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Articles by Dan Kern

What Causes Acne?

Acne Is Likely Caused by Multiple Factors, Including Hormones, Inflammation, Evolutionary Biology, Stress, Vitamin Deficiency, and Diet, Amongst Others The Essential Info Acne is known as a multifactorial disease, which means several factors likely lead to its development. These factors may include a complex mixture of: Hormones (For Sure): We know that hormones are required …

Scalp Acne

What It Is and How to Treat It The Essential Info Acne can occur on the scalp, but is less noticeable because hair covers it up. Hair, however, can make it harder to treat as well. If you only get an occasional pimple on your scalp, don’t worry about it. Leave it be and it should …

Neck Acne

Information and Treatment for Acne on the Back of the Neck The Essential Info The skin on the back of the neck is thick, with bigger pores and larger skin oil glands compared to the skin on the face and front of the neck. This makes the skin on the back of the neck more likely …

Adult Acne

The basics of acne in adult men and women The Essential Info Adult acne is common and tends to afflict women more than men, but can affect both genders on the face and/or body. Usually adult acne is simply the result of adolescent acne continuing into adulthood, however, particularly in women, acne can present itself …

Acne Dysmorphia

A Rare and Debilitating Mental Illness, Similar to Anorexia Nervosa The Essential Info Acne can be tough to live with for just about anyone. But some people take it much harder than others. If you are spending hours in front of a mirror obsessing over imperfections, and especially if you end up picking at yourself …

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Everything You Need to Know About Isotretinoin The Essential Info What It Is: Isotretinoin, often known by its brand name Accutane®, is an oral medication approved for severe, scarring acne that is normally prescribed for 15-20 weeks. It is sometimes referred to as the “nuclear option” due to its ability to provide remission of acne …

Hormones and Acne – Testosterone and Estrogen

The Role of Hormones in Acne The Essential Info Males and females: Hormones are necessary for acne to begin. This is why we see acne start only after the onset of puberty. Specifically, it is the increased androgens (male hormones found in both males and females) that the body starts producing that can cause acne in …

Body Acne Is More Common Than You Think

Body Acne Is Present in about 50% of People Who Have Facial Acne The Essential Info While it may sound surprising because people are usually covered up, body acne is present in about 50% of people who have facial acne. Body acne that is not accompanied by facial acne occurs in only a small proportion …

The Role of Sebum (Skin Oil) in Acne

Generally Speaking, More Sebum = More Acne. Also, When the Composition of Sebum Goes Awry, That May Also Lead to Acne. The Essential Info What Sebum Is: Sebum is the medical name for skin oil. It is produced by glands that are attached to skin pores all over the body. These glands are particularly large …

Is It Possible to Take Too Much Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Yes, People Who Take Omega-3 Supplements for Acne or Other Purposes Should Not Take More than 2,000 mg per Day The Essential Info Two studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids might help reduce acne. That’s only two studies, and we will need to see them replicated before we know for sure. But it makes sense …