Tazarotene cream is a prescription drug used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne and sun damage. It also reduces wrinkles and helps improve the appearance of aging skin. It is part of the class of medications called retinoids, which work by slowing down cell turnover and unclogging blocked pores. There are two types of retinoids: topical and oral. Topical retinoids include creams, gels and liquids that you apply directly to your skin, and oral retinoids are available in tablets and capsules.
Chronic sun exposure is a leading cause of photodamage to the facial skin. This is characterized clinically by fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration and pigmentary changes, telangiectasia (fine blood vessels that show as reddish-purple spots on the face), laxity and roughness. Many treatments claim to reduce the signs of photodamage, however few have been demonstrated to do so in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
One such treatment is topical tazarotene. Tazarotene is a synthetic retinoid that is selective for RAR b and g, and is thought to increase collagen production in the skin. This reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves elasticity.
It is recommended to use tazarotene cream once daily in the evening after all makeup, dirt and oil has been removed from the face. A pea-sized amount of the cream should be applied to areas that have discoloration or wrinkles. It is also advised to avoid exposing the area of the face where the cream is being applied to sunlight, and to use a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF when outdoors. tazarotene cream uk
