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Articles by Dan Kern

How Polyhydroxy Acids May Help with Acne

Polyhydroxy Acids May Work to Clear Acne a Small Amount by Exfoliating the Surface of the Skin, Increasing Antioxidants, Increasing Skin Moisture, Decreasing Hyperpigmentation, and Promoting the Penetration of Acne Medications The Essential Info Polyhydroxy acids are a group of acids that are used to treat a variety of skin conditions. They are hydroxy acids …

Are Self-tanners Safe for Acne-prone Skin?

No Studies Have Looked at Whether Self-tanners Are Safe for Acne. If You Use Self-tanners, Avoid Those with Pore-clogging or Irritating Ingredients and Apply Them Very Gently. The Essential Info Self-tanning products, also known as sunless tanners, can be purchased over-the-counter or sprayed on the skin in spray tan booths at salons. Regardless of whether you …

Why Do Some People Have Oilier Skin than Others?

Higher Levels of Male Hormones and Growth Hormone Are Mostly to Blame The Essential Info Two main hormonal factors are likely most at fault when it comes to why some people have oilier skin than others: And one factor may result in less oiliness: And there are two wildcards that may either increase or decrease …

How Lipohydroxy Acid Helps with Acne

Lipohydroxy Acid Works by Exfoliating the Skin, Reducing Inflammation, Decreasing Skin Oil, Reducing Bacteria, Decreasing Hyperpigmentation, and Promoting the Penetration of Acne Medications The Essential Info Lipohydroxy acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and can be used to treat acne. It is created from salicylic acid, which is by far the most common BHA …

How Close Are We to an Acne Vaccine?

Research Is Ongoing, but an Anti-acne Vaccine Is Still a Long Way Away, If It Ever Arrives The Essential Info An acne vaccine would prevent acne from developing and help many people avoid years of acne treatment. In the past five decades, researchers have made major strides toward creating an acne vaccine. However, many technical …

What Ethnicity Has the Most Adult Acne?

Based on Limited Research, Black and Hispanic Women Might Experience the Most Adult Acne, While Men of All Ethnicities Might Experience the Same Amount of It The Essential Info Women: Most of the evidence shows that black women may have the most cases of moderate-to-severe adult acne. While there is less evidence, it also seems …

What Is a Draining Sinus?

A Draining Sinus Is a Large, Red, Painful Lesion That Develops from the Merging of Multiple Acne Cysts The Essential Info Draining sinuses are huge, tender bumps that form when multiple cysts combine under the skin. They are the largest type of a lesion found in “nodulocystic” acne, often referred to simply as “cystic acne,” and are very …

Here’s How Much Sunscreen You Should Apply

It’s More than You Think. People Generally Use Only 1/4 of What Is Recommended. The Essential Info Sunscreens are tested using a generous coating on the skin, but the typical person applies just a fraction of this. To make sure you are using enough, apply ½ teaspoon (about a quarter-size amount) to your face and neck …

What Are Retinoids, and Why Are They Used to Treat Acne?

Retinoids Are Vitamin A Derivatives That Are Applied Topically and Can Help Reduce Acne The Essential Info Retinoids are commonly-prescribed topical medications that help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. The FDA has approved four topical retinoids: Which Works Best: Which retinoid works best is still up for debate because researchers have still not tested all four …

Does Wearing a Baseball Hat Cause Acne?

Baseball Hats Physically Irritate the Skin, and this Might Lead to Acne. But, Wearing a Baseball Hat Should be Fine as Long as You Properly Treat the Skin Twice a Day. The Essential Info Wearing a baseball hat, or any tight-fitting hat, physically irritates the skin. Physical irritation can trigger acne or make existing acne …