Dermatologists! Ugh...

[razzelspaz]

Just a few questions and comments - thank you in advance to anyone who is willing to help me out! I know this is long and some of these questions may have already been posted before, so gracias.

First off, like many of you, I've had acne since elementary school (5th-6th grade), and I'm currently a senior in high school. I would say my acne is mild to moderate...my face is EXTREMELY OILY. I've tried a lot of things like everyone else here, and one thing that really seemed to clear me up in middle school was Retin-A. But, I stopped using it, I don't exactly remember why. I DO remember, though, that I didn't like my dermatologist because he really didn't listen to me - I think one of the reasons I stopped was because I stopped going to a dermatologist. This particular dermatologist always wanted to go "all out" and prescribe me every possible thing under the sun - my skin wasn't that bad at the time.

So, my first question is: how did everybody here find their dermatologist, and are you happy with your choice?

My second question is, I'm thinking about using Retin-A again (IF I CAN GET A PRESCRIPTION, my current dermatologist is STUBBORN and really doesn't listen to what I'm saying, so I may end up seeing another dermatologist), but I've heard great things about Tazorac. What's the difference between the two? I thought they had the same active ingredient?

My third question is, I'm going to see a gynecologist at the beginning of May to ask about birth control again. I tried for only a couple of days in the past because I was constantly throwing up - my stomach is VERY sensitive. It This time, I'm going to ask for the lowest dose possible for acne. What are the brands/types that produce the least amount of initial breakouts with maximum reasults? I'm biracial - my skin is very sensitive to spotting, so I always end up having dark spots after a pimple, even if I leave it alone and do not touch it. My skin would be so discolored if I had a horrible breakout period.

[sapphire99]

Everyone is different when it comes to birth control pills. I have had mild/moderate acne for many years, as well as scars that last years even if I dont touch them, Iwas always interested in trying birth control to see if it would help, but I never did... that is until last year I went on it because I was getting married. Right now I am SUFFERING because the pill is making my old acne look like perfect skin I am getting huge red bumps that even if I were a pimple popper I couldn't pop them... they are huge and the swelling in them dosen't go down until after a couple of weeks, then the scars never disappear

It really sucks because I have tried 3 different bc pills and they have all caused me to break out! What I can tell you is that I have a VERY sensitive stomach as well and I was always nauseous on Ortho-Tri Cyclen LO, but Loestrin and Demulen dont hurt it at all. I just finished my 1st pack of Demulen so I am hoping that it might help by the third month. I suggest if you get sick by whatever you are perscribed then call your doctor and they will perscribe you something else. Also my sister has had great success with Estrostep but when she first started taking it she had a breakout that lasted 2 months... then no more acne, but I have not tried it because it isnt covered by my insurance. I hear alot of good things about Yasmin and I think I will try it if the Demulen doesn't get any better.

Hope I have helped you in some way