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Articles by Dan Kern

How Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Reduces Acne Scars (and May Also Help with Acne)

Trichloroacetic Acid Reduces Scars by Promoting the Production of Collagen (and May Help Acne by Exfoliating the Skin) The Essential Info Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is an acid used for the treatment of acne scars, most notably ice pick scars. It works to treat acne scars by increasing the production of a skin protein called collagen, …

What Is the Actual Relapse Rate of Accutane (isotretinoin)?

Isotretinoin Does Not Always Achieve a Long-term Result, and 14.6 – 52% of Patients Relapse The Essential Info Isotretinoin, often known by its original brand name, Accutane®, is an oral prescription medication that dermatologists sometimes prescribe to people with severe, scarring acne that does not respond to other treatments. It is effective and can provide …

Can Milk of Magnesia Applied Topically Help with Acne?

There Is No Scientific Evidence That Over-the-counter Milk of Magnesia Products Would Help The Essential Info You can find milk of magnesia at any drugstore. It is an oral remedy for treating heartburn and stomach ailments. Some acne sufferers try applying milk of magnesia to the skin topically in the hope that this will improve …

When Will I Grow Out of Acne?

Studies Show That About Half of the People Who Have Acne as Teenagers Will Outgrow It by Their 20s The Essential Info Studies estimate that as many as 85% of people between 12- and 25-years old experience acne. On average, acne begins to improve after the age of 15, and it affects fewer people with …

What Topical Retinoid Formulation Is Most Effective for the Treatment of Acne?

Tazarotene May Produce Slightly Better Results, But Adapalene May Be Best When Side Effects Are Taken into Consideration The Essential Info There are 4 widely-available FDA-approved prescription topical retinoids on the market: Which One Is Most Effective Against Acne? No studies have yet been performed directly comparing all 4 retinoids at once, so we can’t …

How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy

Some Medications May Be Safe, but It Is Important to Ask Your Doctor The Essential Info While most women experience improved acne symptoms during pregnancy, some experience acne flares, particularly in the third trimester. Treating Acne During Pregnancy Is a Challenge: Ethical restrictions prevent studying medications on pregnant women, so there is little direct evidence concerning the …

The Truth About “Chin Acne” In Women

Adult Females Tend to Develop Acne on Their Entire U-zone, Which Includes the Chin, Cheeks, and Jaw The Essential Info Women are more likely to suffer from adult acne than men, largely because of hormone changes that occur with menstrual cycles.  Although many people believe that adult female acne affects the chin most often, studies show …

What Causes Acne?

Acne Is Likely Caused by Multiple Factors, Including Hormones, Inflammation, Evolutionary Biology, Medications, Stress, Vitamin Deficiency, and Diet, Amongst Others The Essential Info Acne is known as a multifactorial disease, which means several factors likely lead to its development. These factors may include a complex mixture of: The Science Scientists still do not know exactly …

Is Isotretinoin (Accutane) Overprescribed?

Yes, Isotretinoin Is Overprescribed. The Decision to Take It Should Be Made Only After Careful Consideration. The Essential Info The current medical research shows that isotretinoin (Accutane®), while extremely effective for severe acne, is overprescribed for the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne. Isotretinoin is an oral medication that affects the entire body, changing not only the …

Indian Skin and Acne

Treating Acne in Indian Skin The Essential Info As we see in all ethnicities, acne is common in Indian people. Like any non-Caucasian ethnicity, Indian people also experience frustrating amounts of hyperpigmentation (dark/red spots left behind after an acne lesion heals). Treatment for acne is usually the same regardless of skin color, but people with …