Unlisted Brand • Tazorac • Skincare - Face

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tramrak on 8/11/2009 3:49:00 PM more reviews by Tramrak

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Tazorac has been an absolute dream come true for me! all my life (i'm 26 now) i have had pretty normal, clear, easy to deal with skin. an occasional bump or blemish here and there around my period but nothing even close to major...UNTIL the past 6-8 months. i have no idea what brought it on because i haven't changed anything at all in my routine, no new foods, no new medicines, and no new products, but i've developed a really persistent and annoying problem with the skin around my chin area. for some reason i have been fighting a ton of small, flesh colored bumps (whiteheads or closed comedones) that my regular salicylic acid gel wouldn't even begin to help. i tried a ton of different things, including benzoyl peroxide, MaMa lotion, Differin, and Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel to name a few, and while they would help somewhat at first they never cleared things up completely and eventually the bumps would come back to full prominence despite my careful regimen to fight them. i also have a very bad habit of squeezing any and every visible bump on my face and so i was constantly attacking my chin area which would only make things redder, irritated and scabby. i was so distraught that i even thought about trying out a sample of Retin-A that i had gotten as a swap extra even though i know that my skin HATES Retin-A and freaks out as soon as it gets near it. as a matter of fact, my skin has never been able to tolerate ANY retinoid or AHA at all, i immediately break out in huge bright red painful welts. i don't know why i did it, especially since knowing that Tazorac was also a retinoid, but i decided to try out the sample sized tube that i had. at first i started with just a microscopic dot of the medicine on one really persistent white bump that was near my eye (millia) and to my suprise when i woke up the next morning my skin had tolerated it perfectly! so i started using the .05% cream on my bumpy skin nightly after i had moisturized the area first and the results have been incredible. i would say that in a month or so 95% of the bumps have cleared up and disappeared. at first my skin did get dry and at night i could exfoliate a lot of dry flakies off of it but it was nothing like the pain and misery other retinoids caused me. it was a dryness that was easily manageable and didn't ruin my appearance, and after using Tazorac for a while it went away almost completely. i'm also using Persagel (10% benzoyl peroxide) layered lightly on top of the Taz and that has really helped with the war against my pores. i am so absolutely THRILLED with the results i've gotten and i would absolutely recommend Tazorac to people who have had horrible reactions to retinol since i was convinced that i could never use anything derived from Vitamin A and was proven wrong. i would just make sure to advise someone to start out with the .05% cream, use it very sparingly and moisturize well BEFORE applying the it in the first place.
**UPDATE** 3/29/10 after many blissful months of using Tazorac and enjoying wonderful results, my skin took a sudden and unexpected nosedive. i just couldn't understand what had happened-- i hadn't changed anything about my routine or the products i used or even the order that i used them in but out of nowhere my skin became bumpy, red, irritated and so dry in some spots it almost cracked. in a state of panic i committed these very unwise, skin-sabotaging sins: ratcheted up my exfoliation to a nightly basis and started using a Buff-Puff instead of my usual washcloth (i can't stand those dry flakes! gotta get rid of them!), continued using an acne-fighting cleanser which was definitely not helping my angry, parched skin, started using a 2% salicylic acid toner, became heavier handed with the Tazorac and the Persagel, picked at my face more and more the worse it got and stressed out like crazy over the whole situation. after a few weeks with no improvement i was so desperate and so unwilling to accept the fact that my beloved Tazorac had just stopped working for me that i had a breakthrough moment-- i would look up all the usage directions on the Tazorac website, see what i was doing wrong and then follow the directions to the T no matter how unnecessary they seemed. if that didn't work i would just give up. so what i found when i did some reading was that while using Tazorac it's EXTREMELY important that you not use any harsh, drying cleansers or toners containing alcohol and other potentially irritating ingredients. next, and maybe most importantly, it's essential that after washing your face and applying moisturizer you wait a FULL 20 minutes before applying Tazorac. i was basically doing everything totally wrong and it was showing on my skin. once i started using a more gentle cleanser (LOVE Bliss's Foaming Face Wash), tossed the Buff-Puff, ditched the toner, and waited the full 20 minutes before applying the Taz, everything magically fell back into place. my skin is pristine again and i am so thankful i followed the directions! take my advice: no matter how stupid the directions on a prescription (or even OTC) product seem, it's worth following them to make sure you don't end up looking like Freddy Krueger. Long live Tazorac!!!

