Blog Posts

Face Cleanser

Treating Acne at the Sink: The Power of Short Contact Therapy

Discover why rinsing off your acne treatment might be better than leaving it on. The science behind Short Contact Therapy and why Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid cleansers actually work.

Advanced Cleansing Guide: The Science of Double Cleansing, The 60-Second Rule, and Your Microbiome

Move beyond basic soap with advanced hygiene strategies. We explore double cleansing, the viral 60-second rule, and how to feed your skin's living protective barrier.

The Barrier-First Paradigm: Why pH Balance Matters for Healing Skin

Your skin’s "acid mantle" is its first line of defense. Learn why alkaline cleansers destroy it and how ingredients like Ceramides and Cica can repair the barrier at the sink.

The Science of Clean: Why Your Water and Wash Matter More Than You Think

That squeaky-clean feeling might actually be damaging your skin. We dive into the chemistry of surfactants and how hard water could be the hidden culprit behind your breakouts.

Should I use face cleanser everyday?

Daily cleansing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most cleans once at night (to remove sunscreen/makeup) and optionally in the morning if oily. Choose a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and avoid over-washing.

Face Moisturizers

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream Dupes: 5 Budget Alternatives Ranked by Asian Beauty Redditors

Love the Tatcha glow but hate the $72 price tag? We ranked the top 5 budget-friendly dupes from Reddit that deliver glass skin for less.

Is Niacinamide Ruining Your Skin Barrier? The Hidden Irritant in Your Routine

Face flushing despite a gentle routine? Learn how Niacinamide overload irritates skin and discover derm-approved moisturizers without it.

The "Closed Comedone" Crisis: Why Your Moisturizer is Clogging You (And What To Use Instead)

Closed comedones from 'safe' moisturizers? Learn why fatty alcohol creams trap sebum and the lighter swaps that fix texture.

Vanicream vs. CeraVe: The Ultimate Sensitive Skin Showdown

CeraVe and Vanicream are the titans of the drugstore aisle, but they serve two very different purposes - do you need the "active repair" of CeraVe or the "bland diet" safety of Vanicream?

Is CeraVe Breaking You Out? The Reddit Investigation into "The Burn" and MVE Technology

Is your "Holy Grail" moisturizer causing closed comedones or burning? We analyze thousands of Reddit reports to uncover the hidden culprits behind your breakout.

Cheap vs Expensive Face Moisturisers

Both cheap and expensive moisturisers can hydrate and prevent TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss); the real differences are often texture, packaging, and added actives.

Hyaluronic Acids

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C and Retinol? (The Layering Guide)

Can you mix Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C or Retinol without burning your face? The answer is yes, but the order matters. Here is the exact morning and night routine to layer your actives safely.

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Acne-Prone Skin (That Won’t Clog Pores)

Acne-prone skin needs hydration too, but the wrong serum can trigger a breakout nightmare. Here are the 3 rules for finding a "safe" Hyaluronic Acid serum.

The Ordinary vs. The Inkey List vs. Torriden: The Battle of the Budget HAs

We compared the three kings of budget hydration for HA serums —The Ordinary, The Inkey List, and Torriden—to see which one hydrates without the sticky finish.

Hyaluronic Acid vs. Polyglutamic Acid vs. Glycerin: Which Hydrator Wins?

Is Hyaluronic Acid overrated? We break down the battle between HA, the reliable Glycerin, and the powerful Polyglutamic Acid to find the ultimate hydrator for your skin type.

Why Hyaluronic Acid Is Drying Out Your Skin (And How to Fix It)

Is Hyaluronic Acid making your face feel tight? Learn why HA dries out your skin and the mandatory rule to fix it immediately.

Sunscreen and SPF

Types of Sunscreen: Mineral vs. Chemical

Mineral and chemical sunscreens both protect when applied correctly. Choose by skin sensitivity, finish/white cast tolerance, water resistance, and how likely you are to wear and reapply it daily.

Vitamin C Serums

How to Layer Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid & Retinol (Without Irritation)

Learn the dermatologist-approved order to layer vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and retinol (or tretinoin). Morning vs night, the sandwich method, etc. —plus FAQs and sources.

Does vitamin C serum remove pigmentation?

Vitamin C can fade hyperpigmentation by slowing melanin formation and brightening tone. Results depend on the cause of pigment, concentration, and consistency.