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Articles by Dan Kern

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 …

Do Different Strains of Acne Bacteria Affect Acne Differently?

Certain Bacterial Strains Are Present in Different Amounts Between Acne and Non-acne Patients, and These Strains Display Varying Effects on the Immune System, Which Could Affect Acne Development Differently The Essential Info Acne is in part a bacterial disease. When it comes to acne, a specific type called C. acnes is the culprit. Scientists found …

Treating Acne in Male vs. Female Skin

The Biggest Difference Is that Females Can Elect to Use Oral Contraceptives and/or Oral Anti-androgens The Essential Info Males: Females: The Science Due to higher levels of male hormones (androgens), the skin of males is different from that of females. Males have: Female skin is the opposite: Since males tend to have higher levels of …

Body Acne Is More Common Than You Think

Body Acne Is Present in about 50% of People Who Have Facial Acne The Essential Info While it may sound surprising because people are usually covered up, body acne is present in about 50% of people who have facial acne. Body acne that is not accompanied by facial acne occurs in only a small proportion …

Can Prohormones Cause Acne?

Yes, It Is Likely, and They Don’t Help With Muscle Size and Strength The Essential Info In an attempt to provide similar “steroid-like results” in an over-the-counter supplement, the fitness supplement industry introduced “prohormone” supplements. If these supplements did work as advertised, which–spoiler alert–they don’t, that would mean they would increase levels of testosterone in …

Does Stress Affect Acne?

Most Likely Yes, Since the Skin Appears to Be Sensitive to Stress The Essential Info Chronic stress results in the release of a cascade of chemicals in the body that may contribute to acne. Based on what we know about how these chemicals may lead to increased skin oil production and inflammation, it is likely …

Diet and Acne

Looking at the Research and Possible Links Between Diet and Acne The Essential Info Studying the relationship between diet and any disease, including acne, is complex, time-consuming, and expensive. For these reasons, the research performed thus far on diet and acne has relied mainly on surveys, which are less than ideal. However, from the admittedly …