Hyaluronic acid can help with that, and you might already have a serum at home.

But once you start looking into how to use both ingredients together, you’ll notice that people have different opinions about which one should go first.

Some recommend applying retinol directly to clean skin, while others suggest using hyaluronic acid beforehand, especially if your skin tends to get dry or irritated.

I’ve seen both approaches recommended, and the truth is that either can work depending on your skin and the products you’re using.

In this guide, I’ll explain why hyaluronic acid and retinol work well together, how to layer them in your morning and nighttime routines, and what I’d recommend if you’re dealing with dryness or sensitivity.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most common hydrating ingredients you’ll find in skincare products.

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It’s a humectant, which means it attracts and holds water to help keep your skin hydrated.

Your body also produces hyaluronic acid on its own.

It’s found in your skin, joints, and other connective tissues, although the amount in your skin tends to decrease as you get older.

That’s one reason you’ll see it in so many serums, moisturizers, and toners.

When you apply hyaluronic acid to your skin, it helps improve hydration, which can make your skin feel softer and look more plump.

It can also make fine lines caused by dehydration less noticeable.

And there’s research to support these benefits.

A 2022 review published in Dermatologic Therapy looked at studies on topical hyaluronic acid and found evidence that it can improve skin hydration and the appearance of aging skin.

You might also notice sodium hyaluronate on ingredient lists.

That’s a salt form of hyaluronic acid used for similar hydrating benefits.

If your skin tends to feel tight or dehydrated, a hyaluronic acid serum can be worth adding to your routine.

Just pay attention to the rest of the formula, since even products made for hydration can contain ingredients that irritate your skin.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that belongs to a group of ingredients called retinoids.

If you’re trying to improve fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, or uneven skin texture, retinol is one of the ingredients worth looking into.

You’ll find it in over-the-counter serums, creams, and moisturizers, with different strengths and formulas depending on what your skin can tolerate.

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Unlike hyaluronic acid, which helps with hydration, retinol works by influencing how your skin cells grow and renew themselves.

With regular use, it can help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and signs of sun damage.

Its benefits for aging skin have also been studied.

In one clinical trial involving 24 weeks of retinol use, participants saw improvements in fine wrinkles, while skin samples showed changes associated with collagen production.

But retinol can also cause dryness, peeling, redness, and irritation when you’re first starting out.

That’s why I recommend starting with a lower-strength formula a few nights a week and giving your skin time to adjust before increasing how often you use it.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, retinoids are generally avoided, so check with your healthcare provider before using one.

Hyaluronic Acid Before or After Retinol?

You can apply hyaluronic acid before or after retinol, depending on how your skin responds.

If your skin tolerates retinol well, I’d recommend applying retinol to clean, dry skin first, followed by your hyaluronic acid serum and moisturizer.

Hyaluronic acid can help replenish hydration and make your skin feel more comfortable if retinol leaves it feeling dry or tight.

Alternatively, you can apply hyaluronic acid before retinol to give your skin some extra hydration.

This may be a better option if you have dry or sensitive skin.

There are a few benefits to using both ingredients in your routine:

• Better hydration: Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water, which can help with dryness associated with retinol.

• Plumper-looking skin: Hydrated skin can make fine lines caused by dehydration appear less noticeable.

• Support for skin comfort: Adding hydration may help your skin feel less tight while you’re using retinol.

Keep in mind that hyaluronic acid won’t prevent every side effect of retinol, and there’s no strong evidence that applying retinol first improves its anti-aging results.

How to Layer Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid

If you want to use both ingredients in your skincare routine, I’d keep things simple, especially if you’re new to retinol.

Morning Routine

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, or rinse with water if that’s enough for your skin.

   

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2. Apply your hyaluronic acid serum to help keep your skin hydrated.

   

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3. Follow with moisturizer.

   

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4. Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

   

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Nighttime Routine

1. If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, you can start with a cleansing balm or cleansing oil to help remove it.

   

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2. Follow with your gentle cleanser to wash away any remaining residue.

3. Once your skin is dry, apply your retinol serum according to the product’s instructions.

   

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4. Follow with your hyaluronic acid serum to help keep your skin hydrated.

5. Finish with a moisturizer containing ceramides or glycerin to help prevent moisture loss overnight.

   

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If your skin gets dry or irritated, you can try applying your hyaluronic acid serum first.

Just let your skin dry before following with retinol.

I also recommend starting retinol two or three nights a week rather than using it every night from the beginning.

You can increase how often you use it once you know how your skin responds.

On nights when you’re not using retinol, you can still use hyaluronic acid and moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Final Thoughts

Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to have in your routine if you’re using retinol, especially when dryness becomes an issue.

I wouldn’t worry too much about getting the application order perfect.

What matters more is how your skin feels and whether you’re able to use retinol without constant irritation.

If you’re new to retinol, start slow and give your skin time to adjust. You can always make changes to your routine as you learn what works for you.

Cheers,

Fawn

Something that works great for someone else might leave your skin feeling tight, itchy, or irritated, even when the product claims to be gentle.

And now that we’re in October and fall is here, the change in weather can make things even trickier.

Cooler temperatures, dry air, and indoor heating can make it harder for your skin to hold onto moisture, which may leave it more sensitive than usual.

But having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you need to avoid skincare altogether.

What matters is understanding which ingredients your skin can tolerate and choosing products that help keep your skin barrier healthy.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to look for in skincare products for sensitive skin, share some of my product recommendations, and show you how to put together a morning and nighttime routine that works for the cooler months.

Why Does Skin Feel More Sensitive in the Fall?

First, it’s important to understand the difference between dry skin and sensitive skin because you can have both.

If you have dry skin, your skin may not produce enough natural oil or retain enough moisture, leaving it feeling tight, rough, or flaky.

But if you have sensitive skin, you’re more likely to experience stinging, burning, itching, or redness when using certain products.

Your skin barrier also plays a role here.

When it’s not working as well as it should, your skin can lose moisture more easily and become more vulnerable to irritation.

And during fall, lower humidity and indoor heating can make things worse.

You might notice that your usual moisturizer isn’t enough anymore, or that a serum you’ve been using for months suddenly starts to sting.

If that sounds familiar, your skin may need more moisture and a break from products that could be irritating it.

However, if you’re dealing with persistent redness, burning, or irritation, don’t assume it’s just sensitive skin.

Conditions like eczema, rosacea, and contact dermatitis can cause similar symptoms, so it’s worth checking with a dermatologist if things aren’t improving.

What Ingredients Should You Look for in Sensitive Skin Products?

When you’re shopping for skincare products for sensitive skin, I’d pay more attention to the ingredient list than the claims on the front of the bottle.

Just because something says “gentle” or “for sensitive skin” doesn’t mean your skin will tolerate it.

Here are some ingredients worth looking for:

• Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol: These are humectants, which help attract and hold water in your skin. They’re useful if your skin feels tight or dehydrated.

• Ceramides: These are fats found in your skin barrier that help keep moisture in and protect against irritants. They’re worth looking for if your skin feels dry or uncomfortable.

• Squalane and shea butter: These are emollients that help soften rough, flaky skin. Shea butter can be a good option if your skin needs a richer moisturizer.

• Petrolatum and dimethicone: These help reduce moisture loss by forming a protective layer on your skin. They can be useful when your skin feels dry during the colder months.

• Colloidal oatmeal: This is one of my favorite ingredients to look for when dealing with dry, irritated skin because it can help soothe itching and discomfort.

You don’t need all of these ingredients in one product.

I’d focus on what your skin needs and how it responds to the formula.

I’d also pay attention to fragrance.

“Unscented” and “fragrance-free” aren’t the same thing, and products labeled “natural” aren’t always better for sensitive skin.

Essential oils, fragrance, and certain plant extracts can trigger irritation in some people, so if you’ve reacted to an ingredient before, check for it before trying something new.

And remember, even a product made for sensitive skin can cause a reaction.

Your own experience with an ingredient matters more than what the packaging promises.

The Best Products for Sensitive Skin

Now that you know which ingredients to look for, let’s get into some products worth considering.

I’ve included options for cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, since these are the basics I’d focus on when your skin is feeling more sensitive than usual.

1. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a soap-free cleanser made with glycerin that removes dirt, oil, and everyday makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight. It’s a good option if your skin gets irritated by harsh cleansers. You can use it at night to wash off sunscreen and makeup, while a simple water rinse may be enough in the morning.

   

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2. Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Cream Unscented contains centella asiatica, ceramides, squalane, and glycerin to help hydrate your skin and support its moisture barrier. It’s a good choice if your skin feels dry or uncomfortable, although I’d be careful if you’ve had reactions to niacinamide or certain plant extracts before.

   

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3. Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is a richer moisturizer with lipids, peptides, and hydrating ingredients that help replenish moisture and support your skin barrier. If your usual moisturizer isn’t keeping up with the colder weather, this could be a good option for giving dry skin some extra moisture.

   

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4. Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream contains 1% colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and allantoin to help relieve irritation associated with dry skin. This is a good option for dry, itchy patches, especially when your skin feels uncomfortable and needs a richer moisturizer.

   

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5. Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 is a mineral sunscreen made with zinc oxide and has a lightweight gel-cream texture. It’s worth trying if you prefer sunscreens that don’t feel too heavy on your face. Just keep in mind that it may leave a white cast depending on your skin tone.

   

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Optional Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin

Once you have a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen that work for your skin, you can think about adding other products based on what you want to address.

But if your skin is already irritated, I’d focus on getting it comfortable again before introducing anything new.

Here are a few options worth considering:

1. Laneige Cream Skin Milky Toner is a lightweight, hydrating toner with glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. I’d consider it if your skin needs extra moisture, but if your moisturizer is already doing enough, you can skip this step.

   

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2. Naturium Azelaic Acid Derivative Complex 10% is a serum worth considering for visible redness and uneven skin tone. It contains an azelaic acid derivative, niacinamide, and ethyl ascorbic acid. Keep in mind that the 10% doesn’t mean it contains 10% pure azelaic acid. I’d wait until your skin feels comfortable before introducing it.

   

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3. CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum contains encapsulated retinol to help address fine lines and uneven skin tone, along with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support hydration and the skin barrier. Even though it’s fragrance-free, retinol can still cause dryness and irritation, so I’d start with a couple of nights a week once your skin feels settled. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy.

   

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4. Eye creams are optional if your regular moisturizer works well around your eyes. However, if you’re dealing with dryness, puffiness, or dark circles, a separate product may be worth considering. I covered this in more detail in my recent guide, Do You Really Need an Eye Cream? A Complete Guide.

5. Face oils, such as The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, can help soften dry skin during the colder months. You can apply a few drops after your nighttime moisturizer, but keep in mind that plant oils can still cause irritation. If your moisturizer already works well, there's no need to add one.

   

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How I’d Put It All Together

If you’re not sure where to start, I’d keep your routine simple and focus on products that help your skin stay hydrated and comfortable.

You can always add a toner or treatment later, but there’s no reason to use everything I’ve mentioned in this guide.

Morning Routine

1. Rinse your face with water, or use a gentle cleanser if you prefer washing your face in the morning.

2. If your skin needs extra hydration, apply a hydrating toner before moisturizing.

3. Apply a moisturizer that keeps your skin comfortable, choosing a richer formula if you’re dealing with dryness.

4. Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours when outdoors and after swimming or sweating.

Nighttime Routine

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup, and buildup from the day. Use a separate makeup remover if needed.

2. If you’re using a treatment like retinol, apply it according to the product directions. Skip this step if your skin feels irritated.

3. Follow with a moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated overnight. If you're dealing with dry, itchy patches, choose a richer cream to help relieve discomfort.

If redness or uneven skin tone is a concern, you can also use Naturium Azelaic Acid Derivative Complex 10% as directed.

I’d introduce one treatment at a time so you can see how your skin responds.

And don’t forget about the rest of your skin.

During the colder months, I recommend keeping showers warm rather than hot and applying body moisturizer while your skin is still a little damp.

How to Introduce New Skincare Products to Your Routine

If you have sensitive skin, I’d recommend introducing one new product at a time so you can tell what’s causing irritation if your skin reacts.

Before applying anything new to your face, test it on a small area of skin, like your inner arm, twice a day for 7 to 10 days.

This is what the American Academy of Dermatology recommends.

If you notice redness, itching, or swelling, stop using the product.

And remember, even if a product passes the test, it can still irritate your face.

Pay attention to how your skin responds, and don’t force yourself to keep using something that causes discomfort.

Final Thoughts

If you have sensitive skin, finding products that work for you can take some trial and error, especially when the weather starts getting colder.

I’d start with a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer that keeps your skin comfortable, and sunscreen you enjoy wearing every day.

Once you’ve found products your skin tolerates, you can experiment with other ingredients depending on what you want to address.

And if something starts causing irritation, don’t feel like you have to keep using it just because it works for someone else.

Your skin’s response matters more than any product recommendation, including mine.

Cheers,

Fawn

The truth is somewhere in the middle.

The skin around your eyes is different from the skin on other parts of your face, but that doesn’t mean you need a separate product for it.

For some people, a regular moisturizer works just fine.

For others, an eye cream can be useful for targeting things like dryness, puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines.

What matters more is what’s in the formula and what you’re trying to address.

In this guide, I’ll break down what makes the eye area different, how eye creams compare to regular moisturizers, which ingredients are worth looking for, and how to decide whether you need one in your routine.

Is the Skin Around Your Eyes Different?

First, let’s talk about why the eye area can be so high maintenance.

The skin around your eyes is thinner than the skin on many other areas of your face.

It also has fewer oil glands, which means less natural moisture.

This can make the area more prone to dryness and make changes in the skin easier to see.

