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Articles by Dan Kern

Active Ingredients in Sunscreen in the United States

As of 2017, the FDA Has Approved 17 Active Sunscreen Ingredients in the U.S., Though Only 8 of Them Are Commonly Used The Essential Info The FDA has approved 17 active sunscreen ingredients, but only 8 of them are commonly used in the U.S. These 8 are: Titanium dioxide (physical filter) Zinc oxide (physical filter) Avobenzone …

Why Is Researching “Diet and Acne” Difficult?

Randomized Controlled Trials, the Most Reliable Type of Study, Present Challenges The Essential Info Studying the impact of diet on any disease, including acne, is difficult because to determine a cause-effect relationship a study would need to control the diet of the people studied over a long period of time, and this can be impractical …

Alternative Therapies for Acne

(1) Meditation/Yoga/Hypnosis, (2) Acupuncture, (3) Healthy Diet, and (4) Exercise Might Help The Essential Info Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease. The following alternative therapies all have the potential to lessen inflammation, so they could potentially help reduce acne symptoms: Meditation/Yoga/Hypnosis Acupuncture Healthy diet Exercise While none of these are likely to completely clear the …

Which Prescriptions Do Doctors Prescribe Most Often for Acne?

Retinoids, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Antibiotics Top the List The Essential Info The four most frequently prescribed acne medications are: Tretinoin – topical retinoid Isotretinoin* – oral retinoid Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide combination** – topical antibiotic + benzoyl peroxide Minocycline – oral antibiotic *Isotretinoin comes with severe and potentially lifelong side effects, and is only approved for use …

Is Acne a Disease?

Yes, It Is a Disease, But It Can Also Be Classified as a Condition and Disorder The Essential Info The definition of a disease is something that comes with both: Functional Impairment: Harm to how the body works Structural Change: Physical changes in the body Acne is a disease, which means it comes with both functional …

What Is Comedogenicity, and What Ingredients Are Comedogenic?

Comedogenic Ingredients Are Ingredients That Clog Pores. There Are 45 Ingredients to Watch Out For. All acne lesions start with clogged pores, which are called comedones. Comedogenicity is a scientific term that describes the potential of a substance to cause comedones. In other words, when a substance is comedogenic, it is likely to clog pores …

The ZIIT Method (Acne Spot Treatment)

Z (zinc) + I (ibuprofen) + I (ice) + T (treat) The Essential Info This is a method of preventing an emerging zit from forming by employing all possible methods to hit it from all sides. Keep this method in mind if you sense a zit emerging the day before prom, or right as your wedding …

Sunscreen (SPF) and Acne

Using Sunscreen (SPF) on Acne-prone Skin The Essential Info A healthy amount of sun exposure can be beneficial for the body and the skin. Unprotected sun exposure to bare skin is the main way our bodies produce vitamin D, an important nutrient. However, over-exposure, particularly sunburn, causes skin damage and can result in breakouts in …

Male Acne

Specifics of Male Acne The Essential Info During adolescence, males tend to have much higher levels of androgens, which are male hormones that result in thicker skin, more skin oil production, and ultimately more severe cases of acne as a whole–both on the face and body–when compared with females. Once adulthood arrives, things shift. If …

Female Acne

Specifics of Female Acne The Essential Info Hormones/Premenstrual: Hormones fluctuate more in women than in men due to the menstrual cycle. Women tend to see a flare in acne 7-10 days before menstruation begins. Adult acne: Compared to only about 1/4 of adult men, more than 1/2 of adult women experience breakouts. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, …