Tazorac Cream (active ingredient: tazarotene) is a prescription topical medication used to treat certain skin conditions, including acne vulgaris and plaque psoriasis. It belongs to a group of medications called retinoids, which are related to vitamin A and help regulate the growth and development of skin cells.
Tazorac Cream is applied directly to the skin and works by helping normalize skin cell turnover, reducing inflammation, and improving the appearance of affected areas over time.
What Is Tazorac Cream Used For?
Acne Vulgaris
Tazorac Cream is approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older.
Acne develops when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to various types of blemishes.
Tazorac Cream may help reduce:
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)
- Papules (small inflamed bumps)
- Pustules (pimples containing pus)
With regular use, Tazorac Cream can help:
- Unclog pores
- Prevent new acne lesions from forming
- Improve overall skin texture
- Promote clearer-looking skin
Because acne treatment takes time, noticeable improvement may require several weeks of consistent use.
Plaque Psoriasis
Tazorac Cream is also indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults.
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in thick, raised, scaly patches of skin.
Common symptoms include:
- Red, inflamed plaques
- Thickened skin
- Scaling and flaking
- Itching and discomfort
Tazorac Cream helps improve psoriasis by slowing excessive skin cell growth and reducing the buildup of plaques.
Treatment may help:
- Reduce scaling
- Decrease plaque thickness
- Improve skin appearance
- Relieve some symptoms associated with psoriasis
How Does Tazorac Cream Work?
Tazorac Cream contains tazarotene, a topical retinoid that affects the way skin cells grow and mature.
After application, tazarotene is converted into its active form within the skin, where it binds to specific receptors involved in regulating skin cell activity.
Regulation of Skin Cell Growth
One of the main actions of Tazorac Cream is helping normalize the rate at which skin cells grow and shed.
This can help:
- Prevent clogged pores
- Reduce the formation of acne lesions
- Slow excessive skin cell production associated with psoriasis
By promoting more normal skin cell turnover, Tazorac Cream helps improve the appearance and health of the skin.
Reduction of Inflammation
Tazarotene also helps reduce inflammation within the skin.
This anti-inflammatory effect may help:
- Decrease redness
- Reduce swelling
- Improve inflamed acne lesions
- Calm psoriatic plaques
Reducing inflammation contributes to healthier-looking skin and improved symptom control.
Prevention of New Lesions
For acne treatment, Tazorac Cream helps prevent the formation of new blemishes by reducing the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores.
For psoriasis treatment, it helps limit the excessive skin cell production that contributes to plaque formation.
Benefits of Tazorac Cream
When used consistently as prescribed, Tazorac Cream may help:
- Reduce acne breakouts
- Unclog pores
- Improve skin texture and tone
- Decrease plaque thickness in psoriasis
- Reduce scaling and flaking
- Improve the overall appearance of affected skin
- Support long-term management of chronic skin conditions
Because Tazorac Cream works gradually, continued use is often necessary to achieve and maintain results.
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