If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you’ve probably heard that niacinamide and salicylic acid are two ingredients that can help you achieve a clearer complexion – but can you use them together? Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, niacinamide and salicylic acid actually work better when paired together and here’s why…   Niacinamide Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that acts as an antioxidant and has a wide-range of benefits for your skin. It helps keep your skin firm by increasing the production of keratin (the main structural protein in your skin). It increases your skin’s natural production of lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) that keep your…

Azelaic acid has some excellent benefits for your skin but will it make your skin worse before it gets better? Does azelaic acid cause purging? What Is Purging? You may have heard people say that certain skincare ingredients may “make your skin worse before it gets better” – usually when referring to acne-fighting ingredients. What they’re talking about is skin ‘purging’. Skin purging is a term used to describe breakouts that happen soon after you start using a new skincare product that increases your skin’s natural exfoliation rate. Purging only happens on the areas of your skin where you would usually experience breakouts. This is due to the fact that…

Skincare ingredients can be confusing, especially when it comes to chemical exfoliants. AHA? BHA? PHA? What are they? What’s the difference? Is glycolic acid an AHA or a BHA? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Here’s everything you need to know…   What Are Chemical Exfoliants? Chemical exfoliants increase the rate that your skin naturally exfoliates itself. They do this by breaking down the bonds that hold your dead skin cells together which makes it easier for them to be shed from the surface of your skin. There are three main types of chemical exfoliant; alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs).   What Are AHAs? AHAs are…

Your skin is affected by your circadian rhythm, or ‘body clock’, and goes through various changes over a 24-hour period that allow it to repair and protect itself. These changes include variations in: Water loss Skin cell turnover and renewal Blood flow Skin temperature Using the right skincare ingredients at the right time of day can help your skin through these natural variations. Here’s how your skin changes over 24 hours, PLUS, 7 ways to use these changes to your advantage…

If you thought that acne would only affect you in your teenage years, you may have been surprised to continue experiencing breakouts well into your 20s and 30s. You’re not alone. In fact, up to 80% of 18-30 year-olds and 5% of people over 30 experience acne. As premature aging can begin to show as early as 25, you may find that you’re dealing with acne at the same time you’re trying to treat fine lines and wrinkles. So what’s the best way to treat acne and skin aging at the same time? What are the best anti-aging products for acne-prone skin?