Finding health and wellness information is easy. It's everywhere. But finding trustworthy, relevant, usable information can be hard and even overwhelming. Acne.org is changing all that. We're making health information understandable and accessible so you can make the best decisions for yourself and the people you love.
Using a Washcloth Can Physically Irritate the Skin. Anything that Physically Irritates the Skin can Lead to More Acne. Use Only Your Bare Hands. The Essential Info It is well known that physically irritating the skin can lead to more acne. In fact, dermatologists have a name for acne that is created by irritation: acne …
Facial Scrubs Do More Harm than Good by Physically Irritating the Skin The Essential Info Some manufacturers claim that facial scrubs can improve acne by exfoliating the skin and preventing clogged pores. However, facial scrubs contain particles that when rubbed on the skin can lead to physical irritation, and it is well-known that physical irritation …
Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene, Trifarotene) Can Irritate the Skin, Especially in the First Few Weeks, Which Might Make Sunburns Worse The Essential Info Retinoids are somewhat effective topical prescription acne treatments that work by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. The FDA has approved these 4 retinoids: You may have heard that retinoids make your skin …
Are Some Worse Than Others? The Essential Info Topical antibiotics often produce skin irritation, and oral antibiotics are well known to produce gastrointestinal upset and nervous system problems, and sometimes more serious lifelong side effects like permanent tooth discoloration, hearing loss, or death. Despite these side effects, and despite the fact that antibiotics produce only …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Acne.org Products