Dealing with acne is no fun, especially when said acne is in the one place that is hard to hide; the face. Face acne plagues many around the world and can have a myriad of causes; stress, diet, hormones, but it all comes down to bacteria in the skin. Once acne surpasses 15-20 breakouts at one time the condition is considered to be moderate to severe acne. Moderate to severe acne should be combatted with a prescribed regimen by a dermatologist. The prescriptions options for moderate to severe acne are vast. Two popular acne prescriptions are Aczone and Tazorac. Here is a rundown of all the similarities and differences between these two acne treatment brands; Aczone and Tazorac.
What is Aczone?
Aczone is the brand name of a drug called Dapsone. Dapsone is an anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic that when prescribed topically (aka. for application to the skin) is designed to treat acne. It is not really meant for severe cases of acne, but as with all medications, effectiveness changes person to person. So if you have applied every other form of treatment to your face with no avail, ask your doctor about Aczone. It works by treating acne that already exists and is not prescribed for prevention. Basically, it kills the bacteria that already exists and decreases the redness and bumps. Aczone can be prescribed in a regimen by itself but is usually paired with an oral antibiotic and/or a retinoid. So there could be a time when both Aczone and Tazorac would be prescribed together.
What is Tazorac?
Tazorac is the brand name of a drug called Tazarotene. Tazarotene is used to treat acne and psoriasis. Tazarotene and therefore Tazorac is considered a retinoid. Retinoids are versions of vitamin A also referred to as vitamers. Retinoids have been around since the ‘70s solving skin problems. Tazorac works by opening up the pores and unclogging them so that other medication can go in and kill the bacteria causing the acne. This means that retinoids are usually prescribed in an acne fighting regimen with another medication. Of all the topical retinoids, Tazorac is considered the most potent.
What can you expect when using Aczone or Tazorac?
After some initial irritation, both Tazorac and Aczone are expected to result in clearer skin in up to 12 weeks. If there is no visible improvement after 12 weeks, definitely reach out to your dermatologist. Be patient though, if you get frustrated and prematurely halt treatments before the recommended use time, you could be giving up right when things are starting to work. That is one of the biggest problems with acne treatments. It is hard to gauge how long it will take for them to kick in. You have to stay vigilant and follow the application directions. If you keep giving up on acne treatments too early, you may never find one that actually works. Depending on your skin, you could see clearer skin in as early as 1-2 weeks. So if there are no improvements after the recommended use time, let a doctor know it’s time to try something else.
What should you know about applying Aczone and Tazorac?
When applying, wash first with a gentle cleanser and refrain from scrubbing too hard. Do not exfoliate! Rub a pea size amount over the recommended areas with your fingertips, dabbing forehead/cheeks and chin. Aczone can be applied to the entire surface of the affected area, meaning the entire face not just specifically the breakouts. Breakouts get big and scary because bacteria spreads, so you want to make sure to treat the obviously affected areas, as well as, the areas between them. That said, do not apply a thick layer, keep it thin so it can be absorbed easily. Wait until the Aczone gel has completely absorbed into the skin before applying anything else. You can slather all the moisturizer you want on, just wait 20-30 minutes first.
Conversely, Tazorac should only be applied to the affected area and washed off if it is accidentally applied elsewhere. Unlike Aczone, which should be applied first, Tazorac can be applied before or after moisturizer. It is important to make sure that the first layer of ointment is completely absorbed before applying anything else. Keep Tazorac and Aczone away from your eyes, nose, and the corners of the mouth. Be sure to wash your hands after applying.
Does Tazorac or Aczone improv acne scars?
Aczone does not help with acne scars or acne marks. Acne scars refer to any bumps or crevices left behind after acne. Acne marks are the flat spots, either red or brown, left in the wake of acne. However, as a retinoid, Tazorac has the added benefit of improving the collagen of skin. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while it clears acne. This also explains how Tazorac helps with psoriasis. Tazorac can improve the appearance of acne scars and prevent any future scarring.
Are there any warnings for these acne treatments: Aczone or Tazorac?
Tazorac and Aczone share many side effects. Both Tazorac and Aczone can cause dryness, redness, oiliness, and peeling. These acne treatments are working to open up the pores and get stuff out, making the skin sensitive especially to sunburn. Be sure not to over apply Aczone. If it builds up, it can become sticky or form pockets of the gel underneath other skincare products. Additionally, Aczone can cause an illness that decreases the oxygen in your blood called methemoglobinemia. This presents by turning your lips, fingernails and the inside of you mouth a blueish grey color. If you notice this, discontinue immediately and reach out to your doctor.
Can you use Tazorac and Aczone while pregnant?
Tazorac is very harmful during pregnancy causing risks of birth defects to the fetus. In some cases, you have to have proof of a negative pregnancy test before being prescribed Tazorac. Aczone has not been confirmed if it has an effect on pregnancy, but because it is unknown, it is highly recommended to avoid using if you are or plan to get pregnant. On either Tazorac or Aczone, let your doctor know if you become pregnant while taking.
Which is more effective; Aczone or Tazorac?
As mentioned, the causes for acne and the regimen for getting rid of acne vary greatly from person to person. If you are someone suffering from moderate to severe acne you know that the struggle for clear skin is definitely bumpy. Deciding which of these drugs is more effective is tough because Aczone and Tazorac can be prescribed together and work as a team. When reviewing the websites for both Aczone and Tazorac, the brands promise clear skin in 12 weeks. Some people have seen benefits as quickly as 1-2 weeks. Some people swear that Aczone saved their face. Others think it was a total waste of time. Bottomline, consult your dermatologist to decide what makes sense for the sensitivity and reaction style of your skin.
