School of Dermatology

    Ingredients

    Deep dives into the active ingredients that actually make a difference in your skincare routine. We break down the science, debunk the marketing hype, and tell you what really works.

    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
    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 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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