Some of the most common concerns around the eyes include:

• Dark circles: Thin skin can make the blood vessels underneath more visible. Pigmentation, genetics, and the shape of your under-eye area can also play a role.

• Puffiness: Fluid can build up under the eyes and make the area look swollen, especially after you wake up.

• Fine lines: The skin here is thin and moves every time you blink, smile, or squint, so lines can become more noticeable over time.

• Dryness and sensitivity: With fewer oil glands, the eye area may have a harder time holding onto moisture and can be more sensitive to some skincare products.

So yes, the skin around your eyes has some differences from the rest of your face.

But that doesn’t mean everyone needs a special product for it.

Do You Need an Eye Cream?

Even though the skin around your eyes is different, that doesn’t mean you need an eye cream.

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For some people, a regular face moisturizer works just fine around the eyes.

If yours keeps the area moisturized, feels comfortable, and doesn’t cause irritation, you may not need another product.

Where an eye cream can help is when you have something specific you want to address, such as puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, or dryness.

Eye creams can be made with these concerns in mind, so they give you a way to add targeted ingredients without changing the products you use on the rest of your face.

But I don’t consider eye cream a must-have step.

If you’re happy with your eye area and your regular moisturizer is doing the job, you can keep things simple.

If you want more targeted help, that’s when an eye cream may be worth adding.

Eye Creams vs. Regular Moisturizers

So what makes an eye cream different from the moisturizer you use on the rest of your face?

There can be a lot of overlap between the two.

Both can hydrate your skin, support your skin barrier, and contain ingredients that help with signs of aging.

The main difference is that eye creams are made with the eye area in mind.

Some come in lightweight gel textures, while others are richer creams for dry under-eyes.

You’ll also find eye creams made to sit well under makeup or target concerns like puffiness and fine lines.

Some eye products are also ophthalmologist-tested, although what that testing involves can vary by product.

But this isn’t true of every eye cream, so it’s worth checking the product if that matters to you.

And what about milia (those tiny white bumps) that can show up around your eyes?

Milia form when keratin gets trapped under the skin.

Using a rich face cream doesn’t mean you’ll get them, but if heavier products don’t work well around your eye area or you tend to get milia, you may prefer a lighter formula.

None of this means your regular moisturizer is bad for your eye area.

If you’ve been using it around your eyes without irritation and it gives you enough moisture, you can keep using it.

But if you want a product made with a certain eye-area concern in mind, that’s where an eye cream can make sense.

Key Ingredients to Look For

Not all eye creams are made the same.

Here are some of the ingredients worth looking for, depending on what you want to target:

1. Peptides

Peptides are common in eye creams made for fine lines and other signs of aging.

There are many types of peptides, and they don’t all do the same thing.

Instead of looking for one peptide by name, I’d pay attention to the formula as a whole and what the product is made to target.

2. Retinol

If fine lines are your main concern, retinol is another ingredient worth looking for.

Retinol can support collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines over time.

The eye area can be sensitive, though, so I’d start with a few nights a week and see how your skin responds.

3. Caffeine

Caffeine shows up in a lot of eye creams made for puffy or tired-looking eyes.

It may help reduce the appearance of puffiness, but I wouldn’t expect it to erase under-eye bags or dark circles.

Those can have several causes that a topical product can’t always address.

4. Blurring & Brightening Ingredients

Some ingredients are there to make your under-eyes look smoother or brighter as soon as you apply the product.

Look for ingredients like:

• Silica for a soft-focus effect

• Mica to reflect light and brighten

• Niacinamide to help with uneven skin tone

• Dimethicone to give the skin a smoother feel and appearance

Silica, mica, and dimethicone mostly change how the area looks or feels while the product is on your skin.

Niacinamide is different because it can also help with uneven tone over time.

5. Hydrating & Barrier-Supporting Ingredients

Since the eye area has fewer oil glands, dryness can be a common problem.

Some ingredients I look for are:

• Hyaluronic acid

• Glycerin

• Ceramides

• Squalane

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid help hydrate the skin, while ceramides and squalane help support your skin barrier and keep moisture in.

You don’t need every ingredient on this list in one eye cream.

What matters is choosing a formula that makes sense for what you’re trying to address.

Some eye creams combine several of these ingredients in one formula.

For example, Dermalogica’s Awaken Peptide Eye Gel combines peptides with ingredients that help with hydration and the appearance of puffiness.

I’ll get more into why I like this one in my product recommendations below.

My Favorite Eye Creams

Now that you know what to look for, here are a few eye products I’ve used and liked.

1. Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel is my overall favorite eye cream.

   

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   It has a lightweight gel texture with peptides and caffeine, so I like it for hydration, puffiness, and fine lines.
   
   It also sits well under makeup, and the cooling metal applicator feels great in the morning.

2. Hero Cosmetics Bright Eyes Illuminating Eye Cream is the one I reach for when I want my under-eyes to look brighter.

   

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   The illuminating tint gives an instant brightening effect, so I sometimes use it instead of concealer on no-makeup days.
   
   Just keep in mind that the tint may not work as well across deeper skin tones.

3. BeYou Caffeine Eye Cream is one of my go-tos during allergy season.

   

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   It feels lightweight and hydrating without leaving much residue behind.
   
   I tend to reach for it in the morning when my eyes look puffy.

4. Mirror Skin Copper Elixir is a little different because it isn’t an eye cream.

   

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   I use it as part of my regular skincare routine and around my eye area.
   
   It’s a good example of why I don’t think everyone needs a separate eye product.
   
   If you have a serum that works well for your skin and the brand says it can be used around the eye area, you may already have something in your routine that does the job.

How to Add Eye Cream to Your Routine

Eye cream can fit into both your morning and nighttime routine.

Where you put it depends on the rest of the products you’re using.

Morning Routine

1. Start with your usual cleanser.

2. Apply your morning serums, such as vitamin C.

3. Apply a small amount of eye cream around your eye area and gently tap it into your skin.

4. Follow with your regular moisturizer.

5. Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Nighttime Routine

1. Use a cleansing balm or oil to remove makeup and sunscreen.

2. Follow with the same gentle cleanser you use in the morning.

3. Apply your nighttime treatments, such as retinol, followed by any hydrating serums you use.

4. Apply your eye cream.

5. Finish with your moisturizer.

If you’re using a retinol eye cream, start with a few nights a week and see how your skin responds.

Final Thoughts

So, do you really need an eye cream?

Not always.

If your regular moisturizer works well around your eyes and you don’t have a specific concern you want to target, there’s no reason to add another product just for the sake of it.

But if you’re dealing with things like puffiness, dryness, dark circles, or fine lines, an eye cream can be a useful addition to your routine.

For me, it comes down to the formula.

I’d rather choose an eye cream based on the ingredients and what I want it to do than assume every eye cream is worth adding to my routine.

Cheers,

Fawn

Their main job is to help protect your skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which you’re exposed to through things like UV radiation and pollution.

And while vitamin C tends to get most of the attention, it’s far from the only antioxidant worth knowing about.

In this guide, I’ll break down how antioxidants work, what they can actually do for your skin, the ones I look for in skincare products, and how to incorporate them into your routine.

What Are Antioxidants in Skincare?

Antioxidants are ingredients that help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can form naturally in your body, but your skin is also exposed to them through things like UV radiation, pollution, and cigarette smoke.

When there are more free radicals than your body can effectively manage, it can lead to oxidative stress.

In your skin, that oxidative stress can contribute to damage involving collagen and other structures that help keep your skin looking healthy.

Antioxidants help by neutralizing free radicals before they can cause as much damage.

You’ll find antioxidants in all kinds of skincare products, but some of the most common ones include vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, green tea, and niacinamide.

We’ll get into each of those later, but first it helps to understand what free radicals are actually doing to your skin.

What Are Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress?

Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron, which makes them highly reactive.

To become more stable, they can react with other molecules in your skin and set off a chain of reactions that damages cells.

When free radical production overwhelms your skin’s natural antioxidant defenses, this is known as oxidative stress.

Your skin is exposed to free radicals from several sources, including:

• UV radiation

• Air pollution

• Cigarette smoke

• Normal processes happening within the body

Over time, oxidative stress can contribute to collagen breakdown, changes in pigmentation, and other signs of skin aging.

This is where antioxidants come in.

They help interrupt these reactions and strengthen your skin’s defenses against oxidative damage.

Benefits of Antioxidants for Your Skin

The biggest reason I like antioxidants is that they give your skin an extra layer of support against the environmental stress it deals with every day.

Depending on the antioxidant you’re using, the benefits can include:

• Protecting against oxidative stress: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals before they can cause more damage to your skin.

• Supporting collagen: By helping limit oxidative damage, antioxidants can help protect the collagen that keeps your skin looking firm and smooth. Some, like vitamin C, also play a role in collagen production.

• Brightening uneven skin tone: Certain antioxidants, especially vitamin C, can help with hyperpigmentation and dark spots over time.

• Calming inflammation: Antioxidants such as green tea and niacinamide can also have anti-inflammatory effects that may help with redness and irritation.

Not every antioxidant does all of these things equally, which is why I think it’s more useful to look at the individual ingredients rather than treating “antioxidants” as one big category.

So let’s get into the ones I actually look for in skincare.

5 Best Antioxidants to Look for in Skincare

There are plenty of antioxidants used in skincare, but these are some of the ones you’ll see most often.

1. Vitamin C: Helps protect against oxidative stress, supports collagen production, and can help with uneven skin tone. Research also supports its role in photoprotection and skin aging.

2. Vitamin E: A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect your skin against oxidative stress. Research has also explored its photoprotective properties, and you’ll often see it combined with vitamin C in antioxidant formulas.

3. Ferulic Acid: Often paired with vitamins C and E because it can help stabilize the combination. In one study, adding ferulic acid to a topical vitamin C and E formula improved its stability and doubled its measured photoprotection.

4. Green Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidant polyphenols and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the skin. Research has explored the protective effects of green tea polyphenols in the skin, including their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

5. Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin barrier and can help with uneven skin tone and the appearance of fine lines. A review of the research found clinical evidence supporting several benefits of topical niacinamide, including improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

How to Incorporate Antioxidants into Your Routine

Step-by-Step Guide

Adding antioxidants to your routine doesn’t have to make it more complicated.

If you’re using an antioxidant serum, here’s where I’d typically put it in a morning routine:

1. Cleanse: Start with your usual cleanser.

2. Antioxidant Serum: Apply your antioxidant serum, such as vitamin C, to clean, dry skin.

3. Moisturize: Follow with your moisturizer. You may already be getting additional antioxidants here if your formula contains ingredients like niacinamide or green tea.

4. Sunscreen: Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

You also don’t need a separate product for every antioxidant.

A single formula may already contain several, like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid.

And while antioxidants can help support your skin against oxidative damage, they don’t replace sunscreen.

Think of them as an additional layer of support in your morning routine.

My Favorite Antioxidant Skincare Products

Here are some antioxidant-rich products to consider based on your skin type:

For Oily Skin

• MaeLove Glow Maker: A lightweight antioxidant serum with vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid that absorbs quickly without leaving an unpleasant residue.

  

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• Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%: A lightweight gel moisturizer with 5% niacinamide that helps balance hydration and reduce the appearance of pores without feeling heavy on the skin.

  

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For Dry Skin

• Skinfix Brighten + Firm 15% Vitamin C Serum: A hydrating vitamin C serum with 15% THD ascorbate and peptides that helps brighten dark spots and support firmer-looking skin.

  

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• Paula’s Choice Ultra-Rich Moisturizer: A rich moisturizer with nourishing plant oils and antioxidants that helps relieve dryness and keep dry to very dry skin soft and hydrated.

  

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For Sensitive Skin

• Medik8 C-Tetra: A gentle antioxidant serum with 7% lipid-soluble vitamin C and vitamin E that helps brighten and even skin tone, making it a good option for sensitive skin or anyone new to vitamin C.

  

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• Korres Greek Yogurt Cream: A soothing, hydrating moisturizer with Greek yoghurt, aloe, and vitamin E that helps comfort sensitive skin.

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Final Thoughts

Antioxidants are one of those things I think are worth having somewhere in your routine, but you don’t need to overthink them.

For me, that usually means vitamin C in the morning, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen.

But if vitamin C doesn’t work well for your skin, there are plenty of other ways to get antioxidants into your routine.

The best option is ultimately the one that works well with your skin and the products you’re already using.

Cheers,

Fawn

Depending on the formula and how you store it, your serum can start to degrade over time.

And because there isn’t one expiration timeline that applies to every vitamin C serum, knowing when yours is still good takes a little more than counting the months since you opened it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how long vitamin C serum typically lasts, what can make it go bad faster, the signs I’d look for before tossing a bottle, and how to store it properly.

What Is Vitamin C in Skincare?

Vitamin C is a popular skincare ingredient that you’ll usually find in serums and moisturizers.

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It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin from free radical damage.

Research also shows that topical vitamin C can support collagen production and help with concerns like uneven skin tone and signs of sun damage.

I like using vitamin C in my morning routine, usually after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen.

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But when you’re trying to figure out how long your vitamin C serum will last, the form of vitamin C matters.

L-ascorbic acid is the pure form and one of the most well-studied forms used in skincare, but you’ll also see derivatives such as:

• Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate: A water-soluble vitamin C derivative commonly used in brightening formulas.

• Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD): An oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that tends to be more stable than L-ascorbic acid.

• 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid: A vitamin C derivative that has been studied for its stability and skin-brightening properties.

These differences matter because not every form of vitamin C has the same stability.

I’ve talked more about the different forms of vitamin C in a previous article, but for this guide, the important thing to know is that you can’t give every vitamin C serum the exact same shelf life.

The formula itself, along with its packaging and how you store it, can all affect how quickly your serum starts to degrade.

How Long Does Vitamin C Serum Last?

