School of Dermatology

    Articles

    Browse all evidence-based skincare articles covering ingredients, treatments, and skin concerns.

    Psoriasis: Understanding the Difference From Eczema
    Skin Concerns

    Psoriasis: Understanding the Difference From Eczema

    Those red, scaly patches on your skin — are they eczema or psoriasis? The distinction is critical because the conditions have different causes, different triggers, and different treatments.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    Face Yoga: What the Science Says About Facial Exercises and Aging
    Treatments

    Face Yoga: What the Science Says About Facial Exercises and Aging

    Face yoga promises a natural alternative to Botox and fillers. But can facial exercises actually combat aging, or do they just give you new wrinkles? Here's what the evidence says.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Facial Rollers: Jade vs Rose Quartz vs Metal and What the Research Says
    Treatments

    Facial Rollers: Jade vs Rose Quartz vs Metal and What the Research Says

    Jade rollers went viral, rose quartz followed, and now there's metal, ice, and everything in between. Here's what the research actually says about facial rolling.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Eczema: What It Actually Is and How to Manage It Long Term
    Skin Concerns

    Eczema: What It Actually Is and How to Manage It Long Term

    Eczema isn't just dry skin — it's a complex inflammatory condition driven by genetics, immune dysfunction, and barrier defects. Here's what the science actually says about managing it.

    Jamie Reeves·11 min read
    Face Massage: Does It Actually Depuff or Just Feel Good
    Treatments

    Face Massage: Does It Actually Depuff or Just Feel Good

    Facial massage feels wonderful — but does it actually do anything beyond relaxation? Here's what the research says about depuffing, lymphatic drainage, and those anti-aging claims.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Gua Sha: Separating the Real Benefits From the Hype
    Treatments

    Gua Sha: Separating the Real Benefits From the Hype

    Gua sha has become a skincare staple — but the claims range from plausible to wildly exaggerated. Here's what the actual evidence says about this ancient technique.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Perioral Dermatitis: The Rash Around Your Mouth That Won't Go Away
    Skin Concerns

    Perioral Dermatitis: The Rash Around Your Mouth That Won't Go Away

    That stubborn, bumpy rash around your mouth that won't respond to anything you throw at it? It might be perioral dermatitis — and treating it requires doing the opposite of what you'd expect.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    Red Light Therapy for Anti-Aging: What Dermatologists Actually Think
    Skin Concerns

    Red Light Therapy for Anti-Aging: What Dermatologists Actually Think

    Red light therapy has gone from niche biohacking trend to mainstream anti-aging treatment. But what does the dermatological evidence actually support?

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    Dermaplaning at Home: What the Professionals Don't Tell You
    Treatments

    Dermaplaning at Home: What the Professionals Don't Tell You

    At-home dermaplaning is everywhere on social media — but the technique carries real risks that influencers rarely mention. Here's the unfiltered truth.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Keratosis Pilaris: The Real Reason You Have Bumps on Your Arms
    Skin Concerns

    Keratosis Pilaris: The Real Reason You Have Bumps on Your Arms

    Those tiny, rough bumps on your upper arms that never seem to go away? That's keratosis pilaris — and while it's completely harmless, there are effective ways to smooth it out.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    At-Home Collagen Treatments: What the Research Actually Says
    Skin Concerns

    At-Home Collagen Treatments: What the Research Actually Says

    The collagen industry is worth billions, but which at-home treatments actually stimulate collagen production? We reviewed the clinical evidence for all of them.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    RF Microneedling: Is It Worth the Upgrade From Regular Microneedling
    Treatments

    RF Microneedling: Is It Worth the Upgrade From Regular Microneedling

    RF microneedling promises supercharged collagen remodeling — but at double the price. Here's whether the radiofrequency upgrade delivers proportionally better results.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    Hyperpigmentation vs Age Spots: Understanding the Difference
    Skin Concerns

    Hyperpigmentation vs Age Spots: Understanding the Difference

    People use 'hyperpigmentation' and 'age spots' interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. Understanding the difference determines which treatment will work.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    What Happens to Your Skin During a Professional Facial (And Is It Worth It)
    Treatments

    What Happens to Your Skin During a Professional Facial (And Is It Worth It)

    Professional facials range from glorified spa relaxation to clinically meaningful skin treatments. Here's how to tell the difference and decide if they're worth your money.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Fungal Acne: Why Your Regular Acne Treatments Aren't Working
    Skin Concerns

    Fungal Acne: Why Your Regular Acne Treatments Aren't Working

    If your acne doesn't respond to benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or antibiotics, you might be treating the wrong condition entirely. Fungal acne requires a fundamentally different approach.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Forehead Lines: What Causes Them and What Actually Reduces Them
    Skin Concerns

    Forehead Lines: What Causes Them and What Actually Reduces Them

    Forehead lines are among the most common aging concerns. Here's what's causing yours and which treatments — from at-home to professional — actually work.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peel: Which One Does Your Skin Actually Need
    Treatments

    Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peel: Which One Does Your Skin Actually Need

