As both a writer and creative contributor to The Fine Print, I had the opportunity to explore two very different yet deeply connected sides of expression - our skin and our style. In this magazine, I investigated the realities behind Isotretinoin, a medication often seen as a last resort for severe acne. Through interviews, research, and personal stories, More Than Meets the Skin sheds light on the physical, emotional, and often overlooked mental and sexual health impacts of the drug, sparking a wider conversation around beauty standards and medical transparency.
Outside the writing, I also helped curated and style our fashion shoot. The goal was to celebrate local creativity and create corporate outfits with a Tu Dublin twist.
Whether through clothing, skin, travel, or investigative stories, The Fine Print is about looking closer at the surface - and what lies beneath it.
Hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we loved putting it together.
More Than Meets the Skin delves into the personal and medical realities behind Isotretinoin - a powerful, last-resort medication for treatment-resistant acne. Praised for its ability to transform lives and self-esteem by clearing severe skin conditions, behind the success stories lies a shadow of concern.
There is a growing list of under-reported side effects, particularly relating to mental and sexual health. The story follows the experiences of young Irish women who are preparing to start treatment after years of struggle, and a woman already navigating the emotional and physical toll of the drug.
With voices from medical professionals like Dr. John Flanagan and global comparisons - such as Japan’s refusal to approve the drug - this piece examines the stigma and uncertainty that surround Isotretinoin.
While some users report life-changing benefits, others are left battling depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction, often in silence. Through patient stories, medical insight, and ethical questions, the story asks: at what cost does clear skin come, and are patients being given the full picture before they make the choice of beginning Isotretinoin?