DISCUSSION
This pooled, post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials demonstrated that tazarotene 0.045% lotion applied once daily for 12 weeks improved acne symptoms and was well tolerated, regardless of race or ethnicity. Compared with vehicle lotion, treatment with tazarotene 0.045% lotion resulted in significant reductions in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions and treatment success at week 12 in white, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic subpopulations. In black participants receiving tazarotene 0.045% lotion, there was a significant decrease in noninflammatory lesions compared with vehicle lotion. In all subpopulations, there were improvements in inflammation-associated sequelae of acne, including hyperpigmentation.
Clinical trials with topical retinoids have demonstrated efficacy for acne treatment in skin of color, but concerns remain on tolerability of some agents and formulations.11,18,19 Our findings provide support for the use of tazarotene 0.045% lotion in the understudied setting of skin of color and concur with smaller