    Both exfoliate, both promise smoother skin — but microdermabrasion and chemical peels work through fundamentally different mechanisms. Here's how to choose.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Melasma: Why It's One of the Hardest Skin Conditions to Treat
    Skin Concerns

    Melasma: Why It's One of the Hardest Skin Conditions to Treat

    That symmetrical brown discoloration on your cheeks isn't typical hyperpigmentation — it's melasma, and treating it requires a completely different approach than treating dark spots from acne.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    The Truth About Eye Creams: Do They Actually Work
    Skin Concerns

    The Truth About Eye Creams: Do They Actually Work

    Eye creams are one of the most debated products in skincare. Are they a necessary investment or expensive marketing? The answer is more nuanced than you'd think.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Laser Resurfacing: What It Actually Does to Your Skin and Who It's For
    Treatments

    Laser Resurfacing: What It Actually Does to Your Skin and Who It's For

    Laser resurfacing promises dramatic skin renewal — but the reality is nuanced. Here's what actually happens to your skin, who should consider it, and what to expect.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    Retinol for Anti-Aging: The Complete Guide to Getting Started
    Skin Concerns

    Retinol for Anti-Aging: The Complete Guide to Getting Started

    Retinol is the most evidence-backed anti-aging ingredient available over the counter. Here's exactly how to start using it without destroying your skin in the process.

    Jamie Reeves·11 min read
    How to Tell If Your Skin Is Sensitive or Just Sensitized
    Skin Concerns

    How to Tell If Your Skin Is Sensitive or Just Sensitized

    Not all reactive skin is 'sensitive.' Most people with irritated, stinging, red skin have sensitized their skin through products or habits — and that's actually good news, because it's reversible.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    How Collagen Loss Actually Works and How to Slow It Down
    Skin Concerns

    How Collagen Loss Actually Works and How to Slow It Down

    Collagen loss is the single biggest driver of visible skin aging. Understanding how it works is the first step toward slowing it down effectively.

    Jamie Reeves·11 min read
    Why Stress Breaks Out Your Skin and What to Do About It
    Skin Concerns

    Why Stress Breaks Out Your Skin and What to Do About It

    Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it responds to stress in measurable, physiological ways. Here's the science behind stress breakouts — and what actually helps.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Sun Damage: How to Fade It and Stop It Getting Worse
    Skin Concerns

    Sun Damage: How to Fade It and Stop It Getting Worse

    Sun damage is cumulative and often doesn't become visible until years after the exposure. Here's how to address existing damage and prevent more from forming.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    The Real Difference Between Fine Lines and Deep Wrinkles
    Skin Concerns

    The Real Difference Between Fine Lines and Deep Wrinkles

    Not all wrinkles are created equal. Understanding whether you're dealing with fine lines or deep wrinkles determines which treatments will actually work.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Closed Comedones: Why They're Harder to Treat Than Regular Acne
    Skin Concerns

    Closed Comedones: Why They're Harder to Treat Than Regular Acne

    Those tiny, flesh-colored bumps that refuse to come to a head? They're closed comedones — and they require a completely different treatment strategy than inflammatory acne.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Neck and Chest Skin: Why It Ages Faster Than Your Face
    Skin Concerns

    Neck and Chest Skin: Why It Ages Faster Than Your Face

    Most people invest heavily in their facial skincare routine but completely neglect the neck and chest — two areas that often show aging first.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Crow's Feet: What Works and What Doesn't
    Skin Concerns

    Crow's Feet: What Works and What Doesn't

    Crow's feet are among the first visible signs of aging. Here's what the research says about preventing and treating these periorbital lines effectively.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    What Happens to Your Skin If You Never Wear Sunscreen
    Treatments

    What Happens to Your Skin If You Never Wear Sunscreen

    Sunscreen isn't a skincare nice-to-have. It's the single most effective anti-aging and cancer-prevention tool available. Here's the science of what happens without it.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Why Your Skin Loses Firmness After 30 and What Actually Helps
    Skin Concerns

    Why Your Skin Loses Firmness After 30 and What Actually Helps

    Starting around age 30, your skin produces roughly 1% less collagen each year. Here's what's really happening beneath the surface — and what you can do about it.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    Why Your Skin Gets Oilier When You Moisturize
    Skin Concerns

    Why Your Skin Gets Oilier When You Moisturize

    It sounds counterintuitive, but skipping moisturizer can actually make oily skin worse. Here's the physiological explanation — and what to do about it.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    The Difference Between Retinol and Retinoid: Why It Actually Matters
    Ingredients

    The Difference Between Retinol and Retinoid: Why It Actually Matters

    These two terms are used interchangeably, but they sit at very different points on the potency spectrum. Here's why the distinction matters for your skin.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Can You Over-Exfoliate Your Skin? Signs You Already Have
    Treatments

    Can You Over-Exfoliate Your Skin? Signs You Already Have

    Exfoliation is the most over-done step in modern skincare. Here's how to recognize when you've crossed the line — and how to get back.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    What Percentage of Retinol Should a Beginner Start With?
    Ingredients

    What Percentage of Retinol Should a Beginner Start With?

