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Articles by Dan Kern

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 …

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 …