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Your guide to clearer skin.

Real dermatology advice, written for real people. Evidence-based acne care, treatment guides, and expert insights.

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Acne

Does Vaseline Help Acne? The Slugging Debate

May 1, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

Vaseline has been a medicine cabinet fixture for over a century, and the viral "slugging" trend has put it back in the spotlight for skincare. But does Vaseline help acne, or can it make breakouts worse? This guide examines the comedogenicity research, breaks down when petroleum jelly helps versus harms acne-prone skin, and explains what the slugging debate means for your routine.

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Acne

Does Witch Hazel Help Acne? What Dermatologists Want You to Know

May 1, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

Witch hazel is one of the most popular natural astringents for acne, but does it actually work? This guide covers what the science says about witch hazel for acne, why the type of formula you choose matters more than you think, and when you need to move beyond over-the-counter remedies for real results.

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Acne

How Long Does It Take for Acne Scars to Fade?

May 1, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

Acne scars can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years to fade, depending on whether you're dealing with temporary discoloration or true structural scarring. This guide breaks down the timeline for every type of acne mark, what factors affect healing, and what you can do to speed things along.

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Acne

Does Weed Cause Acne? Cannabis and Skin Health

May 1, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

Does smoking weed cause acne? The relationship between cannabis and your skin is more complicated than a simple yes or no. While marijuana itself may not directly clog your pores, the ways it affects your hormones, appetite, and behavior can all contribute to breakouts. Here is what the science says and what you can do about it.

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Acne
Accutane

Is Acne Contagious? Myths and Facts About How Acne Spreads

April 14, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and one of the most persistent myths about it is that it can spread from person to person. Here is what the science actually says about whether acne is contagious — by touch, by kissing, through shared products, or even from pets — and what really causes breakouts.

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Acne

Is Acne a Sign of Pregnancy? Symptoms Explained

April 14, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

Sudden breakouts can be one of the earliest hints that your body is changing. This guide explains why acne can be a sign of pregnancy, when pregnancy-related breakouts typically start, which treatments are safe to use, and when to talk to a dermatologist.

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Acne

Is Beef Tallow Good for Acne? Natural Skincare Trend

April 13, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

Beef tallow has gone from a cooking ingredient to a viral skincare trend, with influencers claiming it can clear acne, heal the skin barrier, and replace your entire moisturizer collection. But does beef tallow actually help acne, or could it make your breakouts worse? Here is what dermatologists and the science say about putting rendered animal fat on acne-prone skin.

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Acne
Tretinoin
Accutane

The Retinoid Hierarchy: Why Retin-A Beats Over The Counter

April 3, 2026
David Futoran

NYT's Wirecutter recent article provided a guide to over the counter retinol treatments for acne. While OTC retinol can be effective, the truth is that prescription strength retinoids are 20x better due to where they sit on the retinoid hierarchy.

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Acne
Accutane

Can I Take Cold Medicines On Accutane?

March 27, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

Coming down with a cold while on Accutane can feel frustrating, especially when you are unsure which over-the-counter remedies are safe. This guide explains which cold medicines you can take, which ones to avoid, and how to manage symptoms safely during your treatment.

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Acne
Accutane

Can I Take Antibiotics On Accutane?

March 27, 2026
Joel Spitz. MD

While some antibiotics are safe to take during Accutane treatment, others can cause serious complications. Understanding which antibiotics to avoid and which alternatives are available can help you stay safe while treating infections during your isotretinoin journey.

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