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PaigeMontana on 8/10/2009 9:14:00 AM more reviews by PaigeMontana

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

It breaks my heart that I cannot tolerate this, I tried numerous times. Maybe it's my extreme fair skin...But still I am trying to use up the supply that my derm gave me, even bought the Avage. Now I am doing what he told me to do- using the pea-size drop and dotting it on. Layering it with Roc Retinol Intensive just might work also. So far no peeling or burning. If this plan does not work, at least it will not be all for naught, Taz makes for a darn good peel!

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*TOP REVIEWER* DDGattina on 8/10/2009 4:19:00 AM more reviews by DDGattina

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

HG, have used for years. First for acne-- it works. Now for acne AND anti-aging. It works. I find it more effective AND more gentle on my skin than Retin A. The Retin A left me very irritated and sun-sensitive, and was less effective at clearing up acne.

Tazorac is ridiculously expensive, even with my healthplan. It's extortion, plain and simple. Fortunately, with overseas pharmacies here to help us, the price is close to dirt cheap. I purchased from India (hint: use a prepaid credit card rather than your regular one, and buy in bulk to defray the shipping costs. If you do that, your price could get down below $5 per tube. And guess what: the .5% gel from India is BETTER (I believe) than either the brand or generic versions in the US! It's a clean-feeling gel instead of a yucky cream.

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meltingpotoflove on 7/21/2009 1:10:00 AM more reviews by meltingpotoflove

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Love Taz. Got a huge bottle of it, and I use it in conjunction with Spironolactone. Has done wonders for my skin, which hasn't been clear for many years! I find that I don't even need to use it every night!
The only thing I don't like is the texture when I first put it on my face, but after it absorbs, this goes away.

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Shushka on 6/29/2009 10:17:00 AM more reviews by Shushka

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Tazorac has done wonders for my acne!! I'm so happy.

My only complaints are that it leaves a slightly greasy film on my face, and it lightens my skin (I prefer to be tan!).

... but I think those are small prices to pay for clear skin!

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*TOP REVIEWER* lisa7788 on 6/21/2009 1:44:00 PM more reviews by lisa7788

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Update 10/12/09: I don't know what the reviewer is talking about that this was "burning" her skin. She says it was 2 months of pain... A little dramatic I think or perhaps not knowing how to use this. You can do the short contact method, or what I do is mix it 50/50 with my moisturizer. No problems with irritation at all. Once, using 1% straight I had dry skin for a few days, but no burning. It really is a great acne remedy.

I've been using this for a couple of months and it has cleared away most of my clogged pores on my nose & chin. I'd give it 5 lippies, but the oil slick it creates w/ continued use is gross.
I started out w/ the .5% cream mixed with moisturizer, then a few weeks ago moved to 1% mixed w/ moisturizer alternating w/ the .5%. I had no problems with irritation or dryness at all. My skin is pretty clear. My only complaint is that it has turned my face into an oil slick. I mean a serious coating of oil when I wake up in the morning, midday, & after I get home from work. I have to wash my face several times a day to keep up with the oiliness. I guess it's better than clogged pores & acne though! Definitely worth a try. I'll keep using despite the oil.
Update 9/17/09: I've backed off on using this for a while because of the oiliness of my skin. It got REALLY oily! I'm now searching for an AHA that won't do the same. Taz works great though!

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*TOP REVIEWER* moonchopin on 6/10/2009 5:04:00 PM more reviews by moonchopin

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Im suffering from hormonal acne due to going off of the pill. I refuse to go back on the pill so Im just hoping my hormones straighten out since, basically cysts/acne all over my chin, jaw and cheeks - places I almost never broke out before seasonale.

I have tried both .05 and .1 tazorac gel. It gives an itchy feeling I did not like and it is slimy. It will not sink into skin. It will stain your pillow sheets, but so does differin.

BUT this is the best topical acne medication after accutane. It also has the most side affects next to accutane. Ive tried tons of other stuff (differin is too gentle on my skin but its my standby for smoothing skin, retin a - slightly drying, ziana - too gentle, clyndamycin - ineffective, tetracycline - nada) Your skin will feel really itchy, if you use it for 3 or more consecutive nights your skin will molt and you shouldnt use it with other retinoids or high AHA's. I did and it gave me blistering dry cracked skin....the upshot was after I molted and quit the chemicals for a couple of days my skin was freaking amazing....

