There are many different types of anti-aging treatments available, but it’s often hard to figure out which is the best.  Some people swear by retinol, while others suggest peptides are better. So what’s the difference between retinol vs peptides? Is one ingredient better than the other? Can you use retinol and peptides together?   Retinol Retinol is a type of vitamin A that has been shown to be effective in reducing the signs of aging as well as treating a wide-variety of other skin conditions.   It’s an antioxidant that increases the rate that your skin makes new skin cells and moves them to the surface of your skin in…

Exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare routine as it keeps your skin looking soft, smooth and radiant. As you age, your skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down and you can be left with dull and rough looking skin that enhances the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enter acids! So which acid is right for you – mandelic acid vs lactic acid?   Chemical Exfoliation 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…

Chemical exfoliants and retinoids are often considered an essential part of any skincare routine, but which is more important? How do lactic acid vs retinol differ? Can you use them together?   The short answer is yes, you can use lactic acid and retinol together, as long as you don’t experience any skin irritation.   Here’s the longer answer… Lactic Acid Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s made from the sugars found in milk (lactose). It is naturally present in your skin as part of the natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) which means that it makes an excellent moisturizer.    It’s generally less irritating than glycolic acid (depending on…

It’s tempting to add lots of active ingredients into your skincare routine but it’s not always needed and, in some cases, can cause a whole host of issues for your skin. For example, do you need to include both vitamin c and niacinamide in your routine?    If you’re trying to keep your skincare routine minimal (your skin will thank you) then you might want to stick with one, at least to begin with. So, what’s the difference between vitamin c vs niacinamide and which one is better suited to your skin?   Here’s everything you need to know…   *This article contains affiliate links which means that I may…

  If you’re trying to simplify your skincare routine or are wondering what ingredient you should try next, you may find yourself trying to decide between niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid. They’re two very popular ingredients but which one is right for your skin?   Niacinamide Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3. It’s a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your skin from external stressors like the sun and pollution. It has a whole host of benefits for your skin, including: Increasing collagen production Reducing fine lines and wrinkles Treating acne Reducing inflammation Reducing oiliness Brightening skin and reducing hyperpigmentation (dark patches of skin) Hydrating skin by strengthening your skin’s…