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Articles by Dan Kern

Is Mineral Makeup Good for Acne?

Pure Mineral Makeup Is Usually Safe for Acne-prone Skin, but Not All So-called “Mineral” Makeup Is Actually Pure. The Bottom Line Is That You Have to Look at the Ingredients. The Essential Info Pure mineral makeup consists only of minerals and is typically safe for acne. However, many manufacturers market so-called “mineral” makeup that contains …

Jojoba Oil

Everything You Need to Know About Jojoba Oil The Essential Info Some oils, like coconut oil, are likely to clog pores and lead to acne. Other oils, like olive oil, are less likely to clog pores but are still not safe for acne-prone skin. And finally, some oils, like jojoba oil, will not clog pores and are …

How to Choose a Good BB or CC Cream

Choose a BB or CC Cream That Does Not Contain Any Pore-clogging Ingredients and Apply It Very Gently The Essential Info The best approach to choosing a BB or CC cream for acne-prone skin is to look at the ingredients. Steer clear of creams that contain pore-clogging ingredients. Also avoid products that contain fragrances, which …

What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia, and Is It the Same as Acne?

Sebaceous Hyperplasia Is a Harmless Skin Condition That Looks like Raised Bumps on the Face with Dimples in the Middle and Mainly Affects Older Adults. It Has No Connection to Acne. The Essential Info Sebaceous hyperplasia is a minor skin condition that occurs mostly in people over 40 when the glands that produce skin oil …

Do Anabolic Steroids Cause Acne?

Yes. Using Anabolic Steroids Dramatically Increases the Risk of Developing Acne, Including Severe Acne. The Essential Info Using anabolic steroids, especially testosterone, is highly correlated with acne development. In other words, if you take anabolic steroids, your chances of developing acne on the face and the body, including severe and scarring acne, increase dramatically. Why is …

Do Aspirin Masks or Other Forms of Topical Aspirin Work to Clear Acne?

It Can Hypothetically Help A Bit, but Is Dangerous. Buy Over-the-counter Salicylic Acid Products Instead. The Essential Info When dissolved in water, aspirin breaks down into salicylic acid, which you may have seen listed as an active ingredient on over-the-counter acne products before. Salicylic acid has skin-shedding and anti-inflammatory properties, and can help reduce acne symptoms. In …

What Causes a Pimple to Scar?

It’s the Result of Genetics and Inflammation The Essential Info When an acne lesion is healing, the body must replace damaged tissue to heal the skin. Replacing this tissue is a highly intricate process that involves balancing collagen production. If the body produces too little collagen, an indented scar results. And if the body produces …

What Is Sebum and What Is Its Purpose?

Sebum Is the Medical Name for Skin Oil. It Contributes to Acne, but Also Maintains the Integrity and Function of the Skin. The Essential Info Sebum (skin oil) is essential to maintaining the integrity and function of the skin and hair in mammals, including humans. Its purposes include: Preventing dryness Lubricating the skin and preventing …

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

What is vitamin B5 and does it help acne? The Essential Info We have only one study so far that shows that megadosing on vitamin B5 orally may help reduce acne, but the study was small, and was sponsored by a marketing company, so we will need to see it replicated before we make any …

What Is Pyoderma Faciale?

Pyoderma Faciale Is a Rare and Severe Form of Acne in Females The Essential Info Pyoderma faciale, also known as rosacea fulminans, is a rare, severe form of acne that occurs exclusively in females. Symptoms are always limited to the face and include intense redness of the skin and a mixture of nodules, cysts, papules, …