Acne.org Editorial Guidelines

Finding health and wellness information is easy. It's everywhere. But finding trustworthy, relevant, usable information can be hard and even overwhelming. Acne.org is changing all that. We're making health information understandable and accessible so you can make the best decisions for yourself and the people you love.

Read more about our process

Articles by Dan Kern

Can a Lack of Sleep Cause Acne?

It Is Likely, Because Sleep May Help Balance Oil Production, Decrease Stress, and Support Wound Healing The Essential Info Although lack of sleep has not been proven to be a direct cause of acne, research shows that proper sleep encourages several things that could theoretically help prevent acne: The Bottom Line: Getting adequate sleep won’t …

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 …

Does Lemon Juice Clear Acne?

Some Chemicals in Lemon Juice May Help The Essential Info Applying lemon juice topically to acne-prone areas of the skin is a popular at-home remedy. However, since scientists have not performed clinical trials to study the effect of lemon juice on acne, we must rely on studies that have investigated specific chemicals that are in …

Do Probiotics Clear Acne?

Probiotics Can Have a Positive Effect on Gut Bacteria Balance and Might Help The Essential Info Gut Bacteria Gut bacteria play an important role in the human body, and disrupting the normal balance of these bacteria, as occurs when you take oral antibiotics, can cause a variety of negative effects. How Probiotics Might Help with …

Does Smoking Cigarettes Cause Acne?

Looking at the Research and Possible Links Between Smoking and Acne The Essential Info Studies Are Mixed: So far, 12 studies have been performed in an attempt to link smoking cigarettes with acne. Five of these studies show that smoking increases acne, 5 studies show that smoking actually reduces acne, and 2 show no link …

Topical Apple Cider Vinegar and Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) May Have Some Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties, but Don’t Expect Miracles The Essential Info While there is no research concerning topical apple cider vinegar as an acne treatment, people have been using topical vinegar medicinally for thousands of years because it comes with: However, it might also cause: The Bottom Line: …

Which Season Is Worst for Acne?

Evidence Is Conflicting and We Simply Cannot Say The Essential Info Researchers have performed over a dozen studies that look at which season is worst for acne. The results of these studies are conflicting, and the answer is not yet definitive. Sometimes this is how it goes in science. We just have to wait for …

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid Is a Common Acne-Fighting Ingredient That Helps Unclog Pores and Reduce Inflammation, but It Only Works Partially to Clear the Skin The Essential Info Found in Many Products: Salicylic acid is the most common ingredient you will find in over-the-counter “acne-fighting” washes, pads, toners, spot treatments, and makeup, from 0.5% up to 2% …

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 …