Acne

Dear Dr. Dean:Is there a vitamin or an herb that will stop acne? Acutane has been suggest by a dematologist but Ive heard bad things about it. Any suggestion would be helpful. Thank you G. Partridge

Dear Ms. Partridge I agree about Acutane. Its pretty toxic stuff. I use it (carefully) for severe cystic acne only.I suggest a high-potency multi-nutrient formula (i.e. Optimum Six is a good one) that has 25 000 IU of Vitamin A zinc and a complete B complex. Also try Silver Liquid 400 ppm 1/2 to 1 tsp twice daily and applied topically at bed-time (it can be used more frequently but some people dont like the barely-noticeable skin discoloration during the day. Use Benzoyl Peroxide 10% topically in the morning. This combination will provide both anti-bacterial and desquamating (drying) effects. Derm-Amour cream is also very effective for alleviating acne.Retin-A is also very effective topically either by prescription or by mail without a prescription from International Anti-Aging Systems (www.antiaging-systems.com).Ward Dean M.D.