Why do doctors and the media insist that Retin-A is a miracle drug?

So, after 21 weeks, I have finally decided to throw in the towel with Retin-A Micro.

I had a dermatologist appointment yesterday, and I pointed out to my derm. that when she put me on Retin-A Micro in May, I didn't have any inflamed acne and the idea was that the Retin-A would help with clogged pores on my nose.

Shortly thereafter, my face started breaking out, but I just stuck with it like all the literature says to do. However, it's been 21 weeks now, and my skin is a total and complete mess! I have consistent inflamed acne and horrible red marks all over my face, oh, and clogged pores on my nose!!

However, my derm insists that it is not on account of the Retin-A, even though very little else has changed! Also, I am an identical twin, and my sister's skin is clear, which indicates to me that it's not a genetic thing. However, my sister told me she tried Retin-A a while back as well, and it made her breakout, so she just quit.

But, my point is, from my own experience and from reading other people's experiences on this site, there is anecdotal evidence that there are some people that Retin-A hurts more than helps (beyond an Initial Breakout). Shouldn't dermatologists recognize that? Or, at least do a study about it? And every article I read that mentions Retin-A does nothing but praise it. Shouldn't there be more information out there about the small percentage of us who continue to get worse and worse and worse on Retin-A? Or, at least a mention that it doesn't help everybody?

If there were, it would have made my decision to quit much easier.

Sorry, maybe I'm wrong and maybe my tone is a little off since I'm so frusterated right now, but I just needed to get these feelings off my chest.

Thinking About Goin on YAZ

I have a visit with the gynocologist tomorrow because I asked my derm about BCP to control my acne and she said she won't prescribe hormonal therapies.

However, I just read this, while I was doing internet research on BCP.

Quote from http://freewill.typepad.com/genetics/2007/...-control-p.html
Birth control pills make women less attractive
A recent scientific paper describes how exotic dancers who take birth control pills earn less money than those who don't. According to a summary in the Economist magazine:

The average earnings per shift of [dancers] who were ovulating was $335. During menstruation (when they were infertile) that dropped to $185—about what women on the Pill made throughout the [entire] month.

In other words, men are more attracted to ovulating women, and pay them more... attention, as it were.

Do you think that is true???

Zeno and Red Marks

EVERY pimple I get leaves a persistent red mark (and sometimes I think red marks just appear on my face without even really being a pimple first). I'm wondering if getting a zeno would help, since they supposedly speed the healing process of the pimple, maybe the red mark would be lighter and go away faster? Or maybe that's just wishful thinking or maybe it would make it worse?

There did seem to be any information on Zeno's effect on red marks on the zeno website or on the acne.org treatment reviews. Does anyone have any personal experience?

Thank you )

Question for People Who Have Had 5 or More Isolaz Treatments

How many treatments did it take to start noticing visible improvement? Can you describe when the improvement occurred for: active, inflamed acne; blackheads; oilness of skin and red marks? What was the improvement like? When did you stop treatment and why? Did your doctor put you on any additional acne meds?

Thank you for your help! I'm trying to decide whether to continue treatment. My first one seemed to make my acne significantly worse.

Irritation and Red Marks

I wonder if the skin being irritated contributes to red marks? What do you guys think?

I never used to get them and I now I get large persistent marks with even the tiniest breakout! I wonder what made it just start happening...