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Articles by Dan Kern

Is Isotretinoin (Accutane) Overprescribed?

Yes, Isotretinoin Is Overprescribed. The Decision to Take It Should Be Made Only After Careful Consideration. The Essential Info The current medical research shows that isotretinoin (Accutane®), while extremely effective for severe acne, is overprescribed for the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne. Isotretinoin is an oral medication that affects the entire body, changing not only the …

Indian Skin and Acne

Treating Acne in Indian Skin The Essential Info As we see in all ethnicities, acne is common in Indian people. Like any non-Caucasian ethnicity, Indian people also experience frustrating amounts of hyperpigmentation (dark/red spots left behind after an acne lesion heals). Treatment for acne is usually the same regardless of skin color, but people with …

What Is Cystic Acne?

Cystic Acne Is Severe Acne, and Includes Large Lesions (Nodules and/or Cysts) That Are 5 mm or More in Diameter The Essential Info Cystic acne, also called nodulocystic acne, is a severe type of acne consisting of larger, more painful lesions called nodules and cysts. Treatment Cystic lesions can take weeks or even months to …

Does Garlic Help with Acne?

Some Weak Evidence Suggests That Applying Garlic Topically Might Improve Acne, but Proceed with Caution The Essential Info Topical Garlic: Garlic is used as a folk remedy for many conditions, and some people are now trying it topically to treat acne. Garlic possesses: All of these could hypothetically help reduce acne, but the key word …

What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and How Does It Affect Acne?

PCOS Is a Hormonal Disease That Affects the Ovaries and Can Lead to Acne: 19 – 37% of Females with Moderate-to-Severe Acne May Have This Disorder The Essential Info Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects females. It is characterized by: Acne + Excessive Hair Growth: Because high male hormone levels …

How Is Teen Acne Different from Adult Acne?

Males Are More Affected as Teens, Whereas Females Are More Affected as Adults, and All Adults Tend to See Breakouts More Around the Chin and Jawline The Essential Info Age: Adolescent acne, often referred to as “teen acne,” affects people up to 25 years old, while adult acne affects people over 25 years old. Prevalence: Teen …

Do Different Strains of Acne Bacteria Affect Acne Differently?

Certain Bacterial Strains Are Present in Different Amounts Between Acne and Non-acne Patients, and These Strains Display Varying Effects on the Immune System, Which Could Affect Acne Development Differently The Essential Info Acne is in part a bacterial disease. When it comes to acne, a specific type called C. acnes is the culprit. Scientists found …

Treating Acne in Male vs. Female Skin

The Biggest Difference Is that Females Can Elect to Use Oral Contraceptives and/or Oral Anti-androgens The Essential Info Males: Females: The Science Due to higher levels of male hormones (androgens), the skin of males is different from that of females. Males have: Female skin is the opposite: Since males tend to have higher levels of …

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 …

Can Prohormones Cause Acne?

Yes, It Is Likely, and They Don’t Help With Muscle Size and Strength The Essential Info In an attempt to provide similar “steroid-like results” in an over-the-counter supplement, the fitness supplement industry introduced “prohormone” supplements. If these supplements did work as advertised, which–spoiler alert–they don’t, that would mean they would increase levels of testosterone in …