Clearasil loves some Skins

Skins, the MTV show that has become controversial for showing the actual issues that teenagers face in their lives, lost a lot of advertising revenue after it debuted. General Motors and Taco Bell both decided that they wouldn’t support the show any longer because the content was too racy.

Clearasil, however, had a much better idea. Instead of pulling out, they created an ad campaign that addresses many of the issues raised in the show. It’s a kind of public service to show teens that they can decide not to use drugs and alcohol and that they don’t need to feel pressured into having sex. Clearasil is calling their campaign “Make the Clear Choice.”

This isn’t to say, of course, that all teens will change their ways. Honestly, who would want to give up memories of youthful sex and rebellion. What Clearasil has done is show kids that it is up to them to make their choices in life. Telling them about the potential consequences of uses drugs and having sex gives teenagers the information that they need to make choices. After all, just doing what adults tell you isn’t making a good choice. It’s just following rules. Teens can only make choices when they have information to weight consequences and decide how they want to live their lives.

I’m glad that Clearasil has stuck by Skins. The show isn’t as bad as many conservative groups make it out to be. Calling it pornography is just absurd.

I’m also glad that Clearasil has decided to offer more than just an advertisements. Their ads have made them a part of the conservation rather than just a company pedaling acne treatments.