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Evidence-based skincare

Plain-language explainers, each grounded in the study behind the claim. We cite our sources and stick to what the research actually measured.

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Purging vs reacting, actives that have trial data, and the look-alikes (like fungal acne) that ignore acne treatment.

Acne routine templates Fungal acne check Pregnancy-safe check Benzoyl peroxide Salicylic acid Azelaic acid

Skin concerns
Purging vs breaking out: how to tell, and how long to wait
New product, new pimples. Whether that's a temporary purge or a genuine bad reaction decides whether you push through or stop — here's how to tell.
June 17, 20263 min readUpdated Jul 2026
Skin concerns
Fungal acne isn't acne — and that's why your acne routine isn't working
Those small, itchy, uniform bumps that won't quit? They might be Malassezia, a yeast — not bacterial acne.
June 15, 20262 min readUpdated Jun 2026
Skin concerns
Pregnancy skincare: what to drop, what's fine, and what to ask about
Most of your shelf survives pregnancy. A few things genuinely don't. The calm, cited version — to take to your OB, not replace them.
June 18, 20263 min readUpdated Jul 2026