Dear Pharmacist: Zap zits without drugs

Dear Pharmacist: My teenage son's dermatologist suggested Accutane (isotretinoin) for acne. I looked it up on the Internet and it scared me. Can you suggest some alternatives? -- B.A., Orlando, Fla.

Any teenager dealing with acne has my compassion. It's such a difficult age, when they're trying so desperately to be attractive to peers. Your reservations about isotretinoin are spot-on. The medication has potential risks including liver damage, depression and suicidal ideation. Because it can increase the risk of birth defects, doctors won't even prescribe it to young women who could get pregnant. Alternatively, such antibiotics as doxycycline come with their own set of risks that can lead to long-term health issues such as digestive problems, leaky gut and Candida fungal overgrowth. If you take an antibiotic long-term, you definitely need a probiotic to replenish the healthy flora.

Fear not, I have a few suggestions that have every likelihood of success. My first suggestion is a skin-clarifying system called TRIA that zaps the bacteria that cause acne. The heart of this three-step acne clearing system is a blue light that penetrates the skin surface and attacks the pathogens that cause acne. This kit did a terrific job on my son's skin when he used it, and we could see results the first week. I recommend this product because it is nonmedicated; the clarifying cleanser doesn't even contain benzoyl peroxide, which can be irritating.

Now, more about this blue light. It causes a warming sensation on the skin. Blue light treatments are FDA-approved, and some dermatologists use this technique in their offices. The TRIA product that I'm suggesting is over-the-counter, but is still professional strength. You can learn more at TriaBeauty.com.

Many dermatologists -- at least the ones who are behind the times -- maintain that diet has nothing to do with acne breakouts. Nothing is further from the truth according to new medical studies. For more about what to eat to support beautiful, clear skin I strongly recommend picking up a "The Clear Skin Diet," written by naturopathic physician Alan C. Logan, N.D., and Dr. Valorie Treloar, a dermatologist (Cumberland House, 2007).

This book does a good job of outlining what to eat (and what to avoid) to promote clear skin, and it offers recommendations for dietary supplements. You could easily implement Treloar's suggestion to avoid dairy products because the hormones used in dairy products adversely affect skin. According to Treloar, this step alone could go a long way to clear up troubled teenage skin. One more thing, teenage acne has been tied to low zinc. Supplements of natural zinc lozenges are inexpensive and sold at health food stores nationwide. You might also try dabbing the breakouts with 100 percent tea tree oil.

Did You Know? A compound in green tea called L-theonine has just been shown to help you focus on your daily activities and stress less.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your disease. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. To ask her a question or to learn more about your health, visit DearPharmacist.com