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Articles by Dan Kern

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 …

What Is Cystic Acne?

Cystic Acne Is Severe Acne, and Includes Large Lesions (Nodules and/or Cysts) That Are 5 mm or More in Diameter The Essential Info Cystic acne, also called nodulocystic acne, is a severe type of acne consisting of larger, more painful lesions called nodules and cysts. Treatment Cystic lesions can take weeks or even months to …

Does Garlic Help with Acne?

Some Weak Evidence Suggests That Applying Garlic Topically Might Improve Acne, but Proceed with Caution The Essential Info Topical Garlic: Garlic is used as a folk remedy for many conditions, and some people are now trying it topically to treat acne. Garlic possesses: All of these could hypothetically help reduce acne, but the key word …

What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and How Does It Affect Acne?

PCOS Is a Hormonal Disease That Affects the Ovaries and Can Lead to Acne: 19 – 37% of Females with Moderate-to-Severe Acne May Have This Disorder The Essential Info Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects females. It is characterized by: Acne + Excessive Hair Growth: Because high male hormone levels …

How Is Teen Acne Different from Adult Acne?

Males Are More Affected as Teens, Whereas Females Are More Affected as Adults, and All Adults Tend to See Breakouts More Around the Chin and Jawline The Essential Info Age: Adolescent acne, often referred to as “teen acne,” affects people up to 25 years old, while adult acne affects people over 25 years old. Prevalence: Teen …