Tazarotene and tretinoin are topicalretinoid medicationsthat you apply to the skin.
They can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other skin changes related to aging and sun damage.
These medications have several similarities, but there are some key differences.
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Keep reading for an in-depth comparison of tazarotene versus tretinoin, including who may benefit most from each medication.
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What Is Tazarotene?
Tazarotene belongs to theretinoiddrug class.
Brand-name versions include Tazorac, Arazlo, and Avage, among others.
All forms of tazarotene are topical liquids that you apply to your skin.
While the active ingredient is the same, the formulations and indications (approved uses) differ.
Generic versions of tazarotene are also available, but they aren’t sold over the counter.
What Is Tretinoin?
Like tazarotene,tretinoinis a retinoid and an active ingredient in several different prescription medications.
All of them are topicals you apply to the skin, with slightly different forms and strengths.
The table below shows examples oftretinoin productsand their FDA-approved uses.
The table below highlights some key information about the two drugs.
*These costs reflect the average retail cost for a one-month supply of medication without insurance coverage.
Your actual cost may vary.
Side Effects of Each: Which Is More Tolerable?
And because they are topical products, their side effects mainly affect the skin where the medication is applied.
However, after the first week of use, both medications may cause this side effect in similar ways.
Skin irritation is more likely with higher strengths of either medication, especially if you have sensitive skin.
In general, the side effects of topical retinoids are more common when you first start using either medication.
Its important to follow the instructions exactly as described on the drug label to help reduce side effects.
However, these are largely preventable when the medication is taken as directed.
Animal studies found that both tazarotene and tretinoin could potentiallyharm a developing fetus.
Tazarotene showed a significant risk of causing harm, while tretinoin showed some risk but with less certainty.
As a result, tazarotene products are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Topical tretinoin products also carry a warning about the possible risk of fetal harm.
Talk to a healthcare professional about the need for birth control while using either medication.
Also, consult a healthcare professional before taking either medication if youre pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Although uncommon, more severe skin reactions can occur with either tazarotene or tretinoin.
This may result in peeling or other skin damage.
Which Medication Works Better?
Tazarotene and tretinoin are both effective treatment options.
Both reduce visible acne lesions, help prevent new breakouts, and reduce inflammation.
These medications also promote collagen production and reduce acne-related scarring and discoloration.
Across four major clinical trials, both tazarotene and tretinoin improved the severity of acne significantly.
So, which one is better for acne?
The timeline for seeing improvement is similar, but tazarotene works slightly faster.
Tretinoin products typically start working immediately, with visible results two to three weeks after starting the medication.
Tazarotene works faster, with visible results expected within one to two weeks.
Skin Aging
As we age, our skin eventually shows signs of aging.
This natural process can lead to more visible wrinkles, fine lines, anddark spots.
Age-related skin changes occur due to changes incollagen.
Collagen is a protein that provides strength and elasticity to skin and other connective tissues.
It helps maintain the skin’s firmness, but its production decreases with age.
Both tazarotene and tretinoin work to help slow the progression of skin aging.
This can help reduce the appearance of newfacial wrinkles.
Two studies compared the effects of two medications on skin aging.
However, its important to set realistic expectations.
Neither medication treats deep wrinkles or makes them disappear.
Retinoids do not stop or reverse the aging process and wont help return your skin to its past appearance.
What Is Collagen?
Its production decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and other changes in skin texture.
According to comparison studies, tazarotene and tretinoin produce similarly safe and effective results.
Tazarotene may start working slightly faster.
They can assist with appropriate product selection and other important steps for using these medications safely.
DailyMed.Arazlo (tazarotene) lotion.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Avage (tazarotene) cream.
DailyMed.Fabior (tazarotene) foam.
DailyMed.Tazorac (tazarotene) cream.
DailyMed.Altreno (tretinoin) lotion.
DailyMed.Retin-A (tretinoin) gel.
DailyMed.Renova (tretinoin) cream.
2001;137(12):1597-604. doi: 10.1001/archderm.137.12.1597
