Ziana

One of the benefits of aging is the end, finally!, of acne. That doesn't mean that zits are not a topic of discussion in the household here, so I read with interest that a new twofer gel is available for those of us young enough to still breakout.

When I got my first zit, unkindly pointed out by Susan Millicent on a 6th grade field trip, the best my pediatrician had to offer was a suggestion to leave soapsuds on my face for a minute each evening. Red and scaly became the order of the decade, whether from soapsuds, sunlamps, or Retin-A. No matter the cause, though, red and scaly always preferable to pustules.

Enter lyrically labeled Ziana. Google Ziana, and you will find she will read your Tarot cards OR it will cure your acne. Per Dr. Wortzman of Medicis Pharmaceuticals, the gel version was more effective and produced less erythema and skin scaling as well as patient-reported burning and itching in clinical trials than use of its component parts. "Very little skin irritation," says he.

Ziana combines the antibacterial punch of topical clindamycin with the zit-digging power of tretinoin (Retin-A). Pricey though per one dude on acne.org:

Well guys...ixnay on the Ziana. I just found out that not only does it cost $250 WITH the $35 rebate the derm gave me, but that my parent's health care plan won't cover it because it's too damn expensive!!!