I have given myself accidental 1st degree burns (skin i used it over turned brown crusty) because of over aggressive usage during day/night with 20% md forte cleanser and the 30% rejuvenating lotion because I was trying to get rid of a super prominent blemish on my face ... the upshot is of course being there are no tell tale signs because the skin molted and was super clear and smooth like it never happened. Basically i think ive been giving myself prescription strength peels with this stuff in conjunction with my other retinoids/AHA's without knowing it.

This is also the best skin treatment to remove acne hyperpigmentation super fast...better and faster than any "lightener" on the market.

Wrinkles? I dont have any...and I dont think ill get them either with this stuff based on what older people have said.

Do not use every day. I have super oily acneic skin. Stay away from areas near your nose and mouth corners - it will crack and bleed if you use it there.



THE POINT? The 2nd best stuff for acne, super powerful, use precautions and do not abuse...

I use decleor aromaessence ylang ylang, rose nuit, PCA clear skin moisturizer at night solely between my retinoid treatments when it is too cracked and sensitive.

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jlclarowe on 5/8/2009 10:17:00 PM more reviews by jlclarowe

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have been using this for the last month and my cystic acne has cleared up. I can't use this everynight yet (I tried and my skin got raw and red). Am currently using every other night with great results. I am hoping to be able at some point to use every night as my skin always looks so much better the night after I use it. I have also noticed a small decrease in fine lines. I can only hope this will continue!!

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SweetDreamsBeautifulNight on 5/5/2009 12:43:00 PM more reviews by SweetDreamsBeautifulNight

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I was excited to get this product and begin using it. I used it three nights in the row and maybe that is where I went wrong. My skin burned whenever I would wash it. My face looked raw; it was dehydrated underneath and the surface was very oily. This made it difficult to treat my skin. I laid off of Taz for a week and a half so that my skin could heal. When I went back to it, my skin became tight, very tight and dry. In the areas where it was tight and dry, my skin darkened, I assuming due to the lack of moisture. But mind you, I did moisturize, I had no choice to and it didn't help me at all. I stepped away from Tazorac completely when my skin became damaged from using it. I ended up with a more worse condition than I started with. I now have to deal with more noticeable hyperpigmentation and breakouts. I think I was better off with Retin A Micro. That gave me clearer skin and I didn't have any adverse reactions. Boo for Tazorac. Part of me wants to give it another try, but I don't think that would be a smart move.

Update 6/15/09: After giving Taz another try for the past week, I've ended up with almost the same condition as before, except that I was smart enough to stop using it to stop any further damage, This product is way to strong and harsh for my skin. I believe this product is mainly targeted for those who suffer from acne and although I do suffer from occasional breakouts,the problem that I have is uneven skin tone. I was using this to help with that and I see that this can not help me but only hurt me. I've used Taz to the bare minimum this time around, using the Short Contact Therapy Method three nights out of the week, skipping nights in between and I still ended up with patchy, dry, irritated skin. I'm going back to RAM. I have to at this point. No more Taz.

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NoeyD on 4/23/2009 1:31:00 AM more reviews by NoeyD

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I wanted sooooo to like this for I have heard soooo many miracle stories about this from my friends on the QVC BB and here. But unfortunately my skin could not tolerate it. I believe you should use a retinoid every day and I tried th .05% both gel and cream. I flaked and got wierdly bumpy (not zits) and jusyt looked sickly. I stuck it out for 4 months and stopped at that point and went to RAM....which I LOOOOOVE. More power to those who can use taz...i'm sadly just not one of them:(

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c4ward on 4/22/2009 8:30:00 PM more reviews by c4ward

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

This product has helped a great deal with fine lines. Although expensive, it lasts a long time. It is one of my staples.

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amonavis on 3/24/2009 9:15:00 AM more reviews by amonavis

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is THE closest thing you can get to a facelift in a product! Boosts collagen, reduces wrinkles, gets rid of photo damage. It is a long term commitment to your skin and results take months. But it does work and there are studies in medical journals to prove it! Stick with it, and go slow to avoid redness, peeling. Use a pea size amount. My skin is so youthful and plump and I look way younger than I am, beacuse of using Retinoids for the last 5 years. If I had to pick one product to use, it would have to be Tazorac.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

belle_30x on 3/11/2009 12:15:00 AM more reviews by belle_30x

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Other    

HG HG HG HG.

