Zit, Pimple, Boomer, Chin Pickens, Backne...all pejoratives for the bane of a teen's existence:  Acne.

We all go through it, we all hate it, we all try to find ways to steer clear of it.  In the past, that usually starts after a bad epidermis day, you come home from school, plop in front of the TV (maybe the computer these days), and the you see an ad for Stridex or Clearasil. 

"Mom, can you please take me to Long's for some zit stuff?"  And so it begins.  Thus you launch the first volley in the battle to regain your face.   

Most over-the counter-acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide--the most common over-the-counter acne medicine available.  It exfoliates skin and has a mild antibiotic effect (and, by the way, seems to work more effectively when you use it Retin-A, which is only available by prescription). 

These days, though, it's not the Stridex or Clearasil the kids are crying for--No: Instead, when they plop down in front of the TV, they see an ad starring Jessica Simpson where she tells them how terrible it was to have all that acne as a teen and young adult, and how, after she took one Miracle Drug, she became clear, beautiful, and a successful model/singer/TV and movie star.

The Miracle Drug: 

"Mom, can you order this stuff for me and my zits?"

Proactiv is hot--literally every kid I see for acne in my office is using it.  Usually, they order it online or over the phone.  On it's site, endorsements from Simpson ("It worked for me and can work for you too!"), Jennifer Love Hewitt (I feel good about myself everyday.  So can you"), and Vanessa Williams ("It makes my skin feel really good.  I'm hooked.") along with a video endorsements from Dermatologists Drs. Rodan and Fields. 

I need it.  I want it.  NOW!

But what is this miracle drug?  After all, the "Proactiv System" will cost you $59.95 (though it's a $117 value).  So take a look at their website and where they list each potion's  ingredients the active compound  is...(drumroll please)

benzoyl peroxide. 

Does that sound familiar?

By the way, generic benzoyl peroxide at my local pharmacy costs $5.25

Celebrities lend their name to junk all the time, but what's always more disturbing is when doctors do it.  Whether it's speaking on behalf drug companies or selling snake oil (or, in this case, a generic, over the counter medicine at over a 100% markup), it just makes medical professionals look bad.

Now, who wants their money back?