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Articles by Dan Kern

What Is the Difference Between Skin on the Face and Skin on the Body?

Facial Skin Is More Delicate and Requires Special Care The Essential Info Skin on the Face: Skin pores on the face are smaller than on the rest of the body and contain a higher concentration of skin oil glands. Skin oil is essential for the development of acne, and this is why we see acne …

Is There a Link Between Iodine and Acne?

Despite What You May Have Heard, There Appears to Be No Inherent Link Between the Two The Essential Info There is no evidence that normal intake of iodine in the diet causes acne. Any relationship between the two appears to occur only with very high levels of iodine intake, such as from kelp supplements. Furthermore, acne-like …

Is Benzoyl Peroxide Safe?

Yes, Benzoyl Peroxide Is Safe and Effective. It Comes with Manageable Side Effects That Decrease with Continued Use. The Essential Info The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that benzoyl peroxide is both safe and effective for treating acne. A quote from the FDA in 2010: “We, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), …

How Will Swimming in a Pool Affect My Acne?

It’s A Mixed Bag. It Can Irritate and Dry the Skin, but Also Might Kill Acne Bacteria. The Essential Info Don’t be afraid to swim in a pool if you have acne, but be aware that chlorine and other disinfectants in pool water can be irritating and drying to the skin. Overly-dry and irritated skin …

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 …