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Articles by Dan Kern

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Information on this Outdated and, at Best, Temporary Acne Treatment The Essential Info Antibiotics should only be used for a maximum of 3 months and they work to a moderate degree for only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 …

Skin Picking

Excoriation Disorder, Also Called Skin Picking Disorder, Is a Psychiatric Disorder That Can Make Acne Worse The Essential Info Picking at the skin is one of the worst things someone with acne can do to their skin, because it: In short, don’t pick! However, sometimes just being told not to pick isn’t realistic. When picking …

Sensitive Skin: What It Is and What You Can Do about It

Sensitive Skin Is Defined by Burning, Itching, and Skin Irritation in Response to Skin Care Products/Cosmetics or Environmental Conditions. The Best Thing to Do Is Learn Your Triggers and Avoid Them. The Essential Info Sensitive skin has no official medical definition, but it is generally accepted that a person has sensitive skin if he/she comes …

The Role of Bacteria in Acne

Acne Bacteria May Turn a Clogged Pore into an Inflamed Pimple The Essential Info Acne forms when a skin pore becomes clogged and skin oil that normally drains to the surface gets trapped inside. Living inside this skin oil is a type of acne bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). When skin oil gets trapped, …