Tazarotene vs. Retin-A for Acne: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Tazarotene

(Tazorac)

Retin-A

(tretinoin)

Summary for Tazarotene

Prescription only

Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a topical retinoid that's used for treating acne and plaque psoriasis. It helps exfoliate the skin and lessen skin inflammation. Tazarotene (Tazorac) is available as a cream and a gel that's applied directly to the affected areas of skin once per day. Adults can use either the cream or gel. Certain children can also use this medication depending on how old they are, whether they have acne or psoriasis, and whether they're using the cream or gel. Side effects include skin irritation and itching. It can also raise your risk for sunburns.

Indications for Tazarotene

Acne - 0.1% strength only
Plaque psoriasis - 0.05% and 1% strengths

Pros and Cons for Tazarotene

Pros

Works well for treating acne and plaque psoriasis
Used once per day
Available as a gel and cream

Cons

Can take a few months to see significant skin improvement
Can make your skin more irritated or more likely to burn
Not safe to use while pregnant

Common Side Effects for Tazarotene

Dry skin
Skin peeling or flaking
Itching
Skin redness
Burning or stinging feeling on the skin

Warnings for Tazarotene

Harm to unborn baby
Risk for sunburn
Skin irritation

Summary for Retin-A

Prescription only

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

Indications for Retin-A

Acne

Pros and Cons for Retin-A

Pros

Easy to apply onto your skin
Only need to apply once nightly
Available in a lower-cost generic form

Cons

Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

Common Side Effects for Retin-A

Skin peeling or discomfort
Warm feeling or stinging after applying
Skin redness
Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

Warnings for Retin-A

Sunburns
Skin irritation in extreme weather
Skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Tazarotene vs. Retin-A

Tazarotene1 tube / 30g of 0.1%

$52.80$69.95

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Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%

$35.43$241.56

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Tazarotene vs. Retin-A

Tazarotene

Retin-A

Summary for Tazarotene

Indications for Tazarotene

Pros and Cons for Tazarotene

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tazarotene

Warnings for Tazarotene

Summary for Retin-A

Indications for Retin-A

Pros and Cons for Retin-A

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Retin-A

Warnings for Retin-A

Prices with our coupons for Tazarotene vs. Retin-A

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Tazarotene

Retin-A

Summary for Tazarotene

Indications for Tazarotene

Pros and Cons for Tazarotene

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tazarotene

Warnings for Tazarotene

Summary for Retin-A

Indications for Retin-A

Pros and Cons for Retin-A

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Retin-A

Warnings for Retin-A