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Articles by Dan Kern

Does Humid Weather Worsen Acne?

No One Knows, but Scientists Speculate That Humidity Might Play a Role in Acne Development or the Appearance of Acne The Essential Info Researchers have not yet identified whether humidity increases acne symptoms, but some researchers hypothesize that humidity might worsen acne by: More research is needed to evaluate each of these possible issues in …

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 Three studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids might help reduce acne. That’s only 3 studies, 2 of them very small, and we will need to see them replicated before we know …

The Role of Skin Cell Overgrowth (Hyperkeratinization) in Acne

Increases in the Amount of Skin Cells and Skin Proteins May Lead to Clogged Pores The Essential Info Hyperkeratinization is the word dermatologists and biology researchers use to refer to the overgrowth of skin cells, called keratinocytes, and a corresponding overproduction of a protein that keratinocytes produce, called keratin. The overgrowth of keratinocytes and keratin …

The Role of Estrogen in Acne

In Both Males and Females, Estrogens Improve Acne by Decreasing the Production of Skin Oil The Essential Info Both males and females produce female hormones called estrogens. Estrogens counteract the effects of male hormones in the body, thereby decreasing the production of skin oil and reducing acne. To put it simply, male hormones tend to …

Can Topical Zinc Improve Acne?

So Far, Research Isn’t Promising, but Scientists Are Still Testing New Zinc Compounds The Essential Info From the research we have thus far, topical zinc by itself is unlikely to clear acne. But researchers have studied only a small number of zinc compounds for their effectiveness in treating acne, so more research is needed to …

Does Ice Help to Heal Acne?

Yes, It Should. Cold Is Powerfully Anti-Inflammatory. The Essential Info Applying ice to an emerging pimple can often work wonders in preventing its development. In fact, applying ice is more powerful than anything you could apply topically, and a lot less expensive to boot.  Ice not only helps prevent the swelling and inflammation inherent in acne, …

Does Fabric Softener Cause Acne?

It Is Unknown, so It May Be Best to Use Alternatives Like Wool or Plastic Anti-static Dryer Balls The Essential Info Fabric softeners are products used after laundry is washed to make clothing feel softer and reduce static cling, wrinkling, and drying time. Some people are concerned that the fabric softener that is left on …

What’s the Best Treatment for Cystic Acne?

Isotretinoin (Accutane®) Works Best for Severe Cystic Acne, but Comes with Serious Side Effects The Essential Info Cystic acne, also called nodulocystic acne, is acne that comes with large (over 5 mm in diameter), red, painful lesions called nodules and cysts that arise deep within the skin. These lesions can last for weeks, months, or …

Latino Skin and Acne

Treating Acne in Latino Skin The Essential Info As with all ethnicities, acne is common in Latino skin. Latino people tend to experience higher amounts of pustules (“zits”), severe acne lesions (nodules and cysts), and scarring when compared to other “skin of color” groups. Like any non-Caucasian ethnicity, Latino people also experience more hyperpigmentation (dark/red …

Lasers and Acne

Laser Therapy Is Not a First-Line Treatment, but Is Still a Tool in the Toolbox The Essential Info What Is It? Laser treatment for acne normally involves about three sessions at a doctor’s office and normally costs between $600-$1500 total. While it does help reduce acne symptoms, it is likely to only provide partial relief.  How Does …