As a general guideline, I’d aim to use an opened vitamin C serum within about three to six months.

That’s an estimate, though, not a universal expiration date.

How long your serum stays in good condition depends on the form of vitamin C, the overall formula, the packaging, and how you store it.

Before relying on that three-to-six-month range, check the bottle or box for the manufacturer’s instructions.

You may see an expiration date or a period-after-opening (PAO) symbol, which looks like a small open jar with a number inside it.

For example, the 3M symbol on the bottle below means the manufacturer recommends using the product within three months after opening.

You might also see 6M or 12M on other skincare products.

If your vitamin C serum gives you one of these timelines, I’d follow that product-specific guidance first.

This is especially important because vitamin C formulas don’t all age at the same rate.

L-ascorbic acid is particularly difficult to keep stable, while some vitamin C derivatives are more stable.

So I wouldn’t automatically throw out every serum once it reaches three months, but I also wouldn’t assume an opened bottle is fine indefinitely.

How the serum looks, smells, and feels can give you more clues about whether it has started to degrade.

Why Does Vitamin C Serum Go Bad?

Vitamin C can be a frustrating ingredient because some forms are harder to keep stable than others.

L-ascorbic acid is especially prone to oxidation.

When it reacts with oxygen, it gradually breaks down, and certain conditions can speed up that process:

• Air: Opening the bottle exposes the formula to oxygen, which can contribute to oxidation over time.

• Light: Repeated light exposure can speed up the degradation of L-ascorbic acid.

• Heat: Storing your serum somewhere that gets consistently hot can make an already unstable formula degrade faster.

• The formula itself: Concentration, pH, and the other ingredients used in the formula can influence its stability.

This is why two vitamin C serums can age differently even if you opened them on the same day.

Some formulas are simply better protected against degradation than others.

How to Tell If Your Vitamin C Serum Has Gone Bad

The easiest way to tell if your vitamin C serum is going bad is to compare it with how the product looked, smelled, and felt when you first opened it.

Here are a few changes I’d watch for:

• Color: If a serum that started clear or very pale begins turning noticeably darker, especially orange or brown, that can be a sign of oxidation.

  

• Smell: A new or noticeably different odor can be a sign that the formula has changed.

• Texture: If the serum becomes unusually thick, separates, or develops a texture it didn’t originally have, I’d be cautious about continuing to use it.

Color can be a little tricky because some vitamin C serums are already yellow when they’re new.

I wouldn’t judge a bottle based on color alone.

What matters more is whether you’ve noticed a significant change from the serum’s original appearance.

If your serum has changed substantially in color, smell, or texture, I’d replace it rather than keep trying to finish the bottle.

How to Store Vitamin C Serum

How you store your vitamin C serum can make a difference in how well the formula holds up over time.

I’d keep it somewhere cool, dark, and away from direct sunlight or heat.

A cabinet or drawer is usually a better spot than leaving it on a sunny bathroom counter.

I’d also make sure the bottle is closed properly after every use.

If your serum comes in a dropper bottle, try not to leave it sitting open while you finish the rest of your routine.

You don’t necessarily need to keep vitamin C serum in the refrigerator, either.

Unless the brand specifically recommends refrigeration, following the storage instructions on the packaging is your best bet.

And if the bottle comes in dark or opaque packaging, there’s a reason for it.

That packaging helps limit light exposure, so I wouldn’t transfer the serum into a different container just because another bottle looks nicer.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin C serum doesn’t come with one shelf life that works for every formula, so I wouldn’t rely on the three-to-six-month estimate alone.

Check the expiration date or PAO symbol first, store your serum properly, and pay attention to any noticeable changes in color, smell, or texture.

If something seems significantly different from when you first opened the bottle, I’d replace it.

Vitamin C can be a finicky ingredient, but a little attention to how you store and use it can help you get the most out of each bottle.

Cheers,

Fawn

The brand has two popular benzoyl peroxide cleansers, one with 4% and another with 10%, and choosing between them isn’t always as straightforward as going with the stronger one.

You also have to think about how often you’re using it, what else is in your routine, and whether your skin can handle benzoyl peroxide without getting too dry or irritated.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about PanOxyl and how I’d use it as part of an acne routine.

What Is PanOxyl?

PanOxyl is a skincare brand that focuses on acne treatments, and it’s best known for its benzoyl peroxide cleansers.

The two you’ll see most often are the 4% Creamy Acne Wash and 10% Acne Foaming Wash, which contain different concentrations of benzoyl peroxide.

PanOxyl also makes other acne-focused products, including:

• Acne patches

• Adapalene gel

• A benzoyl peroxide body wash

• A 2% salicylic acid exfoliant

• Moisturizers

For this guide, I’m going to focus on the 4% and 10% washes since those are the products you’re most likely looking at if you want to use PanOxyl for acne.

You can buy PanOxyl over the counter at drugstores, select grocery stores, and online retailers like Amazon.

How Does PanOxyl Work?

Both PanOxyl washes use benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient, just at different strengths.

When you use benzoyl peroxide, it helps reduce the bacteria on your skin that contribute to acne.

It can also help unclog your pores and calm some of the inflammation that comes with breakouts.

That makes PanOxyl a good option if you’re dealing with pimples and inflammatory acne, and with consistent use, it can also help prevent new breakouts from forming.

The catch is that benzoyl peroxide can dry out or irritate your skin, so stronger isn’t always better.

How much your skin can tolerate matters when you’re choosing between the 4% and 10% washes.

PanOxyl 4% vs. 10%: Which One Should You Use?

PanOxyl gives you two benzoyl peroxide strengths to choose from: 4% in the Creamy Acne Wash and 10% in the Acne Foaming Wash.

If you’re new to benzoyl peroxide or plan to use PanOxyl on your face, I’d start with the 4% wash.

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You’re still getting benzoyl peroxide, but the lower concentration gives you a better place to start if you’re worried about dryness or irritation.

The 10% wash is the stronger option.

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I’d consider this one if your skin already tolerates benzoyl peroxide well or if you’re dealing with acne on areas like your chest, back, or shoulders.

I wouldn’t choose the 10% wash just because you assume a higher percentage will clear your acne faster.

More benzoyl peroxide can also mean more irritation, and the best option is the one your skin can tolerate enough to use consistently.

How to Use PanOxyl

Using PanOxyl is pretty straightforward, but I’d make a few adjustments depending on where you’re using it and how well your skin tolerates benzoyl peroxide.

1. Choose your PanOxyl wash. If you’re using PanOxyl on your face, I’d start with the 4% Creamy Acne Wash. The 10% Foaming Acne Wash is the stronger option, so I’d save that for skin that already tolerates benzoyl peroxide well or areas like your chest, back, and shoulders.

2. Wet your skin with lukewarm water. If you’re wearing makeup, start with a cleansing balm to remove it, then rinse and follow with PanOxyl.

   

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3. Massage PanOxyl into your skin. Apply a small amount and focus on the areas where you tend to break out. You don’t need to scrub. Gently work the cleanser over your skin, then rinse it off well.

4. Add hydration if your skin needs it. While your skin is still slightly damp, you can follow with a simple hydrating serum, like hyaluronic acid, if benzoyl peroxide tends to leave your skin feeling dry.

   

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5. Finish with moisturizer. I wouldn’t skip this step. Benzoyl peroxide can be drying, and a good moisturizer can make PanOxyl much easier to keep in your routine.

   

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If you’re new to PanOxyl, I’d start with it a few nights per week rather than jumping straight into daily use.

You can increase how often you use it once you know how your skin responds.

PanOxyl Side Effects and What to Be Careful With

Benzoyl peroxide can work well for acne, but it can also be irritating, particularly when your skin is getting used to it.

You might notice:

• Dryness

• Redness

• Flaking or peeling

• Burning or stinging

• Irritation

If your skin starts getting irritated, I’d cut back on how often you use PanOxyl rather than adding more acne treatments on top of it.

I’d also be careful with other active ingredients in the same routine.

Retinoids and exfoliating acids can cause irritation of their own, so combining too much at once can make it harder for your skin to tolerate PanOxyl.

And one practical thing you should know: benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric.

Be careful around towels, pillowcases, and clothing, and rinse the cleanser off well before drying your skin.

Final Thoughts

PanOxyl has been around for a long time, and I think part of its appeal is that it keeps acne treatment pretty straightforward.

You have two benzoyl peroxide strengths to choose from, both are available over the counter, and you can work one into your routine without completely changing everything else you’re using.

The biggest thing I’d keep in mind is that you don’t need to overdo it.

Give your skin time to adjust, pay attention to how it responds, and build from there.

Cheers,

Fawn

A product might feel great on one part of your face and wrong somewhere else.

That doesn’t mean you need a complicated routine or a separate product for every area.

A few well-chosen products can go a long way.

From there, it comes down to paying attention to what your skin needs.

Below, I’m sharing the morning and nighttime routine I’d recommend for combination skin, including some of my favorite products and treatment options along the way.

What Is Combination Skin?

Combination skin means different areas of your face behave differently, which is why it can sometimes feel like you’re dealing with two skin types at once.

The most common pattern is an oilier T-zone, especially around your forehead, nose, and chin, with cheeks that are normal or dry.

You might notice things like:

• More shine around your nose and forehead

• Clogged pores or breakouts concentrated in oilier areas

• Dryness or tightness on your cheeks

• Certain products working really well on one part of your face and feeling completely wrong somewhere else

There’s research behind this regional difference too.

One study measured sebum production at five areas of the face throughout the year and found that the forehead, nose, and chin produced more sebum than the cheeks.

Interestingly, the researchers also found seasonal changes in oil production, with summer having the highest levels.

That last part is worth paying attention to because your skin type isn’t necessarily going to look identical all year.

You may feel much oilier during hot, humid months and need a lighter moisturizer, then notice your cheeks getting drier once the weather changes.

This is why I wouldn’t try to force combination skin into an entirely “oily skin” or “dry skin” routine.

You can keep the same basic routine across your face, but you may need to adjust certain products, or even how much of them you apply, based on where you’re oily and where you need more moisture.

Morning Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

I’d keep your morning routine pretty lightweight.

You want enough hydration to keep the drier parts of your face comfortable, without layering so much that your T-zone feels greasy a few hours later.

1. Start With a Gentle Cleanser

If your T-zone gets oily but your cheeks tend to feel dry, you want a cleanser that can remove excess oil without stripping the rest of your face.

Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% is a good option here.

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It has a lightweight, essence-like texture with 3% niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, so you can get your skin clean without that tight, dry feeling afterward.

2. Use a Vitamin C Serum

I like vitamin C in the morning if uneven tone or dark spots are something you’re trying to improve.

Skinfix Brighten + Firm 15% Vitamin C Serum uses 15% THD ascorbate, a stable form of vitamin C, along with ferulic acid and vitamin E.

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I like this one if you want to work on dullness and uneven tone without using a formula that feels too heavy in the morning.

3. Keep Your Moisturizer Lightweight

Combination skin still needs moisturizer, but you don’t need the same amount everywhere.

If your cheeks are dry while your forehead and nose get oily, you can use a little more moisturizer on the areas that need it.

Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5% is a good option if your combination skin leans oily.

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It has a lightweight gel-cream texture and combines 5% niacinamide with hydrating ingredients, so you get moisture without the heavier feel of a rich cream.

If your combination skin leans drier, Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream is another option.

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It combines colloidal oatmeal with ceramides to soothe dry skin and support your skin barrier, so I’d look at this one if your cheeks tend to need more moisture than your T-zone.

4. Finish With Sunscreen

Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.

Sunscreen texture matters with combination skin because something that feels fine on your cheeks can end up feeling too heavy once your T-zone starts getting oily.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is one of my favorite options if you’re prone to breakouts or clogged pores.

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It’s lightweight and oil-free, with niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate, which makes it a good fit if your combination skin also leans acne-prone.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 is another good option if you prefer more of a primer-like finish.

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It has a weightless gel texture that feels comfortable on combination skin, dries down with a natural finish, and doesn’t leave a white cast.

I like this one if you wear makeup since it doubles as a primer.

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Your nighttime routine is where I’d focus more on removing makeup and sunscreen, treating whatever concerns you’re dealing with, and giving your skin enough moisture to recover overnight.

You don’t need to use every treatment at once.

What you use after cleansing should depend on what your skin needs.

1. Remove Makeup and Sunscreen

If you wear makeup or sunscreen during the day, I like starting with Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm before going in with your regular cleanser.

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A cleansing balm helps break everything down first, then you can follow with the Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% to remove anything left behind.

2. Choose a Treatment Based on Your Skin

If clogged pores, excess oil, or breakouts are your main concern, Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% is a good option.

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Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can get into your pores and help clear out the buildup that contributes to congestion.

You also don’t have to use it everywhere.

If your cheeks are dry but you tend to get clogged pores around your nose, forehead, or chin, you can concentrate it on those areas.

If you’re more concerned with texture, breakouts, or signs of aging, Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel is another option.

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It uses a blend of retinol, retinal, and granactive retinoid along with aloe, cica, and squalane, and I like this one if you’re newer to retinoids.

I wouldn’t use the salicylic acid and retinoid together when you’re starting out.

Alternate nights and see how your skin responds before deciding how often you need either one.

3. Finish With Moisturizer

At night, I like Medik8 Advanced Ceramide Night Cream when my skin needs something richer.

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It has a silky texture and gives you plenty of moisture without leaving that heavy, greasy feeling afterward.

I’ve gone through more than two full-size tubs of this and even keep a travel size around, so it’s one I come back to a lot.

I also like pairing it with retinoids when my skin needs more barrier support.

What to Be Careful With

You don’t need to avoid specific ingredients just because you have combination skin.

I’d pay more attention to how much you’re doing and how your skin responds.

