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Articles by Dan Kern

The Role of Bacteria in Acne

Acne Bacteria May Turn a Clogged Pore into an Inflamed Pimple The Essential Info Acne forms when a skin pore becomes clogged and skin oil that normally drains to the surface gets trapped inside. Living inside this skin oil is a type of acne bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). When skin oil gets trapped, …

Chemical Peels for Acne

Superficial Peels Exfoliate the Skin and Can Help Clear Acne. Moderate & Deep Peels Can Help Reduce Scarring. The Essential Info Chemical peels can treat acne and/or acne scarring depending on the strength of the peel. Treating acne requires lower percentage acid, and treating scarring requires higher percentage acid. Getting chemical peels usually involves several …

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 …