BOSTON -- Acne is the most common type of skin disease. According to dermatologists, 17 million Americans between 12 and 24 suffer from severe acne. There is a new option for people looking to zap away the zits, without suffering serious side effects.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Thursday on the new cream.

"I started getting a lot of breakouts when I was 14 or 15 years old," said Amanda McGuire.

McGuire has tried different creams and gels to treat her acne. Finally at 19 years old, she has found something that works.

"I just decided that I wanted them gone once and for all," McGuire said.

Dermatologist Leslie Lucchina has prescribed the drug Differin to McGuire. Lucchina said it's the latest acne-fighting cream approved by the FDA, without the serious side effects. It works by destroying skin cells that clog pores.

"It not only treats acne lesions but it prevents other acne lesions," said Lucchina, a dermatologist in Boston.

Differin is a prescription-only acne treatment. Its active ingredient is much stronger than what's found in over-the-counter acne creams.

"It may be that lower doses of salicylic acid, or benzoyle peroxide which happen to be in most over- the-counter acne treatments, and may not be enough to clear the acne," Lucchina said.

The Differin is working for McGuire. As she heads off to college, she said the new cream is helping her feel more confident.

"It makes me more confident when I go out and have a clear face and don't have to worry about what they're thinking about it," McGuire said.