• Don’t overdo exfoliation. Salicylic acid can help with clogged pores and excess oil, but using it too often can leave the drier parts of your face irritated.

• Go slowly with retinoids. Dryness, peeling, and irritation are common when you’re starting out, so give your skin time to adjust.

• Be careful about stacking actives. If you’re using a retinoid, you don’t need to pile on exfoliating acids the same night when you’re new to either one.

• Pay attention to different areas of your face. Your T-zone may tolerate a treatment better than your cheeks, so you can adjust where and how often you use it.

Final Thoughts

Combination skin can take a little trial and error because different parts of your face may need different things, but your routine doesn’t have to be complicated because of it.

Start with a simple routine and pay attention to how your skin responds.

If your T-zone is getting congested while your cheeks feel fine, you can target that area instead of changing everything.

The same goes for dryness.

Sometimes you just need a little more moisturizer where your skin needs it.

Once you figure out that balance, combination skin gets a lot easier to work with.

Cheers,

Fawn

A few more deals have gone live since then, and some of the ones I mentioned before are wrapping up soon, so I wanted to get you an updated list before the weekend hits.

If you saw my last roundup and didn’t get a chance to shop yet, this is your reminder.

And if you’re just catching this now, here’s everything worth knowing about, plus my picks from each brand.

Here’s what I found:

Medik8

Where: us.medik8.com
Details: 25% off sitewide (no code needed)
When: September 3 – September 8, 2026

What to get:

1. Liquid Peptides: A lightweight, hydrating peptide serum that helps smooth the look of fine lines and expression lines. You can use it morning or night, and it layers well with vitamin C, azelaic acid, or retinoids.

   

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2. Crystal Retinal: A retinal serum that helps smooth fine lines, improve uneven texture, and brighten your skin. It comes in different strengths, so you can work your way up depending on your experience with retinoids.

   

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3. Advanced Ceramide Night Cream: One of my favorite moisturizers to pair with retinoids. It has a silky texture that leaves my skin feeling moisturized without being greasy. I’ve gone through more than three full-size tubs and even keep a smaller one in my toiletry kit because I never travel without it.

   

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Bloomeffects

Where: bloomeffects.com
Details: 25% off sitewide (no code needed)
When: September 2 – September 8, 2026

Freebie: Free Bloom Pouch on orders over $60

What to get:

1. Royal Tulip Moisturizing Nectar: A one-of-a-kind balm-to-serum moisturizer that leaves skin feeling soft, plump, and deeply hydrated. Made with Dutch tulip complex, peptides, and vitamin C, it works great as a sleep mask or a gentle slugging option.

   

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True Botanicals

Where: truebotanicals.com
Details: 20% off all orders; 25% off orders $250+
When: September 2 – September 7, 2026

Freebie: Complimentary travel-size Chebula Extreme Cream with orders $400+

What to get:

1. Pure Radiance Oil: This is easily my favorite True Botanicals product. I have more than three bottles of it in my house right now, which probably tells you everything you need to know. It’s a face oil made with 14 nutrient-dense oils that leaves my skin feeling deeply nourished and gives it a really nice glow.

   

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2. Chebula Active Serum: A hydrating, anti-aging serum that targets fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture while helping skin look firmer and smoother. It’s made with chebula, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidant-rich ingredients, and it’s another True Botanicals product I’ve used and loved.

   

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3. Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm: A rich cleansing balm that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup without leaving my skin feeling stripped. It’s made with ginger and turmeric and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated after cleansing.

   

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Supergoop!

Where: supergoop.com
Details: 20% off sitewide (no code needed), plus up to 30% off select bundles
When: September 1 – September 8, 2026

Freebies: Various gifts with purchase

What to get:

1. Glowscreen: Gives skin a radiant, sun-kissed glow with a smooth, pearly finish that blends in instantly. It’s not a mineral sunscreen, but if you don’t mind chemical filters, it’s a gorgeous everyday option.

   

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2. Unseen Sunscreen: A clear, lightweight sunscreen with a smooth, almost Aquaphor-like consistency. It applies nicely and feels slightly occlusive on my skin, but it’s still light enough for summer. It’s a good, straightforward everyday sunscreen that I think will work for a lot of people, although I still prefer Glowscreen.

   

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3. Mineral Matte Screen: A lightweight tinted mineral sunscreen with a soft matte finish that works especially well if your skin tends to get oily. It’s a little thicker than some other mineral SPFs I’ve tried, but it dries down without looking shiny. I personally prefer the powderier finish of Mineral Unseen Sunscreen, but this is a good pick if you want something noticeably more matte.

   

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Paula’s Choice

Where: paulaschoice.com
Details: 20% off sitewide; 30% off orders $100+ with code SAVE30
When: August 27 – September 7, 2026

Exclusions: Kits, sets, sale items, and new items noted on applicable product pages are excluded.

What to get:

1. Discoloration Repair Serum: One of my favorites for hyperpigmentation and sun spots. It uses tranexamic acid to target stubborn discoloration, along with bakuchiol as a retinol alternative. I especially like this one if you can’t tolerate retinol or vitamin C but still want something in your routine for dark spots.

   

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2. 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: One of my favorite salicylic acid products for oily and combination skin. The 2% BHA helps exfoliate dead skin cells and clear buildup from pores, making it a great option for clogged pores, blackheads, and uneven texture. It’s effective without making my skin feel stripped when I use it correctly.

   

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3. C15 Super Booster: A lightweight serum with 15% pure vitamin C that helps brighten dull skin, fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and soften the look of fine lines. It also combines vitamin C with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients, making it a solid daily option if discoloration and signs of aging are your main concerns.

   

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Skinfix

Where: skinfix.com
Details: 20% off sitewide
When: September 2 – September 9, 2026
What to get:

1. Brighten + Firm 15% Vitamin C Serum: A 15% vitamin C serum made with THD ascorbate and peptides to help brighten dark spots, smooth the look of lines, and support firmer-looking skin. I like that it uses a gentler form of vitamin C, so this could be a good option if traditional vitamin C serums tend to irritate your skin.

   

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2. Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream: A rich barrier moisturizer made with ceramides and peptides that helps your skin hold onto moisture and supports a compromised skin barrier. I’d look at this one if your skin is dry, sensitive, or feeling irritated from actives.

   

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Prequel

Where: prequelskin.com
Details: 20% off sitewide with code LD20
Freebie: Free Silicone Scar Stick on orders $80+
What to get:

1. Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk: A body moisturizer with 10% urea that caught my attention because it’s especially useful for dry, rough, and flaky skin. It helps soften and smooth those stubborn dry areas while keeping your skin moisturized.

   

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2. Gleanser + SA: A salicylic acid cleanser I like for acne-prone skin, especially if other salicylic acid cleansers leave you feeling stripped. It combines 1% salicylic acid with 50% glycerin, zinc PCA, and succinic acid to gently exfoliate while helping maintain hydration, and you can use it on both your face and body.

   

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Saltair

Where: saltair.com
Details: 15% off sitewide with code LABORDAY2026
Freebie: Free HA Body Hydrator Mini on orders $65+

What to get:

1. HA Body Hydrator: A newer addition to my routine that I like applying right after I shower while my skin is still damp. It contains sodium hyaluronate along with ingredients that support the skin barrier, and I’ve found that it leaves my skin feeling softer, smoother, and more hydrated throughout the day.

   

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2. KP Body Smoother 5% Glycolic Body Scrub: A fragrance-free body scrub made with 5% glycolic acid plus volcanic sand and microcrystalline cellulose for both chemical and physical exfoliation. It’s made for rough, bumpy skin and keratosis pilaris, so I’d look at this one if you’re trying to smooth stubborn texture on your body.

   

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TULA Skincare

Where: tula.com
Details: 25% off bestselling moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, and more (no code needed, discount applied in cart)
Freebie: Free SPF on orders $60+

What to get:

1. Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30: A lightweight sunscreen that starts out creamy and blends into a non-greasy gel without leaving a white cast. It’s an easy everyday SPF if you like something that feels more like skincare than a traditional sunscreen.

   

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2. Glow + Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm: A cooling eye balm made with caffeine and hyaluronic acid that gives the under-eye area an instant brightening effect. I like the stick format for something quick you can swipe on when your eyes are looking a little tired.

   

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3. 24-7 Weightless Moisture Day & Night Gel Cream: A lightweight gel moisturizer that absorbs quickly and works especially well if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. It contains niacinamide and peptides and gives you hydration without feeling heavy.

   

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Alpyn Beauty

Where: alpynbeauty.com
Details: 25% off sitewide, including bundles
When: September 1 – September 7, 2026

Freebies:

• Free Clarifying Facial Oil on orders $90+

• Free 3-Piece Travel Set on orders $150+, including a Mini Super Sculpt Serum, Mini Barrier Repair Cream, and Sleeping Bag

Kosas

Where: kosas.com
Details: 25% off sitewide
When: August 29 – September 7, 2026

Freebies:

• Spend $100: Receive a free full-size Air Brow Clear

• Spend $150: Receive a free full-size cleanser of your choice

Revision Skincare

Where: revisionskincare.com
Details: 20% off sitewide
When: September 3 – September 7, 2026

Final Thoughts

I’m glad a few more brands joined the Labor Day sales because there are some really good ones in here now, especially if you’ve been eyeing something from Skinfix, Prequel, TULA, or any of the brands from my first roundup.

Take a look through my picks, see what makes sense for your skin and your routine, and enjoy the extra savings while they’re around.

I hope you find something you love!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Cheers,

Fawn

There are some pretty good skincare deals this year, including discounts on products I already use and recommend.

Some are already live and others start later this week, so I wanted to get this out early rather than wait until Labor Day weekend.

If you’ve been waiting to restock something you love or you’ve had a product sitting in your cart for a while, I’d check the sales before paying full price.

I went through the offers and pulled together the ones I think are worth knowing about, plus my product recommendations from each brand where I have them.

Here’s what I found:

Medik8

Where: us.medik8.com
Details: 25% off sitewide (no code needed)
When: September 3 – September 8, 2026

What to get:

1. Liquid Peptides: A lightweight, hydrating peptide serum that helps smooth the look of fine lines and expression lines. You can use it morning or night, and it layers well with vitamin C, azelaic acid, or retinoids.

   

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2. Crystal Retinal: A retinal serum that helps smooth fine lines, improve uneven texture, and brighten your skin. It comes in different strengths, so you can work your way up depending on your experience with retinoids.

   

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3. Advanced Ceramide Night Cream: One of my favorite moisturizers to pair with retinoids. It has a silky texture that leaves my skin feeling moisturized without being greasy. I’ve gone through more than three full-size tubs and even keep a smaller one in my toiletry kit because I never travel without it.

   

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Bloomeffects

Where: bloomeffects.com
Details: 25% off sitewide (no code needed)
When: September 2 – September 8, 2026

Freebie: Free Bloom Pouch on orders over $60

What to get:

1. Royal Tulip Moisturizing Nectar: A one-of-a-kind balm-to-serum moisturizer that leaves skin feeling soft, plump, and deeply hydrated. Made with Dutch tulip complex, peptides, and vitamin C, it works great as a sleep mask or a gentle slugging option.

   

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True Botanicals

Where: truebotanicals.com
Details: 20% off all orders; 25% off orders $250+
When: September 2 – September 7, 2026

Freebie: Complimentary travel-size Chebula Extreme Cream with orders $400+

What to get:

1. Pure Radiance Oil: This is easily my favorite True Botanicals product. I have more than three bottles of it in my house right now, which probably tells you everything you need to know. It’s a face oil made with 14 nutrient-dense oils that leaves my skin feeling deeply nourished and gives it a really nice glow.

   

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2. Chebula Active Serum: A hydrating, anti-aging serum that targets fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture while helping skin look firmer and smoother. It’s made with chebula, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidant-rich ingredients, and it’s another True Botanicals product I’ve used and loved.

   

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3. Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm: A rich cleansing balm that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup without leaving my skin feeling stripped. It’s made with ginger and turmeric and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated after cleansing.

   

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Supergoop!

Where: supergoop.com
Details: 20% off sitewide (no code needed), plus up to 30% off select bundles
When: September 1 – September 8, 2026

Freebies: Various gifts with purchase

What to get:

1. Glowscreen: Gives skin a radiant, sun-kissed glow with a smooth, pearly finish that blends in instantly. It’s not a mineral sunscreen, but if you don’t mind chemical filters, it’s a gorgeous everyday option.

   

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2. Unseen Sunscreen: A clear, lightweight sunscreen with a smooth, almost Aquaphor-like consistency. It applies nicely and feels slightly occlusive on my skin, but it’s still light enough for summer. It’s a good, straightforward everyday sunscreen that I think will work for a lot of people, although I still prefer Glowscreen.

   

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3. Mineral Matte Screen: A lightweight tinted mineral sunscreen with a soft matte finish that works especially well if your skin tends to get oily. It’s a little thicker than some other mineral SPFs I’ve tried, but it dries down without looking shiny. I personally prefer the powderier finish of Mineral Unseen Sunscreen, but this is a good pick if you want something noticeably more matte.

   

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Paula’s Choice

Where: paulaschoice.com
Details: 20% off sitewide; 30% off orders $100+ with code SAVE30
When: August 27 – September 7, 2026

Exclusions: Kits, sets, sale items, and new items noted on applicable product pages are excluded.

What to get:

1. Discoloration Repair Serum: One of my favorites for hyperpigmentation and sun spots. It uses tranexamic acid to target stubborn discoloration, along with bakuchiol as a retinol alternative. I especially like this one if you can’t tolerate retinol or vitamin C but still want something in your routine for dark spots.

   

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2. 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: One of my favorite salicylic acid products for oily and combination skin. The 2% BHA helps exfoliate dead skin cells and clear buildup from pores, making it a great option for clogged pores, blackheads, and uneven texture. It’s effective without making my skin feel stripped when I use it correctly.