    Higher concentration doesn't mean faster results. Here's the evidence-based guide to choosing the right retinol strength for your first time.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    How Long Does It Actually Take for Skincare to Work?
    Treatments

    How Long Does It Actually Take for Skincare to Work?

    The skin cell cycle takes 28 days minimum. Here's why most skincare ingredients need weeks to months — and which ones work faster.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    How to Layer Skincare Products in the Right Order
    Ingredients

    How to Layer Skincare Products in the Right Order

    The order you apply your skincare products matters as much as the products themselves. Here's the evidence-based guide to layering correctly.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Why Your Skin Purges With Some Products But Not Others
    Treatments

    Why Your Skin Purges With Some Products But Not Others

    That new serum broke you out — but is it purging or a reaction? The distinction matters, and only certain categories of ingredients can cause a true purge.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?
    Ingredients

    Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?

    The internet insists these two ingredients don't mix. The science says otherwise. Here's why you can — and probably should — use niacinamide and vitamin C together.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Botox vs. Fillers: What Actually Makes You Look Older Faster
    Treatments

    Botox vs. Fillers: What Actually Makes You Look Older Faster

    Botox and fillers are the two most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the world. But they work completely differently — and misusing either one can backfire.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Under-Eye Circles: Which Ones Can Actually Be Treated
    Skin Concerns

    Under-Eye Circles: Which Ones Can Actually Be Treated

    Eye creams promising to eliminate dark circles sell billions annually. But the truth is more nuanced — the first step is identifying what type you actually have.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    The Purge Is Real: What Happens When You Start Active Ingredients
    Treatments

    The Purge Is Real: What Happens When You Start Active Ingredients

    You started a new retinoid and your skin looks worse than ever. Is it purging or a bad reaction? Understanding the difference can save your skin.

    Jamie Reeves·7 min read
    Peptides 101: Do They Actually Do Anything
    Ingredients

    Peptides 101: Do They Actually Do Anything

    Peptides are everywhere in skincare marketing, but the evidence is more nuanced than the product claims suggest. Let's break it down.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Rosacea vs. Redness: How to Tell the Difference
    Skin Concerns

    Rosacea vs. Redness: How to Tell the Difference

    Your face is red and you've convinced yourself it's rosacea. But redness has many causes — and treatment depends entirely on the correct diagnosis.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Tretinoin: The Complete Beginner's Guide
    Treatments

    Tretinoin: The Complete Beginner's Guide

    Tretinoin is the most powerful topical anti-aging ingredient available. But starting it without a plan is a recipe for disaster. Here's your complete roadmap.

    Jamie Reeves·10 min read
    Vitamin C Serums: Why Stability Matters More Than Concentration
    Ingredients

    Vitamin C Serums: Why Stability Matters More Than Concentration

    A 20% vitamin C serum that has oxidized on your shelf is worth less than a properly stabilized 10% formula. Here's what you need to know.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Hyperpigmentation: The Difference Between PIE and PIH
    Skin Concerns

    Hyperpigmentation: The Difference Between PIE and PIH

    That dark spot left behind after a breakout — is it PIE or PIH? The distinction matters more than you think, because the treatments are completely different.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Microneedling: How It Works and What to Realistically Expect
    Treatments

    Microneedling: How It Works and What to Realistically Expect

    Microneedling can genuinely improve scars, fine lines, and skin texture — but the devil is in the details. Here's what works, what doesn't, and what to realistically expect.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    AHAs vs BHAs: Which Acid Is Right for Your Skin
    Ingredients

    AHAs vs BHAs: Which Acid Is Right for Your Skin

    Chemical exfoliation is one of the most effective steps you can add to your routine — but choosing the wrong acid for your skin type can do more harm than good.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    How to Actually Repair Your Skin Barrier
    Skin Concerns

    How to Actually Repair Your Skin Barrier

    If your skin is red, stinging, and reactive to everything — your barrier is probably compromised. Here's how to repair it based on actual dermatological science.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Niacinamide: The Overachiever Ingredient That Does Everything
    Ingredients

    Niacinamide: The Overachiever Ingredient That Does Everything

    Niacinamide is one of the few ingredients that genuinely does almost everything it claims. Here's the evidence behind the hype.

    Jamie Reeves·8 min read
    Chemical Peels at Home vs. In-Office: An Honest Comparison
    Treatments

    Chemical Peels at Home vs. In-Office: An Honest Comparison

    At-home peels and in-office peels exist on a spectrum. Understanding where each falls — and what each can realistically achieve — helps you make the right choice.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    Why You Still Have Acne in Your 30s (And What to Do About It)
    Skin Concerns

    Why You Still Have Acne in Your 30s (And What to Do About It)

    You thought acne was a teenage problem. So why is your skin still breaking out at 32? The causes of adult acne are different — and so are the solutions.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read
    How Retinol Actually Works (And Why Most People Use It Wrong)
    Ingredients

    How Retinol Actually Works (And Why Most People Use It Wrong)

    Retinol is the most studied anti-aging ingredient in dermatology. But most people either use it wrong or give up too soon. Here's what the science actually says.

    Jamie Reeves·9 min read