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Articles by Dan Kern

Alternative Therapies for Acne

(1) Meditation/Yoga/Hypnosis, (2) Acupuncture, (3) Healthy Diet, (4) Adequate Sleep, and (5) Exercise Might Help The Essential Info Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease. The following alternative therapies and lifestyle practices all have the potential to lessen inflammation, so they could potentially help reduce acne symptoms: While none of these are likely to completely clear the …

Choosing a Razor for Acne-prone Skin

Two-blade Cartridge Razors Are the Best Choice for Most People The Essential Info There is a proven link between physical irritation and acne, so finding a razor that is suitable for acne-prone skin means choosing one that produces the least irritation. Currently, four major types of razors exist on the market, and cartridge razors easily win …

Spironolactone in Acne Treatment

Spironolactone Is an Anti-androgen Medication That May Be Somewhat Effective for Females The Essential Info Spironolactone is an oral medication prescribed almost always to females that suppresses the production of androgens (male hormones found in both males and females). Higher levels of male hormones in both males and females lead to more skin oil production, …

What’s the Difference Between Retinol and Retinoids?

While Chemically Similar, They Have Differences: Retinol Is Over-the-counter, Weaker, and Comes with Less Side Effects, Whereas Retinoids Are Prescription, Stronger, and Come with More Side Effects The Essential Info You have probably heard commercials for anti-aging creams touting the benefits of retinol. You may also have heard about prescription anti-acne gels/creams that contain retinoids …

Urine Therapy for Acne

There Is No Good Evidence to Date to Support the Use of Urine as an Acne Treatment The Essential Info Yes, believe it or not, people try treating their acne with their own urine. However, there is no evidence to date to support the topical application of urine on acne lesions, and the risks outweigh …

Heat Therapy for Acne

There Is No Evidence that These Devices Fulfill Their Promises The Essential Info Heat therapy devices work by the notion that spot treating an acne lesion with heat can kill bacteria within the lesion, helping reduce inflammation and helping the lesion heal faster. If they worked, they would be a great tool, but we still …

The Role of Inflammation in the Development of Acne

Inflammation Plays a Central Role in All Stages of Acne Development The Essential Info The body’s immune system is responsible for creating inflammation. It does this in response to anything that it sees as “foreign” or as an “invader.” This is normally a good thing because the inflammation serves to heal tissue damage or fight …

Does the Sun Burn/Tan Your Lips, and Do You Need to Protect Them?

The Lips Burn, but Rarely Tan. Sun Protection Is Important. The Essential Info The lips make up part of the skin, and just like bodily skin, the lips are impacted by sun damage. However, compared to the body, the lips contain drastically lower amounts of skin pigment (melanin), so the lips rarely, if ever, tan. …

Which Prescriptions Do Doctors Prescribe Most Often for Acne?

Retinoids, Antibiotics, and Benzoyl Peroxide Top the List The Essential Info The 5 most frequently prescribed acne medications are: *Isotretinoin comes with severe and potentially lifelong side effects, and is only approved for use in people with severe and scarring acne that does not respond to other treatments. However, because of its effectiveness, doctors sometimes …