   

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3. C15 Super Booster: A lightweight serum with 15% pure vitamin C that helps brighten dull skin, fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and soften the look of fine lines. It also combines vitamin C with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients, making it a solid daily option if discoloration and signs of aging are your main concerns.

   

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Alpyn Beauty

Where: alpynbeauty.com
Details: 25% off sitewide, including bundles
When: September 1 – September 7, 2026

Freebies:

• Free Clarifying Facial Oil on orders $90+

• Free 3-Piece Travel Set on orders $150+, including a Mini Super Sculpt Serum, Mini Barrier Repair Cream, and Sleeping Bag

Kosas

Where: kosas.com
Details: 25% off sitewide
When: August 29 – September 7, 2026

Freebies:

• Spend $100: Receive a free full-size Air Brow Clear

• Spend $150: Receive a free full-size cleanser of your choice

Final Thoughts

Labor Day sales are a good excuse to pick up the products you’ve already been thinking about, especially when brands like Medik8, Paula’s Choice, and True Botanicals have some of my longtime favorites included.

I’d use this as a chance to restock what you know you’ll finish or finally try something that’s been sitting on your list.

Personally, I’m much more tempted by 20% or 25% off a product I already love than a huge discount on something I’ve never wanted before.

Hopefully this helps you narrow down what’s worth grabbing this Labor Day.

Cheers,

Fawn

Adapalene can cause dryness, redness, and irritation, especially when you first start using it.

Moisturizer helps support your skin barrier and can make those side effects easier to manage.

But you may be wondering where moisturizer fits into your routine.

Should you apply it before or after adapalene?

And how long should you wait between the two?

In this article, I’ll explain how to use adapalene gel with moisturizer, the different ways you can layer them, and how to build a routine that keeps your skin hydrated while you treat your acne.

What is adapalene gel?

Adapalene gel is a topical retinoid that’s mainly used to treat acne.

It’s a third-generation synthetic retinoid and has been FDA-approved for acne since 1996.

The 0.1% gel became available over the counter in 2016, so you no longer need a prescription to use this strength for acne.

You may recognize adapalene gel by the brand name Differin, but it isn’t your only option.

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La Roche-Posay also makes Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%, and both are available over the counter.

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What does adapalene gel do?

When you apply adapalene gel, it works with retinoid receptors in your skin to change how your skin cells grow and shed.

This speeds up skin cell turnover and helps keep dead skin cells from building up and clogging your pores.

As you continue using it, adapalene can help:

• Clear clogged pores

• Reduce acne breakouts

• Prevent new breakouts from forming

• Calm some of the redness and inflammation that comes with acne

You may notice more breakouts or irritation when you first start using adapalene, so don’t expect your skin to change overnight.

It can take time for your skin to adjust and for you to start seeing improvement.

What are the side effects?

When you first start using adapalene gel, your skin may become dry or irritated as it adjusts to the treatment.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• Dryness

• Redness

• Flaking or peeling

• Burning or stinging

This is also why moisturizer matters so much when you’re using adapalene.

A good moisturizer can help manage dryness and support your skin barrier while your skin adjusts.

You should also wear sunscreen every morning to keep your skin protected.

Can you use moisturizer with adapalene gel?

Yes, and for most people, I’d recommend using one.

You can use moisturizer before or after adapalene depending on how your skin responds, so there isn’t one order that works best for everyone.

You don’t need a complicated formula either.

A gentle, hydrating moisturizer that works well with your skin is enough.

If you’re more sensitive to adapalene, the way you layer your moisturizer can also make a difference, which I’ll get into below.

How to Layer Adapalene Gel and Moisturizer

For most people, I recommend applying adapalene first and moisturizer afterward.

This gives the adapalene direct contact with your skin, while the moisturizer helps with some of the dryness that can come with using a retinoid.

After you apply adapalene, wait about 1–2 minutes for it to dry, then follow with your moisturizer.

On the other hand, if your skin is sensitive or you’re still getting used to adapalene, you can apply moisturizer first.

Having that layer between your skin and the adapalene can make it easier to tolerate if you’re dealing with irritation.

You can also try the sandwich method, where you apply moisturizer first, followed by adapalene, and then another layer of moisturizer.

This gives your skin even more moisture and can be helpful if dryness or irritation is making adapalene difficult to use consistently.

How to Use Adapalene Gel With Moisturizer

Once you know where moisturizer fits into your routine, using the two together is pretty straightforward.

As part of your evening routine:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let your skin dry.

2. Apply a pea-sized amount of adapalene gel and spread it evenly over your face.

3. Wait about 1–2 minutes for the adapalene to dry.

4. Follow with your moisturizer.

If you’re using moisturizer before adapalene or trying the sandwich method because your skin is sensitive, you can adjust the order based on what we covered above.

My Moisturizer Recommendations for Adapalene

If you’re looking for a moisturizer to pair with adapalene, I’d focus on formulas that give your skin plenty of hydration and help support your skin barrier.

These are three I’d recommend:

1. Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm is the option I’d reach for if adapalene is leaving your skin dry or flaky. It contains marshmallow root, centella asiatica, and colloidal oatmeal, with a rich texture that helps lock in moisture and support your skin barrier.

   

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2. Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide is my favorite moisturizer on this list, and I’ve repurchased it more than six times. It’s a rich ceramide cream that helps replenish your skin barrier, and it’s designed to pair well with vitamin A products, which makes it a great option to use with adapalene.

   

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3. Skinfix Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream is a lighter option if you don’t want a rich cream on top of your adapalene. It has a fast-absorbing gel-cream texture that provides hydration while supporting your moisture barrier, making it a good fit for normal to combination skin.

   

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Final Thoughts

Adapalene is one of those products where your routine around it matters almost as much as the product itself.

If your skin feels dry or uncomfortable, don’t assume you have to stop using it right away. Sometimes adding a richer moisturizer or changing the order you apply your products is enough to make a difference.

I’d start with adapalene followed by moisturizer and see how your skin responds.

You can always switch things around or try the sandwich method if you need a little more help with dryness.

It might take some trial and error, but once you figure out what your skin prefers, using adapalene gets a lot easier.

Cheers,

Fawn

Both are retinoids, but they’re usually used for different reasons.

Adapalene is best known for treating acne and clogged pores, while retinol is more commonly used for fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging.

The choice isn’t always that simple, though, since both can help with some of the same skin concerns and they work differently once applied to your skin.

In this article, I’ll explain the differences between adapalene and retinol, what each one can do for your skin, and how to decide which one is right for you.

What are retinoids?

Retinoids are a group of ingredients that come from vitamin A.

They’re commonly used in skincare and dermatology to treat acne, signs of aging, and other skin concerns.

Some of the most common topical retinoids include:

• Retinol

• Retinaldehyde

• Adapalene, which you may know as Differin gel

• Prescription retinoids like tretinoin and tazarotene

All of these fall under the larger category of retinoids, but they aren’t exactly the same.

Some are stronger than others, and they can also be used for different skin concerns.

You may also have heard of isotretinoin, better known as Accutane.

Unlike the retinoids above that you apply to your skin, isotretinoin is an oral form of vitamin A that dermatologists may prescribe for severe acne.

What is adapalene?

Adapalene is a topical retinoid that is mainly used to treat acne.

It’s FDA-approved for treating acne vulgaris and works by speeding up skin cell turnover, which can help keep pores clear and prevent new breakouts from forming.

You’ll often find adapalene in gel form, including over-the-counter 0.1% adapalene products like Differin Gel.

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Stronger forms are also available by prescription.

Adapalene is often used when common acne treatments like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide aren’t doing enough.

Compared with other prescription retinoids like tretinoin and tazarotene, adapalene also tends to be easier for your skin to tolerate.

How does adapalene work?

Adapalene works by binding to specific retinoic acid receptors in your skin.

This helps control how your skin cells grow and shed, which can keep dead skin cells from building up and clogging your pores.

It also has anti-inflammatory effects that can help calm the redness and swelling that come with acne.

Together, these effects help treat existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.

What is retinol?

If you’re more concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, retinol is probably the retinoid you’ve heard the most about.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that you can buy over the counter, and it’s one of the most studied ingredients for treating signs of aging.

With regular use, it can help smooth fine lines, improve uneven skin tone, and fade dark spots over time.

You’ll find retinol in all kinds of serums, creams, and moisturizers, with different strengths available depending on your skin and how well you tolerate it.

How does retinol work?

When applied to your skin, retinol undergoes one conversion step to become retinaldehyde, then another conversion to become retinoic acid.

Once the retinoic acid binds to your retinoic acid receptors, it helps your skin:

• speed up skin cell turnover

• boost collagen production

• regulate sebum production

All of these processes help even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What’s the difference between retinol and adapalene?

Both retinol and adapalene work with retinoic acid receptors in your skin, but they don’t work the same way.

Retinol goes through two conversion steps before becoming retinoic acid.

Once it reaches this form, it helps speed up skin cell turnover and boost collagen production, which is why retinol is commonly used for signs of aging.

Adapalene works differently because it binds directly to certain retinoic acid receptors.

It also has anti-inflammatory effects that make it especially useful for treating acne.

Both can speed up skin cell turnover and help with hyperpigmentation, but there are a few important differences between them:

Benefits of Adapalene and Retinol

Adapalene and retinol share some of the same benefits, especially when it comes to skin cell turnover, but each one has its own strengths.

Adapalene can help:

• Keep clogged pores clear

• Treat and prevent acne breakouts

• Speed up skin cell turnover

• Fade post-acne dark spots

Retinol can help:

• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Improve uneven skin tone and dark spots

• Speed up skin cell turnover

• Improve signs of sun damage

Adapalene may also have some anti-aging benefits, although we know much more about its benefits for acne.

Side Effects of Using Adapalene and Retinol

Both adapalene and retinol can irritate your skin when you first start using them.

This is common with retinoids, and the irritation may improve as your skin gets used to the ingredient.

Some common side effects include:

• Redness

• Burning or stinging

• Flaking

• Dryness

If your skin is sensitive or you find that you can’t tolerate adapalene or retinol, other ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be better options, especially if acne is your main concern.

You can also help with dryness by using a good moisturizer and starting your retinoid slowly instead of using it every night right away.

How to Use Adapalene and Retinol

To start, choose either adapalene or retinol rather than using both in the same routine.

Then, as part of your evening routine, follow these steps:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

   

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2. Let your skin dry completely or gently pat it dry with a clean towel.

3. Apply a pea-sized amount of adapalene or retinol to your face.

4. Gently spread it across your skin until absorbed.

5. Follow with a hydrating serum and moisturizer if needed.

   

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If you’re new to retinoids, I recommend starting a few nights per week and giving your skin time to adjust before using them more often.

And don’t forget sunscreen during the day.

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Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive, and protecting your skin from the sun is especially important while you’re using one.

My Adapalene and Retinol Recommendations

If you’re ready to try adapalene or retinol, these are a few options I’d recommend depending on what you want to target and what your skin is used to.

1. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is a good option if acne is your main concern. It contains 0.1% adapalene and can help with clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and recurring breakouts.

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2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% is another option for treating breakouts and clogged pores. It also contains 0.1% adapalene, so you’re getting the same strength as Differin in a different formula.

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3. Naturium Retinol Complex Serum is a good choice if you’re more focused on fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture. The formula combines retinol with bakuchiol and vitamin E, so I like this one if you want to target several signs of aging without starting with a high-strength retinol.

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4. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is one I’d look at if post-acne marks and uneven texture are your main concerns. It combines encapsulated retinol with niacinamide, ceramides, and licorice root extract, with the ceramides helping support your skin barrier while you use retinol.

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5. Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is the stronger option I’d recommend if your skin is already used to retinol. It contains 1% retinol along with peptides and vitamin C to target fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness.

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Should you use adapalene and retinol together?

I wouldn’t use adapalene and retinol at the same time.

Since they’re both retinoids, using them together can increase your chances of dryness, redness, and irritation without giving you much added benefit.

If you’re interested in using both, talk to your dermatologist about whether alternating them on different nights makes sense for your skin.

Can everyone use retinol and adapalene?

Retinoids aren’t right for everyone, and you may need to be more careful with them if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin.

If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before using a retinoid.

Topical retinoids like retinol and adapalene are generally avoided during pregnancy.

If your skin doesn’t tolerate retinoids well, you may want to look at other ingredients that target your main skin concern instead.

For acne, options like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be easier for your skin to handle.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this comparison, it’s that you don’t need to choose a retinoid based on which one sounds stronger or more effective.

You need to choose the one that makes sense for your skin and what you’re trying to improve.

Whichever one you choose, give your skin time to adjust and don’t rush into using it every night.

Retinoids can take time to show results, and being consistent with a routine your skin can handle will get you much further than doing too much too soon.

And as always, if you’re unsure whether a retinoid is right for you, especially if you’re dealing with ongoing acne or irritation, talk to your dermatologist.

Cheers,

Fawn

Paid partnership with SpoiledChild.

Every time I share my skincare routine, the focus is usually on the products I apply to my skin.

Serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, and beauty devices all play an important role, but one of the habits I’ve been the most consistent with happens long before I step into the bathroom.

You’ve probably come across the phrase “eating your skincare” on social media.

While it’s become a popular trend, the idea behind it isn’t new to me.

I’ve always believed that taking care of your skin isn’t just about what you apply to your face.

It’s also about what you put into your body.

Recently, SpoiledChild sent me a selection of products to try, including SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen, and it reminded me that one of my longest-standing skincare habits is one I rarely talk about.

In this article, I'll share why collagen has remained such an important part of my approach to skincare, how SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen fits into my everyday routine, and why I believe healthy skin starts from within.

