What Benzoyl Peroxide Percentage Actually Works for Acne
For most people, 2.5% benzoyl peroxide left on the skin is the percentage that actually works best for acne — and the research backing this up is not new…
What Causes Acne When You Start Adapalene
When you start adapalene, the sudden increase in acne is caused by the drug accelerating your skin’s natural cell turnover cycle, which pushes existing…
Why Retinol Makes Acne Worse Before It Gets Better
Retinol makes acne worse before it gets better because it accelerates skin cell turnover at a rate your pores are not prepared for.
Why Stripping Your Skin Barrier Causes More Acne
Stripping your skin barrier causes more acne because it triggers a compensatory overproduction of sebum and leaves your pores vulnerable to bacterial…
Why Over-Exfoliating Makes Acne Worse
Over-exfoliating makes acne worse because it strips away the skin’s protective barrier, triggering a rebound effect where your sebaceous glands pump out…
What Linoleic Acid Deficiency Does to Pores
When your skin lacks linoleic acid, your pores pay the price in a very specific way: sebum becomes thick, sticky, and unable to flow freely to the surface.
Why Ceramide Deficiency Worsens Acne
Ceramide deficiency worsens acne because it compromises the skin barrier, triggering a cascade of increased water loss, heightened inflammation, and…
What the Skin Barrier Has to Do with Acne
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin, and when it breaks down, acne gets worse — sometimes dramatically.
Why Malassezia Yeast Causes Acne-Like Bumps
Malassezia yeast causes acne-like bumps because it thrives inside hair follicles, feeding on sebum and triglycerides, and triggering an inflammatory…
What Demodex Mites Have to Do with Breakouts
Demodex mites — microscopic arachnids that live in your hair follicles and oil glands — can trigger inflammatory breakouts that look virtually identical…