Skincare Guides

PhD-reviewed skincare science, minus the jargon. We investigate ingredients, treatments, and trends to find out what actually works.
A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Tools (Part 3)
A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Tools (Part 3)
Radiofrequency heats the dermis to trigger collagen, with results measurable in weeks. Here's what the peer-reviewed evidence says about at-home devices.
A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Tools (Part 2)
A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Tools (Part 2)
Only two LED colours have clinical evidence behind them. We look at what red and blue light actually do, and whether at-home masks deliver.
A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Tools (Part 1)
A Comprehensive Guide to Facial Tools (Part 1)
Sonic cleansing brushes and multifunctional microcurrent wands promise spa results at home. We read the studies behind the marketing claims.
Slugging Every Night? Here’s When It Actually Works
Slugging Every Night? Here’s When It Actually Works
Slugging seals moisture in with an occlusive layer, and TikTok swears by it nightly. It's a recovery tool, not a daily ritual. Here's when it helps.
Don’t let stress age you.
Don’t let stress age you.
Breakouts, dullness, and new fine lines during stressful weeks aren't a coincidence. Cortisol drives all three. But there are practical ways to push back!
What’s the Most Effective Anti-aging Tool?
What’s the Most Effective Anti-aging Tool?
From Botox to gua sha, over 30 tools compared across six skin concerns. Find what fits your budget, your skin, and whether you need a clinic at all.
Why your skin is both greasy and dehydrated (and how to fix it)
Why your skin is both greasy and dehydrated (and how to fix it)
A shiny surface can hide skin that's parched underneath, and the oil is a symptom, not the problem. Seven ways to rebalance both at once.
Salt Water for Acne: What Could Go Wrong?
Salt Water for Acne: What Could Go Wrong?
Salt water does have antimicrobial properties, which is where the hype comes from. But your post-beach glow probably wasn't the salt.
Foaming when Layering?
Foaming when Layering?
Foam between layers isn't leftover cleanser, but it's surfactants trapping air as you rub. Here's how to find which product is causing it.
How are $50 and $500 skincare different?
How are $50 and $500 skincare different?
Butter and yogurt are both 100% milk extracts. The same logic applies to skincare? Here's what actually separates a $50 serum from a $500 one.