The Beginners Guide To Using Tazarotene Safely

Monderma

Oliver Belcher

29 Jan 2025

Tazarotene treats psoriasis, acne, and photoageing effectively
It normalises cell turnover and reduces inflammation
More potent than tretinoin but can cause irritation
Use gently with moisturiser and daily sunscreen
Avoid in pregnancy and harsh skincare combinations

Tazarotene is a potent topical retinoid, effective for psoriasis but currently unavailable in the UK. It normalises skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation for acne and photoageing. Tazarotene may cause more irritation than tretinoin but can offer stronger results.

In this guide, we outline proper use, including gentle cleansing, moisturising, sun protection, and gradual application, as well as important precautions such as avoiding use during pregnancy and not combining it with harsh skincare products.

Understanding Tazarotene

Tazarotene is a synthetic vitamin A derivative used to treat psoriasis, acne, and signs of photoageing. Available in cream, gel, and foam formulations, it works by regulating cell turnover and inflammation. Although it was once licensed in the UK for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, it is not currently available [1].

By influencing gene expression and skin renewal, tazarotene helps reduce abnormal skin growth and inflammation, improving both appearance and comfort for those with chronic dermatological conditions.

Mechanism Of Action

Tazarotene binds to retinoic acid receptors (RARs), regulating genes that control cell proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. This process helps normalise skin turnover, making it valuable for conditions like psoriasis and acne [2,3].

Aspect	Details
Target Receptors	Retinoic acid receptors (RAR-β, RAR-γ)
Primary Actions	Modulates cell growth, reduces inflammation
Effect on Skin Cells	Normalises keratinocyte proliferation
Anti-Inflammatory Role	May reduce cytokines such as IL-6
Clinical Relevance	Improves skin texture, reduces plaques and comedones

Table 1: Mechanism of action and clinical relevance of tazarotene

Clinical Applications

Psoriasis

Tazarotene helps thin plaques, reduce redness, and normalise cell growth. Clinical studies show 0.05%–0.1% gels improve mild to moderate plaque psoriasis [4].
It may irritate surrounding skin, so careful application and moisturisation are essential [2].

Acne Vulgaris

Though not licensed in the UK for acne, tazarotene shows strong efficacy internationally. It reduces comedones and inflammation while helping prevent new breakouts [5,6].

Photoageing

Tazarotene stimulates collagen and smooths photoaged skin. Studies show 0.1% cream performs comparably or better than tretinoin 0.05% in reducing pigmentation and fine lines [7].

Indication	UK Licence Status	Mechanism/Effect	Evidence/Benefit
Psoriasis	Previously licensed, now unavailable	Regulates skin cell growth	Reduces plaques and scaling
Acne	Not licensed in UK	Normalises cell turnover	Effective for comedones and inflammation
Photoageing	Not licensed	Stimulates collagen	Smooths texture and reduces wrinkles

Table 2: Indications, mechanisms, and benefits of tazarotene

Tazarotene Vs. Tretinoin

Feature	Tazarotene	Tretinoin
Retinoid Generation	Third	First
Potency	Generally higher	Moderate
Receptor Selectivity	Targets RAR-β, RAR-γ	Less selective
Efficacy for Acne	High, per clinical trials	Established
Irritation Potential	Higher	Moderate
Photoageing Use	Effective	Effective
Benzoyl Peroxide Stability	Stable	Inactivated (unless microsphere)
Pregnancy Contraindication	Yes	Yes
UK Licence	Previously for psoriasis	For acne

Table 3: Comparison of tazarotene and tretinoin characteristics

Usage Guidelines For Tazarotene

Application Steps

Cleanse with a mild, non-irritating cleanser.
Dry skin completely before applying a thin layer of tazarotene.
Moisturise with a non-comedogenic product to minimise dryness.
Use SPF 30+ daily to protect against sun sensitivity.

Step	Guidance
Cleansing	Use gentle cleanser; avoid scrubbing
Application	Thin layer only on affected skin
Moisturisation	Apply after treatment to maintain barrier
Sun Protection	Broad-spectrum SPF during daytime
Starting Frequency	Alternate nights for 2–3 weeks
Increased Use	Nightly once tolerated
Expected Results	Around 12 weeks

Table 4: Recommended usage steps and precautions for tazarotene

Considerations & Precautions

Factor	Recommendation
Pregnancy	Contraindicated; use effective contraception
Lactation	Consult healthcare provider before use
Other Topicals	Avoid exfoliants, acids, or strong astringents
Benzoyl Peroxide	Safe to combine (unlike tretinoin)
Skin Irritation	Manage with moisturiser and reduced frequency
Photosensitivity	Always use SPF 30+

Table 5: Key considerations and safety precautions for tazarotene use

Research & Future Developments

Emerging studies are exploring tazarotene for keratosis pilaris, actinic keratosis, and even certain skin cancers. Formulation advances, such as microsphere gels and foam vehicles, aim to improve tolerability and reduce irritation while maintaining its efficacy [9,10].

Monderma’s Role In Personalised Skincare

Monderma offers bespoke prescription skincare for acne, ageing, and pigmentation. Active ingredients may include:

Tretinoin for collagen support and anti-ageing
Adapalene for acne management
Azelaic acid and hydroquinone for pigmentation
Ivermectin for rosacea management

While tazarotene is not currently available in the UK, Monderma intends to offer it as soon as it becomes licensed again. For now, equivalent prescription retinoids like tretinoin are formulated through Monderma’s free consultation service, ensuring safe, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s skin.

Conclusion

Tazarotene is a potent third-generation retinoid that normalises cell turnover, reduces inflammation, and supports collagen production. Though more irritating than tretinoin, it can be more effective for conditions like psoriasis, acne, and photoageing.

Currently unavailable in the UK, its proven mechanism and versatility make it a vital option once reintroduced. Until then, alternatives such as tretinoin and adapalene offer accessible and effective solutions. To discover a personalised skincare plan, including prescription retinoids suited to your skin, complete your free online consultation.

Content is for informational purposes only. Monderma treatments are prescribed following consultation. Results and timeframes can vary. Use as directed by your prescriber.

Bibliography

Patient.info. Tazarotene for Psoriasis.
NHS Barnsley CCG. Psoriasis Patient Information Sheet. 2018.
Cosmoderma. Exploring Tazarotene’s Role in Dermatology.
Krueger GG, Stingl G, Koo J, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Tazarotene Gel. Arch Dermatol. 1998;134(1):57–60.
NICE CKS. Acne Vulgaris – Topical Retinoids.
Medical News Today. Tazarotene Topical Cream: Uses and Side Effects.
Lowe N, Gormley D, Stoll S, et al. Tazarotene vs Tretinoin in Photodamaged Skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;50(6):882–890.
Leyden JJ, Tanghetti EA, Miller B, et al. Tazarotene 0.1% vs Tretinoin 0.1% Gel for Acne. Cutis. 2002;69(2 Suppl):12–19.
WebMD. Tazarotene (Tazorac, Arazlo) – Uses & Side Effects.
Psoriasis Association. Tazarotene (Zorac).
Drugs.com. Is Tazarotene Better Than Tretinoin?