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Articles by Dan Kern

Does Salicylic Acid Make Your Skin More Sensitive to the Sun?

Probably Not, but until More Research Confirms This, Err on the Side of Caution and Wear Sunscreen While Using Topical Products with Salicylic Acid The Essential Info Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is found in many products for acne-prone skin. If you have looked at the back of acne treatment products at the drugstore, …

How Does Jessner’s Solution Help Clear Acne?

Jessner’s Solution Exfoliates the Skin, Reduces Inflammation, Decreases Bacteria, and Clears Clogged Pores The Essential Info Jessner’s solution is a chemical peel made of: Like other chemical peels, Jessner’s solution can help clear acne. However, research has found that a 30% salicylic acid peel may be slightly better at clearing acne than Jessner’s solution. The …

How Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) Help with Acne

Beta Hydroxy Acids Exfoliate the Skin, Reduce Inflammation, Decrease Skin Oil, Reduce Bacteria, Decrease Hyperpigmentation, and Promote the Penetration of Other Acne Medications The Essential Info Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are acids that are topically applied to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne. Salicylic acid is the only widely-available and widely-used BHA. Salicylic …

How Are Acne and Depression Related?

There Is a Correlation Between Acne and Depression The Essential Info Acne has negative effects on mental well-being, and clearing up acne makes people feel better. That much is known. But what about depression? Research shows us that acne and depression often occur together, which means they are “correlated,” but there is not a clear …

Rosacea

Rosacea Symptoms and Treatment The Essential Info Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects about 5% of people over 30 years old, particularly women and people with fair skin. Rosacea may sometimes look similar to acne, but it is a different disease and requires different treatment.  Symptoms most commonly include: The following symptoms may also …

Resorcinol – Everything You Need to Know

Resorcinol Is a Peeling Agent That Can Exfoliate the Skin The Essential Info What It Is: Resorcinol is one of five FDA-approved over-the-counter acne medications, the others being benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, and adapalene (0.1%). However, due to its tendency to cause more severe side effects when compared to other over-the-counter medications, it is rarely …

Is There an Evolutionary Reason or Purpose for Acne?

Acne May Be a Side Effect of Losing Our Body Hair as We Evolved, an Adaptation That Makes Childbirth Easier, or Even a Way That Nature Prevents Teens from Having Kids Too Early The Essential Info Today, the majority of teenagers and many adults experience acne to some degree. Evolutionary biologists have proposed three theories …

Are Aftershaves Safe to Use on Acne-Prone Skin?

Some Aftershaves are Safe to Use, but Make Sure They Are Alcohol-free The Essential Info Aftershaves are applied to the skin after shaving to disinfect nicks and cuts and relieve discomfort after shaving. They are unnecessary, but most are safe to use on acne-prone skin as long as they do not contain: Note: If you …

Premenstrual Acne

Acne Sometimes Flares Approximately 7-10 Days Prior to Menstruation The Essential Info Hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and can result in acne flares, particularly 7-10 days or so before the onset of menstruation. Premenstrual acne is very common, with studies showing that among women who suffer from acne, 36-78% experience premenstrual acne flares. Pimples …

Oral Vitamin D: How Much Is Too Much?

This Depends on How Much Vitamin D You Already Have in the Blood, but 4000 IU (100 mcg) or More per Day Is Likely to Be Dangerous The Essential Info Vitamin D is a crucially important nutrient that the skin produces during exposure to sunlight, but which can also be obtained through supplementing with oral Vitamin …