by Madeline Mars | Apr 8, 2026 | Skincare Tips & Routines
Retinol Irritation: Why It Happens and How to Tolerate It Retinol irritation is one of the most common challenges in skincare, even when retinoids are highly effective. This perspective comes from Dr. Valerie Hanft, dermatologist and former Chief Medical Officer of...
by Madeline Mars | Jun 24, 2025 | Acne Education
C. acnes 101: The Acne-Causing Bacteria You’ve Never Heard Of What Is C. acnes? Let’s start with the basics.C. acnes—short for Cutibacterium acnes—is a type of bacteria that naturally lives on your skin. In small amounts, it’s harmless. But when it becomes trapped in...
by Madeline Mars | Jun 11, 2025 | Acne Education
Why Acne Sometimes Gets Worse Before It Gets Better Understanding the "Purge" Starting a new acne treatment can feel like a leap of faith—especially when your skin seems to get worse before it gets better. That sudden flare-up? Some people might call this the purge,...
by Madeline Mars | Jun 6, 2025 | Clean Beauty & Ingredient Education
The Truth About Clean Beauty: What “Non-Toxic” Really Means Let’s Clear Up the Confusion “Non-toxic.” It’s on your serum, your moisturizer, even your lip balm. But what does non-toxic skincare mean, and who decides what counts? The short answer: no one....
by Madeline Mars | Jun 5, 2025 | Skincare Tips & Routines
Why Oxygen Is the Missing Ingredient in Your Skincare Routine Your Skin Can’t Heal Without It You’ve tried acids, serums, exfoliants, and fancy oils—but your skin still feels inflamed, sensitive, or stuck in a breakout cycle. If nothing seems to truly calm your skin,...
