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Articles by Dan Kern

Does Tea Tree Oil Really Work to Clear Acne?

To Some Degree, Yes. Tea Tree Oil Is One of the Few “Natural” Treatments That Has Considerable Science Behind It. The Essential Info Tea tree oil is not a regular oil such as olive oil. Instead, it is an essential oil, which is a different type of oil that contains the “essence” of a plant. …

Photodynamic Therapy – PDT

A Serious and Painful 2-Step Procedure for Moderate-to-severe Acne Consisting of Topical Application of a Photosensitizing Agent Followed by Shining Red and/or Blue Light on the Skin The Essential Info What It Is: Photodynamic therapy is a serious procedure performed in a doctor’s office that is normally reserved for moderate-to-severe cases of acne. The following …

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Acne

Omega-3s Might Help Reduce the Symptoms of Acne The Essential Info The typical modern diet is extraordinarily low in omega-3 fatty acids compared to the diet of our ancestors, and as a result, the fat intake of the average person’s diet these days is radically imbalanced. Increasing the intake of omega-3s might help get us …

Licochalcone (Licorice Root Extract)

Powerful Molecule Contained in Licorice Root Extract The Essential Info Licochalcone is a molecule derived from a specific species of Chinese licorice root that helps calm acne-prone skin through its ability to: The Science What Is Licochalcone? Licorice root has been used in skin care for millennia. According to the National Cancer Institute, licorice root …

The Role of Good Bacteria in the Gut

Good Bacteria Keep Us Healthy, and Taking Antibiotics Kills Good Bacteria The Essential Info Trillions of bacteria live peacefully in our bodies and help to keep us healthy. Among other functions, these good bacteria help digest our food and help our immune systems recognize and fight off harmful bacteria. Interestingly, recent evidence is showing us …

The Dangers and Ineffectiveness of Antibiotics for Acne

Information on this Outdated and, at Best, Temporary Acne Treatment The Essential Info Antibiotics should only be used for a maximum of 3 months and they work to a moderate degree for only about 1/2 of people with acne. When they do work at all, they provide only temporary relief. They do not dramatically clear …

What Is the Difference Between Inflamed and Non-inflamed Acne?

Inflamed Acne Refers to Acne That Is Red and Sore, Whereas Non-inflamed Acne Refers to Acne That Is Not The Essential Info While all acne is on a microscopic level “inflamed,” it is still convenient to use the term non-inflamed acne to refer to whiteheads and blackheads, which are acne lesions that appear as white …

Alcohol and Acne

Looking at the Research and Possible Links Between Alcohol and Acne The Essential Info Five studies have been performed thus far that look at how drinking alcohol might affect acne. In other words, results are conflicting, so at this time we cannot rely on published research to give us a good answer. This is how …

If You Use Retinoids, Will You Get Younger-looking Skin as You Treat Your Acne?

Yes, Topical Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene, and Probably Trifarotene) Reduce the Appearance of Skin Aging by Promoting Renewal of the Skin, Helping to Reverse Sun Damage, and Promoting the Production of the Important Skin Protein, Collagen The Essential Info There are 4 topical retinoids that doctors commonly prescribe for their ability to unclog pores and …

Light Therapy – Blue and/or Red Light

Red and/or Blue Light May Reduce Acne to Some Degree, but Should Be Combined with Other Treatments The Essential Info Light therapy devices normally use a combination of red + blue light, and work by killing acne bacteria, reducing skin oil production, and calming inflammation. Light therapy can be performed: Warning: Red light can harm the …