Until I got rosacea, I never knew how good I had it. I used to use tretinoin, but then switched to this as I'm getting a little older and I need help getting rid of the increasing number of fine lines.

I noticed a marked improvment with this over tretinoin in 24 hours. My pores were smaller, my skin looked smoother, my acne scars disappear quickly. This stuff makes my skin look amazing. The cream form does have a tendency, however, to give me white heads. I felt that tretinoin was a little better at relieving acne, but combined with the pill this is just better all around.

If my doctor would lift the ban on this stuff, I'd be back to looking 25 again. There is no other beauty product on this board that I would recommend higher. Just be sure to use a GOOD daily sunblock (not chemical sunscreen) with zinc or titanium dioxide of 30 spf. Your skin is a lot more susceptible to sun spots (freckles that grow into larger age spots) and I have, to my dismay, discovered that chemical sunscreens do not protect nearly as well.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Fabfame on 3/6/2009 4:33:00 PM more reviews by Fabfame

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I recently started using Taz to boost my skin care regimen. I have battled acne for YEARS and still get breakouts, mainly due to hormones. They then leave very dark hyperpigmented marks that take months to fade.

2 years ago, I started getting chemical peels that helped my skin significantly. This year I started using Taz. I worried about the stinging and burning several people referred to in their reviews but I never had that. I realized the chemical peels I had been getting helped prepare my skin to tolerate Taz. Right away, I was able to use the 0.1% Gel which I apply every other night.

This product really helps to keep my pimples at bay and I can now allow more time between my chemical peel appointments (those appointments are a tad pricy so the further apart they are, the better!)
You only need a tiny amount of Taz to see results. I find my face does get a little tingly if I apply too much.

Ingredients are:
Active: Tazarotene................................... 0.05% or 0.1% (w/w)
Preservative: Benzyl alcohol.................................. 1.0% (w/w)
Inactives: Ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer 934P, edetate
disodium, hexylene glycol, poloxamer 407, polyethylene glycol 400, polysorbate 40, purified water, and
tromethamine.

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spaceagemouse on 2/4/2009 5:00:00 AM more reviews by spaceagemouse

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I am using the .1% Taz cream combined with a benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin gel (started with Benzaclin, now using Duac simply b/c it's cheaper).

Now for a little background on my skin. For a couple of years now, starting in my early twenties, I've struggled with acne. I had a lot of clogged pores on my nose and chin, with ugly cystic acne on my cheeks. I tried 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel, Paula's Choice BHA and AHA, and finally Alpha Hydrox AHA lotion. Nothing really got rid of the acne that well, or without annoying side effects. I finally went to a dermatologist in December, who prescribed me the Taz and benzaclin. I started slow with both products, and experienced a lot of initial redness, flakiness and sometimes even burning (at which point I would give the products a rest for a day or two). However, by January, at my follow up appointment, my acne was pretty much gone. Even my dermatologist was surprised at how well my skin was doing (even though he had cautioned me that it would take at least 6-8 weeks to see results. I think my skin just responded well to the treatment).

Before I started on the Rx, I counted 11 large pimples on my face. This was about average for me. Right now my skin is almost all smooth, with only a couple small pimples along my jaw during my TOTM. That's a huge improvement, as I would always get the worst acne during that time. The clogged pores along my nose, which I used to pick at all the time are also gone. It sounds weird, but I love touching my smooth nose! I still get really dry flaky skin, but it turns out I was applying the product wrong. It says right on the Tazorac website that you must apply moisturizer before the taz; I was doing the reverse. After applying it correctly, I noticed a big improvement in terms of dryness the next day.

I still have dark spots from past acne, which is frustrating. I have seen here and there that benzoyl peroxide could make scars worse, so I'm only going to spot-treat with the Duac from now on. To be honest, any sort of lightening of spots is slow, but I've only been using Taz for roughly one month. I've already seen such unexpectedly good results so far, that I'm optimistic that in another month I'll notice some more improvement.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

principia on 12/30/2008 3:48:00 PM more reviews by principia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

