Chemical Peels

There is a lot of misunderstanding about what chemical peels are and what they can do, but they are quite useful in the management and clearing of acne. In the simplest terms, a chemical peel is the process of applying a chemical solution to the skin to improve and smooth its texture by removing the damaged outer layers or stimulating … Read More

Treat Cystic Acne

By its very sound, cystic acne seems scary. In the standard grading of acne it is considered the most severe, and it is the type most likely to leave scars. But in simplest terms, cystic acne is inflamed acne. All acne lesions start with what scientists call “microcomedones” which are microscopic plugs made up of dead skin cells. People who … Read More

Dermatologist or Esthetician for Acne?

When people realize they need help with acne, often their first thought is to see a dermatologist. Occasionally people think of heading to the esthetician. Which is the better choice? The answer is that they really need to think of finding an acne specialist.

How to Pop a Pimple

The short answer is, “don’t.” Oh I know! Popping pimples is so tempting. That pimple looks ugly with all the pus, and you just know you have to have it out of there. You’ve got a big presentation coming up, or the prom, or your wedding! But squeeze, poke, stick, dig, prick, pop those pimples and you create a wound … Read More

Natural Acne Treatments

In looking for quality assurance today, many people believe that if something is considered natural it will be both better and safer than something considered synthetic. This belief makes sense. We want our foods to be organic, free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers, because these substances have been shown to build up in our bodies and potentially lead to cancer … Read More

Are Pimples Acne?

  “My son doesn’t have acne! He just has those regular teenage pimples, you know, that all kids get.” “I don’t have acne. I just have these hormonal breakouts that happen at that time of the month.” “I don’t know why my daughters have those awful acne pimples. I never had acne. Plenty of blackheads and those bumps under the skin, but no acne, … Read More

Pore Clogging Ingredients

You already know that if you are in the least acne-prone, you never want to put anything on your skin or in your hair that is going to clog your pores. But there are many products labeled “Non-comedogenic” and “Won’t Clog Pores” and “Hypoallergenic” that have some of the worst ingredients for clogging your pores. Why would a manufacturer put … Read More

Proactiv® and Benzoyl Peroxide

I am frequently asked what I think about Proactiv® as an acne treatment, and frankly, compared to a lot of what is out there, both over-the-counter and physician prescribed, it’s not bad. Its major drawback is it is a one-size-fits-all product. Most of the feedback I get on it is of two types. Either it was too harsh, or it … Read More