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Skincare, explained simply
New to skincare? Start with what you want help with, then open one ingredient at a time. The source link under each card explains where the guidance comes from.
Good to know. This guide is general education, not medical advice. Follow the directions on the product and speak to a qualified health professional about pregnancy, prescriptions, allergies, or a skin condition.
Retinol is an over-the-counter retinoid. It can help unclog pores and reduce the look of fine lines and dark spots. Follow the product directions because irritation can happen.
Niacinamide is another name for nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. Check the product label to understand its role and concentration in that formula.
Topical vitamin C is an antioxidant. Stability and concentration vary by formula, so follow the product's directions and storage guidance.
Hyaluronic acid is used in moisturisers to help hydrate skin. Despite the word acid, its role here is moisturising rather than exfoliating.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic ingredient, which means it helps loosen and remove outer skin cells. Strength and directions matter, so follow the label.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used for chemical exfoliation. Exfoliating products can irritate skin when overused, so follow the formula's directions.
Collagen is a major structural protein in skin. DermNet notes that evidence differs by form, with oral collagen hydrolysates typically showing better results than large collagen molecules and topical formulas.
DermNet lists topical glutathione among agents used in melasma care. Evidence, strength and directions vary by formula, so it should not be described as a guaranteed result.
DermNet lists kojic acid among topical agents used in melasma care. Follow the directions for the exact product rather than assuming every formula has the same strength.
Tranexamic acid is used in melasma treatment, but topical and oral forms are not interchangeable. Oral treatment requires qualified medical guidance.
Clinical research has tested specific Centella asiatica formulas, including a topical emollient for dry skin. Results are tied to the studied formula and population, so every cica product should not be assumed to work the same way.
A small controlled study tested one snail-derived regimen for skin barrier, roughness and firmness. The results were formula-specific and do not prove that every snail mucin product gives the same result.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for ceramides in moisturisers when skin is dry. The complete formula still matters, especially if your skin is sensitive to fragrance.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says there is not enough evidence to reach definitive conclusions about turmeric or curcumin for health purposes.
Small studies have tested complete moisturisers containing shea butter or shea butter extract. Because several ingredients were used together, the result cannot be assigned to shea butter alone.
A small study tested one enzyme-modified Panax ginseng cream for facial roughness and photo-ageing. That evidence is specific to the studied extract and cream, not every ginseng product.
Clinical studies usually test a named peptide in a specific formula. Results from palmitoyl pentapeptide, for example, should not be treated as proof that every product labelled peptides works the same way.
Published reviews describe squalane and its related compound squalene as emollient and skin-hydrating ingredients. The performance of a finished serum or moisturiser still depends on its full formula.
One 12-week study compared specific 0.5% bakuchiol and retinol formulas. Both changed measured wrinkles and pigmentation, while the retinol group reported more scaling and stinging. This does not make every bakuchiol formula equivalent to retinol.
The American Academy of Dermatology lists azelaic acid among topical treatments that can help acne-like rosacea breakouts and long-lasting colour. The correct diagnosis and formula matter.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists lactic acid among common alpha hydroxy acids. AHA exfoliation depends on the acid, concentration, pH and the rest of the formula.
One small human study examined topical argan oil and skin elasticity in postmenopausal women. That narrow result should not be treated as proof for every skin or hair product containing argan oil.
A clinical trial compared a 45% mandelic acid peel with a 30% salicylic acid peel for mild-to-moderate acne. Those professional-strength results do not tell you how a lower-strength daily wash should be used.
The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concluded that alpha-arbutin is safe up to 2% in face creams and 0.5% in body lotions, including combined use at those levels. This is a safety assessment, not a promise of results.
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