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Articles by Dan Kern

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 …

Is Working out with Makeup on Bad for Acne?

We Don’t Know yet, but You Can Minimize the Risk of Breakouts by Following These Tips The Essential Info No research studies have looked at whether exercising with makeup on might trigger or intensify acne, so we can’t say what effect it might have. To be on the safe side and minimize any potential risk, …

Does Microdermabrasion Improve Acne or Make Acne Worse?

There Is No Scientific Evidence That Microdermabrasion Improves Acne, and the Irritation It Causes May Actually Worsen Acne The Essential Info What It Is: Microdermabrasion is a painless cosmetic procedure that involves using a device that shoots tiny aluminum oxide particles at the skin, thus dislodging and removing surface skin cells. Cost: It normally requires …

Keratosis Pilaris – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

A Common Genetic Condition that Normally Goes Away on Its Own The Essential Info Keratosis pilaris is a very common genetic skin condition that affects people of all ethnicities. It presents as tiny, hard bumps, closely resembling goosebumps or chicken skin, typically on the back of the upper arms and/or the front of the thighs. …

Is Shaving Good or Bad for Acne?

A Gentle Shave Might Help, but Don’t Overdo It The Essential Info How Shaving May Help with Acne Shaving gently with a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) shaving cream/gel and a fresh, non-irritating blade razor might help to prevent acne by removing dead cells from the outer layer of skin, which can signal the skin to …

Some Leave-in Hair Products May Cause Acne

Certain Leave-in Hair Products Such as Pomades, Brilliantine, and Some Oils, May Cause Acne The Essential Info Some leave-in hair products like pomades, hair oils, brilliantine, gels, sprays, and conditioners may contain ingredients that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts, particularly around the hairline where the product is most likely to contact the …

Regular Acne vs. Cystic Acne: What’s the Difference?

Cystic Acne Comes with Large Lesions Called Nodules and/or Cysts The Essential Info Regular Acne: Regular acne consists of run-of-the-mill pimples that are relatively small, often red, and that sometimes develop a white or yellow center. Cystic Acne: Cystic acne is a more severe form of acne that comes with large (over 5 mm in …

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 …

The Top 12 Most Common Side Effects of Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Dry Lips, Dry Nose, Dry Skin, Dry Eyes, Acne Worsening, Joint/Back/Muscle Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Headaches, Hair Loss, Photosensitivity, Vision Changes, Chest Pain The Essential Info This article describes the top 12 most common side effects of isotretinoin, often referred to by its brand name, Accutane®. However, it is important to note that isotretinoin can also …