Image via IDS

By god, they may have done it! According to an article in the Telegraph, the drug SMT D002 can reduce sebum by 90 percent:

At present, the drug is in pill form and is used to treat a condition other than acne but a pharmaceutical company plans to turn it into a cream for easier use.

Researchers believe it could become as effective a treatment as retinoic acid--a form of vitamin A--which is currently used to treat moderate to severe cases.

The best part of this oh-so-important scientific discovery? So far, they haven't discovered any major side-effects.

During my battles with adult onset acne, derms, beauty experts and friends alike tried to steer me in the direction of Accutane to clear things up. But despite friends with glowing skin and ecstatic recommendations, I could never bring myself to pump copious amounts of vitamin A through my system because even if I do believe the drug's link to suicide is waaaay over-hyped and exaggerated, many reputable doctors do agree that anyone with even a slight predisposition to depression should avoid this drug like the plague no matter what. (Even though, arguably, being a pizza face causes depression too, but anyway). Plus, going on Accutane is a huge commitment. Not only do you have to do all these expensive blood tests and monthly doctor check ups, but hardly any derm will prescribe it unless you're on the Pill, and I was not about to start taking birth control (another drug that makes me feel kinda suicidally depressed), just in order to take yet another prescription drug.

Anyway, I have high hopes for myself and others out there who might be Accutane candidates but don't want to go there. Currently, the Oxford, England-based company Summit Corporation is working on developing a cream version of the drug, which they mysteriously hint might be one that we are all familiar with but they can't reveal the name of it just yet. Wouldn't it be bizarre if they're turning Viagra into a zit-busting face cream!?!?