I’ve Always Believed Skincare Starts from Within

People usually ask me about the serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, or beauty devices I use, and I enjoy talking about all of those things.

What doesn’t come up nearly as often is nutrition.

The products I use matter, but I’ve never believed they tell the whole story.

That's why taking collagen became one of the habits I rarely skipped.

In my opinion, it's one of the best long-term habits you can build for your skin.

I don’t think of collagen as a quick fix.

I see it as one piece of a much bigger picture, alongside the skincare products I use and the other habits I’ve built over the years.

Why Collagen Matters

One of the reasons collagen has been part of my routine for so long is because it plays such an important role in your skin.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and provides much of the structure that keeps skin firm and resilient.

It works alongside elastin, which helps skin stretch and bounce back, while filaggrin helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and retain moisture.

As we get older, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, and existing collagen and elastin gradually break down over time.

As a result, skin gradually becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, and fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.

That doesn’t mean we can completely stop those changes from happening.

Aging is a natural process, but there are still plenty of ways to support healthy skin as the years go by.

Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is one of the reasons I’ve always believed it’s worth supporting my skin from both the inside and the outside.

When you consume collagen, your body doesn't send it directly to your skin.

Instead, your body breaks collagen down into smaller peptides and amino acids during digestion.

Those building blocks are absorbed and used throughout the body.

Researchers are still studying exactly how oral collagen works.

Clinical studies have found that collagen supplementation may improve skin hydration and elasticity over time.

One proposed explanation is that collagen peptides may interact with fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen in the skin, although the exact biological mechanisms are still being studied.

Why SpoiledChild E27 Fits Into My Routine

I’ve tried different collagen products and formats over the years, so I already had a good idea of what I liked.

SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen is available in Mango and Pineapple.

I received the mango flavor, and it goes down easy.

Some mornings I pour it into a glass of water.

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Other mornings, I add it to what I call my hydration cocktail with tart cherry juice, coconut water, sparkling water, and lemon juice.

The mango flavor blends in really well with the rest of the drink.

Instead of measuring powder, mixing everything together, and washing another shaker bottle afterward, I can just pour E27 into whatever I'm already drinking that morning and get on with my day.

I also liked seeing vitamin C and hyaluronic acid included alongside the collagen because they’re ingredients I’m already familiar with from skincare.

Since taking collagen has already been part of my routine for so long, I can't say I noticed dramatic changes from switching to E27.

What I can say is that it fit into a habit I already had.

If something is easy to enjoy and fits naturally into my mornings, I’m much more likely to keep reaching for it.

Why I’ve Continued Taking Collagen

People sometimes ask me why I bother taking collagen in the first place.

For me, the reason is simple.

Our bodies naturally produce less collagen as we get older, and because collagen plays an important role in our skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, and connective tissues, it’s something I’ve chosen to support for years.

Research on collagen supplementation has also continued to grow.

While it's often discussed in the context of skincare, research also suggests collagen supplementation may support joint health and wound healing, making it beneficial beyond your skin.

One recent review of clinical studies found that collagen supplementation was consistently associated with improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, along with favorable outcomes for musculoskeletal health.

That’s another reason I appreciated the formula behind SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen.

It combines Types I and III collagen with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, ingredients that support collagen production and skin hydration.

Other Ways I Like to "Eat My Skincare"

When people hear the phrase “eat your skincare,” they often think of collagen supplements first.

But there are plenty of other ways to support your skin through the choices you make every day.

I try to build most of my meals around whole, nutrient-dense foods while limiting highly processed foods that may promote inflammation whenever I can.

If you struggle with acne, it can also be worth paying attention to foods that seem to trigger breakouts.

Everyone’s skin is different, so learning how your own skin responds can be just as important as following general advice.

I also try not to overdo added sugars.

Diets high in added sugar can contribute to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), compounds that can damage collagen and elastin over time and contribute to visible signs of skin aging.

Another habit I’ve picked up is cooking my rice in bone broth instead of water.

It’s a simple way to add extra flavor while incorporating naturally collagen-rich ingredients into everyday meals.

Getting enough sleep and exercising regularly are just as important.

Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, and regular physical activity supports healthy circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including your skin.

For me, “eating your skincare” has never been about relying on one product or one habit.

It’s about building small, consistent habits that support healthy skin over time.

Final Thoughts

I may not remember exactly when collagen became part of my routine, but I do know it’s one habit I’ve never felt the need to stop.

Over the years, I've tried different collagen products and formats, and I've learned that the best one is the one that fits naturally into your life.

For me, SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen fits naturally into my mornings.

The mango flavor tastes good, I can pour it into water or my hydration cocktail, and it fits naturally into a habit I already had.

If you're thinking about adding collagen to your routine, my advice is to find one that fits your lifestyle.

The easier it is to make it part of your day, the easier it becomes to keep that habit going.

Cheers,

Fawn

Paid partnership with FaceApp.

Thinking about changing your hairstyle, coloring your hair, trying facial hair, or experimenting with a different makeup look can be exciting.

It can also feel like a gamble, especially when some changes take months to grow out or can be expensive to reverse.

That’s why so many people like to preview a new look before making it permanent.

Instead of relying on your imagination or comparing yourself to someone else’s photo, you can see different options on your own face and get a better sense of what feels right.

Of course, no photo can predict exactly how a haircut, hair color, or makeup look will turn out.

Your hair texture, styling, lighting, and the skill of your hairstylist or makeup artist will always influence the final result.

Still, seeing a possible change ahead of time can make those decisions feel much less intimidating.

In this article, I'll explain why previewing a new look can be so helpful, what I found after testing FaceApp Pro, how it can help you compare different options, and what to keep in mind before making a change in real life.

Why We Second-Guess Changes to Our Appearance

One of the hardest parts about changing your appearance is picturing what you’ll actually look like afterward.

You can look through charts showing blunt bangs, curtain bangs, side-swept bangs, and dozens of other styles, then immediately wonder which one would actually suit you.

Your own face is so familiar that even a small change can feel much bigger in your mind than it probably will in real life.

I’ve worn my hair long for most of my life.

When I was little, though, my parents gave me a very short haircut, and people thought I was a boy.

I remember how embarrassed I felt, and I’ve probably overcorrected ever since.

Whether that’s rational or not, it’s proof that one experience can shape the way you think about your appearance for years.

Changing my hair color is another story.

I’ve never dyed mine because I like my natural color, and curly hair already takes enough maintenance.

If you’re starting with naturally dark hair and thinking about going blonde, the decision can feel even bigger.

Bleaching permanently changes your hair, so it’s understandable to want a better idea of how that color might look before making the commitment.

Makeup can be just as misleading.

Some makeup looks are created with studio lighting, camera angles, and photography in mind, but that doesn't always mean they'll have the same effect in everyday life.

Something that looks incredible in a still photo can feel much heavier once you’re standing in front of a mirror or talking to someone face to face.

That’s why appearance changes can feel so difficult.

It’s not just about deciding whether you like a hairstyle, hair color, or makeup look.

It’s about trying to imagine yourself looking different, and that’s often much harder than people expect.

Why Seeing a Change First Can Make Decisions Easier

Seeing a possible change on your own face can help you make a more informed decision before spending time and money on it.

It’s much easier to change your mind before booking a salon appointment than after paying to fix a haircut you don’t love, correcting a hair color that didn’t turn out the way you hoped, or waiting months for your hair to grow back.

It can also make conversations with your hairstylist, barber, or makeup artist much easier.

Instead of trying to describe what you’re picturing, you can show them an image that gives them a clearer idea of the look you’re hoping to achieve.

Whether you decide to make the change or stick with your current look, you’re making that decision based on something you can see instead of something you imagined.

Seeing Multiple Possibilities Side by Side

One of the biggest advantages of using a photo preview is being able to compare different ideas on the same photo.

Instead of imagining how a bob might look compared with longer waves, or whether you’d prefer a darker hair color over your current shade, you can view the options side by side and decide which direction feels right for you.

The same applies to makeup.

Comparing different looks on the same photo can make it easier to decide whether you want something subtle, bold, or somewhere in between before recreating it yourself or booking an appointment.

How FaceApp Can Help You Preview a New Look

If you’re curious how a different hairstyle, hair color, makeup look, or other appearance change might look on you, FaceApp lets you experiment using a photo of yourself.

I found the app easy to navigate.

After selecting a photo, you’ll see a row of editing categories along the bottom of the screen, making it easy to switch between different types of edits without starting over.

If you’re looking for inspiration rather than one specific change, Presets offers complete looks, such as Natural, Cutesy, Beach Glam, Youthful, and Femme Fatale.

Impression takes a similar approach with styles like Hollywood, Charm, and Movie, combining multiple edits into a single transformation.

If you have a specific change in mind, you can jump directly to the category you want.

For hair, you can experiment with different hairstyles, including bangs, bobs, blowouts, straight styles, waves, and added volume.

You can also compare different hair colors, whether you’re considering blonde, darker shades, fantasy colors, or subtle texture and shine adjustments.

The Makeup section includes options like foundation, contour, eyeliner, eyelashes, glossy lips, and glitter-inspired looks.

One feature I thought was particularly useful is Transfer.

If you’ve saved a makeup inspiration photo from Pinterest, Instagram, or another source, you can upload it and preview a similar look on your own face.

That gives you a more personalized reference before recreating the look yourself or showing it to a makeup artist.

Beyond hair and makeup, you can also experiment with facial features like thicker eyebrows, dimples, a sharper chin, longer eyelashes, and more defined cheekbones.

Other categories let you preview glasses, different smile expressions, skin effects, age filters, and other appearance changes.

If you want to fine-tune your photo even further, you’ll also find tools for reshaping, retouching, removing unwanted objects, applying filters, changing backgrounds, and making other general photo adjustments.

Many of the editing options also include multiple intensity levels, so you can compare subtle changes with more dramatic ones instead of applying just a single effect.

Like any photo editing app, the results should be viewed as a visualization rather than an exact prediction.

Factors like your hair texture, makeup application, lighting, and the techniques used by your hairstylist or makeup artist will still influence the final result.

What About Privacy?

If you’re anything like me, you probably like knowing how an app handles your photos.

According to FaceApp, it only processes the specific photos you choose to edit, and those images are temporarily stored during the editing process before being automatically deleted.

The company also states that it doesn’t use the photos you upload for purposes other than providing the app’s editing features.

If privacy is something you pay attention to, I'd recommend taking a few minutes to read FaceApp’s Privacy Policy and FAQ yourself so you can decide whether you're comfortable with how the app handles your photos and data.

Case Studies: How People Use Photo Previews Before Making a Change

FaceApp can be useful for more than just experimenting with different looks.

Here are two examples of how someone might use it before spending money on a beauty or style change.

Case Study 1: Choosing New Glasses

• Problem: Someone needs a new pair of glasses but isn’t sure which frame shape will complement their face.

• Action: Before buying new frames, they preview several options on a recent photo, including Thick Rectangle, Thick Oval, and Thin Oval frames.

  

• Result: They narrow their choices to a few favorites and visit the optical shop with a much clearer idea of what they’re looking for.

Case Study 2: Previewing Longer Eyelashes Before Your First Lash Appointment

• Problem: Someone is booking their first appointment with a lash technician but isn't sure which lash style will complement their features.

• Action: Before the appointment, they preview longer eyelashes on a recent photo to see how different lash styles might look on their face.

  

• Result: They arrive with a clearer vision of the style they want and can communicate their preferences more confidently during the consultation.

What Photo Editing Can’t Tell You

A photo can show you what a different hairstyle, hair color, makeup look, or other appearance change might look like on your face, but it can’t recreate every detail of real life.

Things like your hair texture, lighting, makeup application, styling techniques, and even how a pair of glasses fits can all influence the final result.

That’s why it’s best to treat edited photos as a guide for making decisions, not a guarantee of the final result.

5 Tips for Getting the Most Realistic Preview

A preview is only as useful as the photo you start with.

Keeping a few simple tips in mind can help you get a more realistic idea of how a new look might suit you.

1. Choose a clear, well-lit photo. Natural lighting and a front-facing photo without heavy filters usually produce the most realistic results.

2. Use a recent photo. If your hairstyle, hair color, or facial hair has changed recently, start with an image that reflects how you look today.

3. Compare several options. Even if you already have a favorite style in mind, trying a few different hairstyles, colors, or makeup looks makes it easier to decide what you actually prefer.

4. Adjust the intensity. Many FaceApp features include multiple intensity levels, so don’t stop at the default setting. Trying a more subtle or stronger version can give you a better sense of which look feels most natural.

5. Save your favorite previews. If you decide to book a salon appointment or beauty service, having a few reference images can make it easier to explain the look you’re hoping to achieve.

Final Thoughts

Changing your appearance doesn’t have to feel like a gamble.

Whether you’re thinking about a new haircut, hair color, facial hair, or makeup look, seeing different possibilities on your own photo can make it easier to decide what feels right before committing to a change.

FaceApp makes it easy to experiment with different looks, compare your options, and walk into your next appointment with more confidence.

The app is free to download, with additional features available through FaceApp Pro.

You can also visit the FaceApp website or browse the FAQ to learn more.

Cheers,

Fawn

Paid partnership with Dove.

Body care is one of those parts of a skincare routine that’s easy to overlook.

Many of us spend time researching cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen for our face, but pay far less attention to what we’re using on the rest of our skin.

The funny thing is, the skin on your body has many of the same needs.

It can become dehydrated, lose moisture, and develop a weakened skin barrier, especially if you’re using products that strip away too much of its natural moisture.

One of the best ingredients for helping prevent that is glycerin.

