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Articles by Dan Kern

What Is Comedone Extraction, and Should You Do It?

Comedone Extraction Is a Procedure to Remove the Contents of Clogged Pores. Professional Comedone Extraction Might Help with Mild Acne but May Worsen Severe Acne. The Essential Info What is it? Comedone extraction is a procedure in which a doctor, nurse, or esthetician/cosmetician uses a small metal tool called a comedone extractor with a loop …

What is Benzoic Acid and Can it Help Clear Acne?

Benzoic Acid Forms from the Breakdown of Benzoyl Peroxide on the Skin. Once it Forms, Benzoic Acid Is Hypothesized to Work Similarly to Salicylic Acid to Clear Acne. The Essential Info When benzoyl peroxide is applied to the skin, it breaks down into two parts: Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide works by killing acne bacteria (C. …

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

It Means That a Product Is Less Likely to Cause an Allergic Reaction. However, Consumers Should Know That Any Cosmetic Product Can Cause Allergic Reactions, Even Those Advertised as Hypoallergenic. The Essential Info Hypoallergenic is a term that means “reduced allergy.” However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require the manufacturers of …

What Is Acne Fulminans?

Acne Fulminans Is a Very Rare and Extremely Severe Form of Acne that Affects Young Caucasian Males The Essential Info Acne fulminans is an extremely rare, severe form of acne that presents numerous painful nodules and/or cysts covering large areas of the skin along with symptoms that affect the whole body, such as fever, fatigue, …

What Is Acne Conglobata?

Acne Conglobata Is a Rare and Unusually Severe Form of Acne The Essential Info What It Is: Acne conglobata is a severe form of acne that comes with a range of lesions, most notably nodules, cysts, blackheads, abscesses, and draining sinuses. It often leaves large, disfiguring scars. The disease typically affects young males, but females …

How Lactic Acid Helps with Acne

Lactic Acid Exfoliates the Skin, Decreases Skin Oil, Reduces Bacteria, Decreases Hyperpigmentation, and Promotes the Penetration of Acne Medications The Essential Info Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is mainly used for its anti-aging properties, but since it is an AHA, it should be somewhat effective against acne as well, particularly when used …

Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis Is A Skin Condition Caused by Irritants or Allergens that Usually Results in a Rash The Essential Info Contact dermatitis is a common skin disorder that occurs when an irritant or allergen comes into contact with the skin. The skin develops a red or pink rash that may be accompanied by a variety of …

Can Protein Shakes Cause Acne?

Perhaps. Specifically, the Calories in Protein Shakes May Increase Acne. The Essential Info Protein shakes are obviously high in protein, but they are also often high in calories. The strongest evidence we have at our disposal that could potentially link protein shakes with acne focuses not on the protein itself in protein shakes, but on …

Can Makeup Cause Acne?

Yes It Can. Be Sure to Select and Use Makeup Wisely. The Essential Info While most makeup today is relatively safe to use, some makeup products can still lead to acne. This is such a well-known phenomenon that dermatologists have a name for it: acne cosmetica. It can take months for acne cosmetica to show up …

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

A Common Skin Condition, Particularly in Young Children, that Includes Itchy, Dry, and Scaly skin, Typically on the Cheeks, Arms, and Legs The Essential Info Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and cracked skin. It normally begins before the age of 5, but continues in about 1/2 …