dying and sloughing off. This also will bring to the surface new skin cells much more quickly.

By increasing turnover, the old cells are expelled which unplugs congested follicles of bacteria and oils. By constantly replenishing the cells, they also aid in the prevention of new blackheads and whiteheads.

The manufacturing company, Allergan, publishes several precautions for individuals who are interested in using the medication. It should not be used if you’re taking drugs that increase sensitivity to sunlight and individuals should always use protective clothing and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 during the day. The manufacturer also warns that it should be discontinued if the individual develops a sunburn, eczema or any other continuing skin condition.

The most common side effects appeared to be peeling, stinging and burning, dry skin, and itching.

The company believes that Tazorac is unique because it belongs to a drug classification called prodrug. This is a classification of medications that are supplied in a chemically inactive form and become active only after it enters the body. In the case of Tazorac the active ingredient becomes effective once it passes through the skin. No other retinoid medication behaves in the same way.

References:

(1) Drugs.com: Tazorac

http://www.drugs.com/cons/tazorac-topical.html