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

How to Clear Open Comedones (Blackheads)

Mechanical Extraction Can Clear Blackheads, but Prevention of Blackheads Is the Best Means of Keeping the Skin Clear The Essential Info What Is a Blackhead? Blackheads, also called open comedones, are small, brown- or black-colored lesions that are most often found on the face, especially around the nose. They result when a pore is only …

The Genetics of Acne

Numerous Genes May Increase the Likelihood of Developing Acne The Essential Info Acne is in part a genetic disease. If your parents had acne, there is a greater likelihood that you will as well. However, due to the complex nature of acne, it is unlikely that there is a single acne gene that triggers acne formation. …

What Is a Blackhead?

A Blackhead Is a Small, Dark-colored Clogged Pore The Essential Info Blackheads, also called open comedones, are small, non-inflammatory, black- or brown-colored clogged pores that most often appear on the face. They develop when a pore becomes partially clogged and begins to fill up with skin oil. Because the pore is only partially blocked, oxygen from …

Everything You Need to Know About Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide Is a Topical Acne Medication That Kills Bacteria, Exfoliates the Skin, Reduces Inflammation, and Clears Clogged Pores The Essential Info Benzoyl peroxide is a common topical acne treatment that is found in both over-the-counter as well as prescription products with concentrations ranging from 2.5 – 10%.  How It Works: Side Effects: It takes …

Should You Wash Your Skin with Hot or Cold Water?

Warm, Cool, or Cold Water Is Fine, but Avoid Hot Water The Essential Info Warm Water May Be Ideal: Some evidence shows that warm water may improve skin healing. Cool or Cold Water Is Fine: There is no evidence that washing with cool or cold water would be detrimental in any way. Avoid Hot Water: …

Over-the-Counter Treatment Ingredients

Listed Alphabetically Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) What It Is: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid are the most common alpha hydroxy acids used in skin care formulations, in creams and gels in 10% or lower strength. For all intents and purposes, glycolic acid is the type you will likely find at a drugstore. (Learn …

Hives (Urticaria)

Hives, Also Known as Urticaria, Are Itchy Welts of Various Sizes on the Skin, and Are Not Acne The Essential Info Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, usually red or pink, welts of various sizes on the skin. They develop usually within minutes of contact with an allergy trigger (i.e. a particular food, medication, animal, …

Genetic Treatments for Acne

Genetic Treatments for Acne May Be a Real Possibility in the Future, but None Exist Today, and None Are Currently in Development The Essential Info Genetic treatment aims to fix or replace defective or missing genes that cause a disease. To date, genetic treatments exist for only six life-threatening diseases, and researchers are hard at …

Can I Take Oral Antibiotics While I Use the Birth Control Pill?

Most Doctors Are OK with Prescribing Them Together as Long as You Use a Second Method of Birth Control The Essential Info Doctors sometimes prescribe both birth control pills and antibiotics at the same time for women who suffer from acne, and there are cases in which antibiotics might lead to breakthrough pregnancy (pregnancy while …

Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Help with Acne?

Perhaps. Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Moderate Hormones Through Reducing Blood Sugar Spikes after High Glycemic Food Intake. The Essential Info People have been using vinegar medicinally for thousands of years, and information which indicates that vinegar is therapeutic for a variety of bodily ailments is accumulating. The available science suggests that ingesting a small …