There is a wide range of skincare products out there that promise to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin tone, fade hyper-pigmentation and treat acne. These products are known as retinoids. Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A and have been shown in clinical studies to build collagen, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resurface and smooth the skin, fade sun damage, improve discoloration and acne and help treat other conditions like psoriasis. Many of these retinoids are available over the counter while the more powerful prescription based ones such as Tretinoin are more expensive and require a doctor’s prescription.
In recent years there has been an increase in the number of prescription based retinoids available to patients. Two of the more popular prescription based retinoids are Tretinoin and Tazarotene. While Tretinoin is the best known of these drugs, Tazarotene may be a better option as it is more potent and can be prescribed at higher concentrations. Tazarotene has also been shown to be more effective at treating psoriasis than Tretinoin.
Tazarotene is a form of vitamin A and works by affecting the growth of new skin cells. It is thought to prevent the overproduction of keratin which is one of the key causes of plaque formation in psoriasis. It also inhibits the abnormal proliferation of skin cells and decreases the inflammatory response that is associated with the condition.
Like other retinoids, this medication should be used in combination with a complete skin care program including sunscreens. If you are using this medication to reduce wrinkles or discoloration, use it at least twice daily and always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Apply a thin layer of cream, gel or foam to the affected area and rub it in gently. Avoid the eyes, mouth and nose. If your doctor has recommended the 1% cream, apply it once a day to the face and neck. If you are using this drug to treat psoriasis, apply it on the affected area once a day in the evening before bedtime.
If you are using this medication to treat psoriasis, be sure to use it in addition to other treatment options for the condition such as prescription strength UVA and UVB filters or phototherapy. It is important to keep in mind that tazarotene does not completely eliminate the disease, and that some patients will need to be treated for longer than others.
Before you start using tazarotene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other retinoids (such as isotretinoin); or to any other medications. Also tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or unusually sensitive skin.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may cause birth defects. If you become pregnant while using this drug, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. This medication should not be given to children under 12 unless your doctor says it is safe. tazarotene uk
