Acne.org Editorial Guidelines

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.

Read more about our process

Articles by Dan Kern

Cortisone Shots for Acne

These Doctor-Administered Injections Quickly and Dramatically Reduce Inflammation, Speed Healing, and Reduce Scarring in Severe Acne Lesions The Essential Info Cortisone shots are one of those modern medical miracles that have been around for a while so they don’t get the credit they deserve. If you get a severe acne lesion–the kind that are big (over …

Does Sun Exposure Make Acne Scars Worse?

It Might, but Few Studies Have Looked at the Question The Essential Info Many doctors warn patients that the sun can disrupt healing and worsen scarring. But only two small studies have investigated what sun exposure does to scars, and neither study specifically looked at acne scars. Still, here’s what the two studies found: Study 1: …

What’s the Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays?

Put Simply, UVA Rays Tan the Skin While UVB Rays Burn the Skin. Both Types of Rays Damage the Skin and Contribute to Skin Cancer, Which Is Why It’s Important to Protect the Skin Using a “Broad-Spectrum” Sunscreen. The Essential Info The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, both of which are invisible to …

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 …