Despite being one of the most effective hydrating ingredients in skincare, glycerin rarely gets the same attention as trendier ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

In this article, I’ll explain why glycerin is one of the most underrated ingredients in skincare, how it helps keep your skin hydrated, and why Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash earned a place in my routine.

How I Started Paying More Attention to Body Care

My interest in skincare started about seven years ago after I had a breast reduction.

The surgery left me with scars, and I wanted to learn if there was anything I could do to improve their appearance.

That curiosity led me down a rabbit hole of skincare science.

I started learning about exfoliating acids before expanding into other ingredients as I built my skincare routine.

I've also dealt with keratosis pilaris over the years, which made me even more interested in how different skincare ingredients work.

These days, my priorities are different.

I still appreciate ingredients that target specific concerns, but my focus has shifted toward hydration and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

I want my skin to feel good all the time, not just look good.

For me, healthy, hydrated skin is the foundation for everything else.

That’s also what made me start paying much closer attention to body care and the products I use every day, including my body wash.

Why Hydration Matters More Than Most People Realize

When people think about body care, they usually think about treating concerns like keratosis pilaris, rough patches, or dry skin.

Those are all valid concerns, but hydration is something every skin type needs.

Just like the skin on your face, the skin on your body has a protective barrier that helps keep moisture in and irritants out.

When that barrier becomes compromised, water escapes more easily through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

As more water escapes, your skin can become dry, tight, rough, and more easily irritated.

That can happen any time of year.

While many people notice dry skin during the winter, air conditioning, hot showers, and harsh cleansers can also contribute to moisture loss.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve become much more intentional about the products I use in the shower.

A good body wash shouldn’t just cleanse your skin.

It should also help your skin hold onto the moisture it needs, which is exactly what I look for when choosing one.

Why Glycerin Deserves More Attention

One of the first ingredients I look for in body care is glycerin.

I have a background in chemistry, and I’ve been writing about the science of skincare since 2021.

I’ve written about glycerin countless times because it’s one of the most effective hydrating ingredients we have.

One of the reasons I love glycerin is that it helps attract and hold onto water, keeping skin hydrated while supporting a healthy skin barrier.

That's why glycerin has become one of my favorite skincare ingredients.

Despite that, glycerin rarely gets the attention it deserves.

If you’ve spent any time shopping for skincare, you’ve probably noticed that hyaluronic acid is everywhere.

I honestly think a lot of that comes down to marketing.

Hyaluronic acid sounds exciting.

It's become one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare.

Glycerin has been around for decades, so it doesn’t have the same appeal, even though it’s one of the hardest-working ingredients you’ll find in skincare.

If readers remember one thing from this article, I hope it’s this:

Glycerin is what hyaluronic acid wishes it was.

That’s obviously a bit tongue-in-cheek, but there’s a reason I say it.

Glycerin binds water exceptionally well, helping skin stay hydrated while reducing transepidermal water loss and supporting a healthy skin barrier.

Research has also shown that glycerin can support skin barrier repair, which is one of the reasons I get excited when I see a product that doesn’t just include glycerin, but makes it one of the stars of the formula.

The Formula That Stood Out to Me

One of the things I love most about healthy skin is the way it looks.

When your skin is properly hydrated, it looks smoother, healthier, and more radiant.

That’s one of the reasons I spend so much time thinking about hydration rather than chasing individual skin concerns.

That’s also why the new Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash caught my attention.

SHOP HERE

I tried all three variants, but I found myself reaching for Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash the most.

Since my goal is healthy, glowing skin, it felt like the most natural fit for my routine.

What stood out first was the formulation.

It’s not often you see a body wash built around a 50% glycerin serum, especially from a product you can easily find at your local grocery store or drugstore.

Since glycerin is one of the first ingredients I look for in body care, I was excited to see it take center stage in the formula rather than simply appear on the ingredient list.

I also think Dove has done a great job elevating its body care formulations.

This collection feels much more ingredient-focused than many people probably expect from a product that’s so widely available, which is one of the reasons it stood out to me.

The texture impressed me, too.

I’ve tried cream body washes that felt thick and left a film on my skin, and I’ve used others that left my skin feeling stripped after every shower.

The lightweight oil-to-foam gel texture felt like a happy medium.

It rinsed away cleanly, left my skin feeling instantly hydrated without any greasy residue, and made my everyday shower feel just a little more luxurious.

It makes a great first step in my body care routine.

How It Fits Into My Routine

Hydration doesn’t stop when I step out of the shower.

I like to think about body care the same way I think about facial skincare.

Each step builds on the last, which is why I don’t see body wash as something that’s only there to cleanse my skin.

I like to start with a body wash that’s rich in glycerin, then follow with a body serum, a lotion, and sometimes a body oil if my skin needs a little extra nourishment.

Each step helps lock in hydration and keeps my skin feeling comfortable throughout the day.

That’s another reason Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash has earned a place in my routine.

It leaves my skin feeling hydrated before I even reach for the rest of my body care products, making it an easy foundation for everything that comes next.

While I think people with dry or sensitive skin will appreciate this formula the most, I don’t think you need either skin type to benefit from it.

If your goal is healthy, hydrated, glowing skin, it’s the kind of body wash that can fit into almost any routine.

It’s a product I’d happily repurchase.

Final Thoughts

We spend so much time thinking about the ingredients we use on our face, but the skin on our body deserves that same level of care.

For me, that starts with hydration.

Healthy, comfortable, radiant skin isn’t just about the lotion you apply after your shower.

It’s also about choosing products that help support your skin barrier from the very beginning of your routine.

For me, that begins with my body wash.

That’s why I continue reaching for Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash.

I love that it puts a 50% glycerin serum at the center of the formula, one of my favorite skincare ingredients, and that it leaves my skin feeling clean, hydrated, and comfortable without feeling heavy.

If you’re looking for one simple way to upgrade your body care routine, I think it’s well worth trying.

Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash is available now on Amazon.

Cheers,

Fawn

Paid partnership with Dove.

There are moments in life that don’t seem like they should matter that much.

Getting ready to leave the house is one of them.

Most days, you don’t think twice about taking a shower, putting on your skincare, picking out an outfit, or walking out the front door.

You just do it.

But there was a time when I realized those ordinary rituals weren’t so ordinary after all.

They were little reminders that I was still showing up for myself.

I just hadn’t noticed until they disappeared.

Then one morning, a phone call turned into a concert ticket, and before I knew it, I was standing in my bathroom getting ready for my first night out in months.

Looking back, I thought I was getting ready for a concert.

What I was really doing was slowly finding my way back to myself.

A Reason to Leave the House

At the end of 2025, my oldest childhood friend passed away from cancer less than six months after he was diagnosed.

Around the same time, I was also coming out of a relationship where my boyfriend had become extremely sick.

It all happened within a relatively short period of time, and for a while, my world got really small.

Outside of work, I mostly stayed home.

I have a treadmill desk that I’d loved using for years, but I couldn’t even bring myself to stand at it anymore.

I stopped saying yes to things.

Then one morning, my friend Tom called.

He asked if I was going to a concert that night.

I remember laughing and saying, “What are you talking about? I didn’t even know this concert was happening!”

Apparently everyone else in my city had been excited about it for weeks, and I’d somehow missed the entire thing.

I kept telling him I wasn’t going to come.

He wouldn’t let me off the phone.

“Come on, Fawn. You need this. If anybody needs a break, it’s you.”

About twenty minutes later, he’d convinced me to buy a ticket.

The moment I bought it, I felt the excitement come rushing back.

I could feel the energy buzzing around me again.

I remember thinking, “Oh yeah... I’m gonna have a great freaking night.”

Then it hit me.

I had to get ready.

Getting Ready Again

I decided to give myself an everything shower.

You know the kind.

For the first time in months, I let myself slow down and enjoy it.

I washed my skin, shaved my body, and reached for the new Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash.

SHOP HERE

It glided over my skin effortlessly, creating a rich, silky lather that made the whole shower feel a little more indulgent.

The 50% glycerin serum left my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and never greasy, with that healthy-looking radiance that comes from taking your time instead of rushing through your routine.

I have a terrible sense of smell, but even I could tell it smelled amazing.

The notes of jojoba oil and monoi flower made the whole experience feel like I was staying at the Four Seasons for the weekend.

I also appreciated that the fragrance didn’t irritate my skin, which can sometimes happen for me.

That’s saying something.

When I got out, I wasn’t in a hurry anymore.

My skin still felt fresh, neither heavy nor greasy, so I took my time with everything that came next.

I put on body serum, lotion, and a little bit of body oil, gently massaging everything into my skin.

I’d been carrying so much tension in my back, shoulders, and neck that being gentle with myself felt important.

It wasn’t something I’d thought much about before, but that afternoon I found myself slowing down instead of rushing through every step.

I even turned off the bathroom lights and left only the hallway light on.

Everything felt calmer that way.

Peaceful.

I stood there for a few minutes, taking slow, deep breaths.

I was still nervous about being in a crowd again, but I knew I needed this.

Then I stood in front of the mirror to do my makeup.

My bathroom mirror spans the entire back wall above the sink, so I could watch every step as I got ready.

I blended my foundation, added my contour, then brushed on my blush.

With every step, I watched myself come alive in the mirror.

It wasn’t that the makeup changed me.

It was that I was remembering who I was.

It felt like life had returned to my face.

The more time I spent getting ready, the more I felt like I was coming home to myself.

I took one last look in the mirror, grabbed my keys, and walked out the front door.

Coming Home to Myself

When I met Tom that night, I could tell he was relieved that I’d actually shown up.

The concert ended up being exactly what I needed.

Looking back, I don’t remember every song that was played or every conversation we had.

What I remember is laughing more than I had in months and walking home, realizing I’d gone an entire evening without thinking about grief every second.

Tom still jokes that all he did was convince me to go to a concert, but I don’t think he realizes how much that phone call changed things for me.

He brought joy back into my life that weekend, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

That night reminded me that healing isn’t about waiting until everything feels okay.

Sometimes it’s about letting yourself experience joy again, even while you’re still healing.

I stopped waiting to feel okay before I started living again.

Saying yes to that concert didn’t mean I’d moved on.

It meant I was finally ready to stop putting my life on hold.

Looking back, I thought I was saying yes to a concert.

What I was really saying yes to was myself.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still waiting for your own first outing, I want you to know that there isn’t going to be a perfect time.

You don’t wake up one morning and suddenly feel ready.

Sometimes you just have to get out the front door and hope for the best.

The hardest part is often just saying yes.

One thing this experience taught me is that you have to keep showing up for yourself, especially when it’s the last thing you feel like doing.

Rest is important, but real rest isn’t spending hours scrolling on your phone or hiding from the world.

Sometimes it means putting everything down, sitting with your thoughts, getting some sleep, and giving yourself permission to slow down.

Then, when you’re ready, say yes to something.

Say yes to dinner with a friend.

Say yes to a walk.

Say yes to a concert.

Or maybe it starts with something even smaller.

An everything shower.

Taking your time with your skincare.

Putting on your favorite outfit, even if you’re not going anywhere special.

Sometimes those ordinary moments are the ones that remind you you’re worth taking care of.

Looking back, I thought I was getting ready for a concert.

What I was really doing was taking the first step toward coming home to myself.

If you’d like to try the Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash, you can find it on Amazon.

Cheers,

Fawn

The short answer is yes, but it depends on how you introduce them.

Both ingredients are backed by research and can help improve concerns like acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, rosacea, uneven skin texture, and signs of aging.

The downside is that they’re also capable of causing dryness and irritation, especially if your skin isn’t used to active ingredients.

Using them together isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it’s something you want to approach carefully.

In this article, I’ll explain how tretinoin and azelaic acid work, whether they’re safe to combine, what the research says, and how to build a routine that helps you get the benefits while minimizing irritation.

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid derived from vitamin A.

While it’s best known as an acne treatment, it’s also one of the most well-studied topical ingredients for improving fine lines, uneven skin texture, and other visible signs of photoaging.

It works by speeding up skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.

As older skin cells are replaced with new ones, you’ll typically notice smoother skin, fewer clogged pores, and gradual improvements in acne marks and overall skin texture.

Research shows tretinoin can help:

• Treat acne

• Improve fine lines and wrinkles

• Stimulate collagen production

• Smooth uneven skin texture

• Fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

• Help regulate excess oil production

Unlike retinol, tretinoin requires a prescription in many countries.

Its higher strength is part of what makes it so effective, but it also means your skin may need time to adjust, especially during the first few weeks of use.

Potential Side Effects of Tretinoin

It’s completely normal to experience some irritation when you first start using tretinoin.

During the first few weeks, you may notice:

• Dryness

• Flaking or peeling

• Redness

• Mild irritation or itching

For most people, these side effects improve as the skin builds tolerance.

The key is to introduce tretinoin gradually rather than using it every night from the start.

If you experience persistent dryness or irritation, don’t worry.

In the next section, I’ll show you how to introduce tretinoin and azelaic acid into your routine while minimizing these side effects.

What is azelaic acid?

If you’ve never used azelaic acid before, it’s one of those ingredients that doesn’t get as much attention as retinol or vitamin C, but I think it deserves a lot more credit.

SHOP HERE

It’s commonly used to treat acne, reduce redness associated with rosacea, fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and improve uneven skin tone.

Because it can target several concerns at once, it’s one of the most versatile ingredients you can add to a skincare routine.

Azelaic acid works in a few different ways.

It helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation, encourages healthy skin cell turnover, and helps keep pores clear.

Research also suggests it can improve melasma and discoloration left behind after breakouts.

Unlike many acne treatments, azelaic acid is generally well tolerated, even by people with sensitive skin.

It’s available in both prescription-strength formulas and over-the-counter products.

That said, it’s still an active ingredient, so some people experience mild dryness, irritation, or temporary stinging when they first start using it, especially if they’re pairing it with other actives like tretinoin.

