Tazarotene 0.1 *GEL* compared to other formulations
Hi all!
I’m currently using Arazlo (Taz 0.045 lotion) and I am interested in making the switch to the 0.1 gel. I’m also using 15% Azelaic Acid twice a day, and taking oral Spironolactone (100mg), in addition to limiting sugar and dairy, drinking water, etc however I still have occasional breakouts. I’ve been on all 3 prescriptions for at least 6 months. I’ve been using retinoids for over 4 years now.
Nature of my acne: without any treatment I mostly get whiteheads. Since using retinoids, I don’t get whiteheads that often anymore, but rather bigger, more red pimples that form deeper within my skin and oftentimes don’t come to a head. They leave huge dark marks that take several months (over 7 month) to heal.
From what I’ve seen online the 0.1 cream is similar to the 0.05 gel/0.045 lotion so I don’t expect it to make much of a difference with my acne. Most comments/posts I’ve seen are from people with the 0.1 cream, and so I’m fishing for comments from people specifically on the gel. I have very oily skin, my skin is also quite sensitive, and I’m using tazarotene for acne, I don’t care about anti-aging.
TLDR: please let me know what your experiences have been like when switching from other Tazarotene formulations to the GEL. Any irritation, any tips, whether there’s been improvement or things are worse off, how difficult the transition was, whether you’d recommend it, etc. I’m mostly interested in people with acne and/or oily skin. Thanks!
EDIT: nvm, after further research it seems like the gel isn’t necessarily more effective but just delivers the active ingredient at a faster speed. So I’m open to hearing people’s experiences with the cream as well.
my routine for the record:
AM:
Cetaphil non-foaming cleanser
kikumasamune high moist lotion
Aveeno triple oat serum
aestura atobarrier moisturizing cream
(wait a few minutes)
finacea 15% AzA
(wait a few minutes again)
SPF 50+ (Isntree, étude house, etc)
PM:
oil cleanser (also changes, previously was from the Face Shop)
Cerave hydrating oil cleanser (this is a gentle foaming cleanser, not really an “oil cleanser”)
kikumasamune high moist lotion
Aveeno triple oat serum
aestura atobarrier moisturizing cream
(Wait at least 30 minutes, but usually more than 1 hour)
Arazlo - 0.045% Tazarotene