Luckily, my insurance covers this. Additionally, I cleared my deductible so the last few tubes were free! Yay! I had been using .05% cream in conjunction with Spironolactone, Yasmin, and Klaron (topical sulfur w/no smell) for adult cystic acne. It is a fabulous combination for me and if you can tolerate hormonal birth control, I highly recommend all the products together. My skin has never been smoother. Recently, I have tried upgrading to .1% as a wrinkle-preventor, but it has been a bit difficult. I've been getting a lot more redness and dryness. Guess I shouldn't have started in the middle of winter! However, I've been alternating with my .05% and that has helped.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Amyjmacintyre on 12/30/2008 3:01:00 PM more reviews by Amyjmacintyre

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

I am so happy with this product! I have had acne along my cheeks and and chin since my late teenage years. After trying at least a dozen different Dr. rx's, I had almost given up hope. I found a new Derm. and went into my appointment thinking I was going to have to take the plunge and begin Accutane. After meeting with the doctor for more the 5 minutes (incredible!), he prescribed me Tazorac, but as a back up I took the pregnancy test and got my Accutane agreement started. After a couple days of using Tazorac, I was so impressed. My skin was clearing up, pores seemed smaller, and my skin felt a little bit softer. But after a week I was a bright red, burning, my skin was peeling off, and had almost given up. I read a couple reviews on MUA, stopped using the cleanser I was using and switched to Cetephil, and began using Tazorac only ever other night. Things got a bit more comfortable and the purging was starting to calm down. When I went back to meet with my doctor, I had decided to wait it out and see the results of Tazorac.
About 4 months later, I couldn't be happier! I still use the product ever other day and there is still occasional peeling, but my skin looks beautiful for the first time in years! I have a couple little breakouts around that time of the month, but over all my skin is clear, my pores appear smaller, my acne scars are fading, and my skin is so soft and smooth!
I highly recommend this product, it really worked for me! I know the initial period is dreadful, but it is so worth it in the long run!

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

tootswoots on 12/27/2008 4:47:00 PM more reviews by tootswoots

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

my dr gave this to me to use in conjunction with beneziclin. It has cleared up my skin within six months! my face skin in May was blotchy and cystic acne ridden and it HURT. now i have very clear skin with only a little hyper-pigmentation from those old pimples! I do have to say my skin in pretty hardy so I'm not sure what would happen if you had very sensitive skin...
Edit one 6/8/09: so I've been using this in conjunction with Benezclin for a year and a little bit. Once i realized I was supposed to MOISTURIZE FIRST, i found i was a lot less dry the next morn. My skin has never looked nicer.. Once in a ways I get a pimple but NO cystic lumps on the side of my face at all! people have been commenting for months about how pretty and smooth my skin is looking. Frankly, I'm so happy something has worked so well. EDIT:3/1/11 my skin still looks very clear after close to 3 years using this every night. I use a high SPF otherwise I do get hyper-pigmentation very easily. It has not helped with the slight dimpling from those cystic pustules of 3 years ago... I kinda want to do some resurfacing to make it perfectly smooth.. HA. I've come so far, I just feel happy I no longer have that painful hormonal acne except once in a while.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

marcell on 12/20/2008 6:19:00 PM more reviews by marcell

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I've been using Tazorac .1% for over a year and I'm on the fence about it. It seems to help with my overall skintone somewhat and lessens my breakouts a bit. Also, I don't notice any fine lines on my skin (I'm 37) but I'm not sure if that's due to the product or genetics.

However, I have not noticed any improvement in my pore size (still extremely large), my skin texture (which actually might be because I have really large pores) and my really stubborn dark spots from past breakouts. I've had these dark spots for years and the Tazorac doesn't do too much to lighten them on its own. However, when I use Tazorac in conjunction with Triluma that combo really seems to lighten the dark spots. The problem is that the Triluma seems to break me out a little wherever I apply it - so I use it sparingly. Also, Triluma is very expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it.

So, at the moment, I'm a little "so-so" about Tazorac but I'll probably continue to use it for now because I'm told that the long term benefits of this product are really worth it (fewer wrinkles, fine lines, smoother texture). We'll see, I guess....unless something better comes along in the meantime....

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pconrad72 on 11/28/2008 3:22:00 PM more reviews by pconrad72

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Edit: This ended up being to harsh for my sensitive skin. I recently switched to evan healy products, which are miracle-workers!

This is a great product. After a couple weeks of using it, the purging and redness acted up for a several weeks. Now, I put a little pure lanolin on my face (another MUA recommendation) and then the Taz, which results in really soft, non-irritated skin. I had terrible hormonal acne on my chin for a decade and had some minor pitted scars -- this is definitely helping with that. My pores look really small, too.

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