Are tretinoin and azelaic acid safe to combine?

Yes, tretinoin and azelaic acid can be used together.

The main thing to keep in mind is that both ingredients can cause dryness and irritation, especially when you’re first starting out.

Although there are limited clinical studies looking specifically at this combination, dermatologists commonly prescribe tretinoin and azelaic acid together because they work in different ways.

Tretinoin helps normalize skin cell turnover and unclog pores, while azelaic acid helps reduce inflammation, target acne-causing bacteria, and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Using both ingredients can help address multiple concerns at once, including acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and skin texture, but it’s important to introduce them gradually to minimize irritation.

That doesn’t mean everyone should start using both at the same time.

Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s best to introduce them slowly and pay attention to how your skin responds.

If you notice too much dryness or irritation, reduce how often you use them until your skin adjusts.

How to Introduce Tretinoin and Azelaic Acid

Tretinoin and azelaic acid can work well together, but it’s best to introduce them slowly to

Read more

If you’ve ever searched for the best cleanser, serum, or spot treatment, you’ve probably noticed that everyone seems to recommend something different.

The problem is that those recommendations don’t mean much if you don’t know what’s inside the bottle.

A product is just a delivery system.

The ingredient is what determines whether it’s going to help with the kind of acne you’re dealing with.

That’s why a product that works really well for someone else might not work as well for you.

One formula might contain salicylic acid, while another relies on benzoyl peroxide, and those ingredients are designed to target different parts of the acne process.

Once you understand what causes acne and how those ingredients work, choosing products becomes much easier.

You don’t need to buy every product marketed for acne.

You just need to choose the ingredient that’s best suited to your skin concerns and give it time to work.

In this article, I’ll explain what causes acne, how four of the most effective acne ingredients work, how to decide which one is right for you, and how to build a simple routine around it.

What Causes Acne?

Before we get into the ingredients, it helps to

Read more

It’s one of the most commonly recommended skincare ingredients for acne, and unlike many ingredients that come and go, salicylic acid has remained a staple for years because it works.

Even so, it’s easy to get wrong.

Some people use it every day without any issues, while others end up with dry, irritated skin because they started with a product that was too strong or used it more often than their skin could tolerate.

You might also be wondering whether you need a cleanser, toner, serum, or spot treatment, or if salicylic acid is even the right ingredient for your skin.

In this article, I’ll explain what salicylic acid is, how it works, how to use it, and which products I think are worth trying.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that’s commonly used to treat acne, clogged pores, and blackheads.

Unlike many other exfoliating acids, it’s oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate inside the pore where excess oil and dead skin cells collect.

That makes it especially helpful for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Part of what makes salicylic acid so effective is that it does more than exfoliate the surface of your skin.

It also helps keep pores clear, which can reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and mild acne over time.

Compared with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is often a gentler place to start, especially if your main concerns are clogged pores or blackheads rather than larger, inflamed breakouts.

If you decide to use both ingredients, it’s usually best to introduce them gradually or use them at different times if your skin is prone to irritation.

How does salicylic acid work?

One of the reasons salicylic acid is so effective is that it’s lipophilic, which means it’s attracted to oil.

Unlike water-soluble exfoliating acids, salicylic acid can penetrate the oily environment inside your pores, where it exfoliates away the buildup of dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.

As that buildup is removed, pores are less likely to become blocked, making salicylic acid especially effective for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and mild acne.

It can also help improve rough skin texture and reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments, the tiny oil-filled structures that are often mistaken for blackheads.

That’s what makes salicylic acid such an effective ingredient for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

How to Use Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid comes in several different forms, including cleansers, toners, serums, spot treatments, and even body washes.

If you’re new to the ingredient, I’d recommend starting with a cleanser.

Because it’s rinsed off after a short period of time, it’s often a gentler way to introduce salicylic acid into your routine before moving on to leave-on products.

A simple routine could look like:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. If you’re using a salicylic acid cleanser, this will be your cleansing step.

• Apply your salicylic acid product if you’re using a toner, serum, or spot treatment.

• Follow with a moisturizer to help support your skin barrier.

• Finish with sunscreen if it’s the morning.

You can also use salicylic acid body washes if you’re dealing with body acne or rough, bumpy skin on areas like your back, chest, or shoulders.

Can You Use Salicylic Acid Every Day?

That depends on the product and your skin.

If you’re using a salicylic acid cleanser, many people can use it every day because it’s rinsed off.

Leave-on products, such as toners and serums, are often stronger, so I’d recommend starting two or three times a week and increasing the frequency if your skin tolerates it well.

Side Effects

Like any active ingredient, salicylic acid can cause dryness, redness, flaking, or irritation if you use too much too soon.

The easiest way to avoid this is to introduce it gradually, moisturize afterward, and pay attention to how your skin responds.

Salicylic Acid Products to Try

1. Top Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment

Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion is one of the most recognizable salicylic acid spot treatments on the market.

SHOP HERE

It combines salicylic acid with sulfur and calamine to help dry out surface blemishes overnight, making it a good option when you wake up with an isolated pimple and want to shrink it as quickly as possible.

2. Best Salicylic Acid Toner

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has been one of the most popular leave-on salicylic acid exfoliants for years.

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I don’t reach for it as often as I used to because my skin is drier now, but I still like having a bottle on hand for the occasional breakout or when my skin starts feeling congested.

I also get asked how it compares to Naturium’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

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I don’t think one is necessarily better than the other.

Naturium combines salicylic acid with AHAs, while Paula’s Choice keeps the formula simpler and includes green tea extract to help soothe the skin.

Which one I’d recommend really depends on what you’re looking for.

3. Effective Salicylic Acid Serum

If you prefer a serum over a cleanser or toner, Sunday Riley U.F.O. is one I’d consider.

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It combines 1.5% salicylic acid with tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil to help target clogged pores and breakouts, while licorice root and hexylresorcinol help improve the appearance of post-acne marks and uneven skin tone.

It’s a nice option if you’re looking for a salicylic acid treatment that does more than just target acne, especially if discoloration after breakouts is also a concern.

4. Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser

If you've been avoiding salicylic acid cleansers because they leave your skin feeling stripped, Prequel Gleanser + SA is worth trying.

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The formula combines 1% salicylic acid with 50% glycerin, zinc PCA, and succinic acid to gently exfoliate while helping maintain hydration.

It's also suitable for both the face and body, making it a versatile option if you're prone to breakouts in multiple areas.

5. Must-Have Salicylic Acid Spot Patches

If you catch a pimple early, Hero Mighty Patch for Early-Stage Blemishes is worth keeping on hand.

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It combines salicylic acid with cica in dissolving Micropoints™ that target emerging blemishes before they fully surface.

I like that it goes beyond a traditional hydrocolloid patch by delivering ingredients directly into the blemish, making it a great option when you feel a pimple starting to form but it hasn’t come to a head yet.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’d want you to take away from this article, it’s that salicylic acid isn’t about using the strongest product you can find.

Choosing the right formula, introducing it gradually, and staying consistent will give you better results than trying to overhaul your entire routine.

Sometimes one good product is all you need.

Cheers,

Fawn

There are countless scrubs, lotions, body washes, and treatments promising smoother, softer, healthier-looking skin, but many don’t do much beyond making your skin smell nice for a few hours.

At the same time, concerns like body acne, keratosis pilaris, dry skin, rough texture, and dark marks are incredibly common.

The good news is that you don’t need a complicated routine to address them.

In many cases, a handful of well-formulated products can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels.

So in this roundup, I wanted to share some of my favorite body care products for summer.

Some have been staples in my routine for years, while others are newer discoveries that impressed me enough to earn a spot on this list.

1. Naturium Glow Getter

Naturium’s Glow Getter is one of my favorite body washes. In fact, I've repurchased it more than eight times.

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It leaves my skin feeling clean, hydrated, and comfortable without that tight, stripped feeling that some body washes can cause.

I’ve even used it as a shaving gel on occasion.

The formula contains more than 50% glycerin, which helps attract moisture to the skin and is one of the reasons I keep coming back to it.

2. Saltair KP Body Smoother

One of the newer products I’ve added to my routine is the Saltair KP Body Smoother.

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I use it three times per week in the shower to help keep rough patches and bumpy skin under control.

The formula combines physical exfoliation with 10% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that helps loosen and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

If you struggle with keratosis pilaris, often called “chicken skin,” or rough texture on the backs of your arms and legs, this is the type of product that can make a noticeable difference over time.

I massage it onto damp skin, let it sit for a minute or two, and then rinse it off.

3. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

Before discovering the Saltair KP Body Smoother, First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub was one of my go-to products for rough, bumpy skin.

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Like the Saltair scrub, it contains 10% AHA and is designed for concerns such as keratosis pilaris, often called “chicken skin.”

The main difference is that First Aid Beauty has been a staple in my routine for much longer, while Saltair is a more recent discovery.

If rough texture and keratosis pilaris are concerns for you, both are worth considering.

4. Nerra Pre-Exfoliating Foam + Exfoliating Body Glove

If you prefer physical exfoliation, another combination worth mentioning is Nerra’s Pre-Exfoliating Foam and Exfoliating Body Glove.

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I like using the foam before exfoliating with the glove.

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The foam helps soften the skin, while the glove helps remove dead skin buildup from the surface.

It’s a combination I reach for when I want my skin to feel especially smooth, and it’s also a nice option before shaving.

If you’re not a fan of exfoliating scrubs, this is an alternative approach that’s worth considering.

5. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

Body acne is one of the most common concerns I get asked about, and PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide is a product that comes up often in those conversations.

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Benzoyl peroxide helps target acne-causing bacteria while also helping reduce inflammation.

Simply apply it to the affected area, leave it on for three to five minutes, and then rinse it off.

6. Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion

Neostrata’s Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion is one of my favorite products for rough texture, post-acne marks, and keratosis pilaris.

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If you’ve ever looked into products like AmLactin for rough, bumpy skin, this falls into a similar category.

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Unlike an exfoliating scrub that gets rinsed off in the shower, this is a lotion that stays on the skin after application.

I tend to reach for it more often during the summer months when I’m paying a little more attention to the skin on my arms and legs.

Definitely a top pick.

7. Saltair HA Body Hydrator

Another newer addition to my routine is the Saltair HA Body Hydrator.

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Right after I shower, while my skin is still damp, I pump out two quarter-sized amounts and apply it all over my body.

The formula contains sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, along with ingredients that support the skin barrier.

I’ve found that applying it to damp skin leaves my skin feeling softer, smoother, and more hydrated throughout the day.

8. Prequel Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk

Another moisturizer worth mentioning is Prequel’s Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk.

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The ingredient that initially caught my attention was the 10% urea.

Urea is naturally present in the skin and is commonly used in products designed for dry, rough, and flaky skin.

The formula also contains niacinamide, shea butter, and glycerin and can be used on both the face and body.

I also appreciate the mid-weight texture.

It feels moisturizing without being overly heavy and absorbs easily after application.

9. Hanni Water Balm

I also like Hanni’s Water Balm!

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I tend to prefer lighter body products during the summer, and this is one I keep coming back to.

It’s a spray-on moisturizer that feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t leave behind the heavy feeling that some body products can.

If you dislike thick body creams during the summer, this is one worth checking out.

10. Cerave Moisturizing Cream

For a more affordable moisturizer, Cerave Moisturizing Cream remains one of the products I recommend most often.

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It’s a thick, straightforward moisturizer that has been a staple in my bathroom for years.

If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills body moisturizer, this is a solid option.

11. Nerra Dry Body Oil

Nerra’s Dry Body Oil is another product that finds its way into my routine every summer.

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What I like most is that it absorbs quickly while still leaving my skin looking glowy.

I was never a huge body oil person, although I would occasionally mix one into my lotion when my skin was feeling particularly dry.

This one comes in a spray bottle, which makes it easy to apply and easy to travel with.

A Few Final Thoughts

One thing I want to emphasize is that this isn’t meant to be a step-by-step routine.

These are simply some of my favorite body care products and the ones I find myself recommending most often.

At the end of the day, you don’t need every product on this list.

The best body care routine is the one you’ll actually stick with, and for most people, that means focusing on the concerns that matter most to them, whether that’s body acne, keratosis pilaris, rough texture, or dry skin.

If you have a favorite body care product that didn’t make the list, let me know in the comments.

Cheers,

Fawn

You spend time applying your foundation, blush, bronzer, and concealer, only to have everything start fading, separating, or looking patchy a few hours later.

Humidity doesn’t exactly help either.

Even when products look great right after application, keeping them looking fresh throughout the day can be a completely different challenge.

For the longest time, I didn’t think setting sprays had much to do with that.

I knew people used them, but I never really paid much attention.

If my makeup looked good when I finished applying it, I figured my job was done.

Over the last year, though, I’ve started spending a lot more time experimenting with makeup.

I’ve tested new products, learned different application techniques, and found myself enjoying the process a lot more than I expected.

Somewhere along the way, setting sprays went from being a product I overlooked to becoming a regular part of my routine.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how setting sprays work, how I use them in my own routine, and the ones I’ve been reaching for the most this summer.

How Setting Sprays Actually Work

When I first started paying attention to setting sprays, I assumed they were mostly there to make makeup last longer.

And they do help with that.

Most setting sprays leave a thin film over your makeup that helps everything hold together a little better throughout the day.

If you’re spending hours outside, dealing with humidity, or just trying to make your makeup survive until dinner, that extra layer can make a noticeable difference.

What ended up mattering more to me, though, was the finish.

Sometimes a full face of makeup can look like exactly what it is: foundation sitting underneath bronzer, blush sitting on top of powder, and every layer looking slightly separate from the next.

A good setting spray helps everything settle together.

The makeup looks less powdery, less heavy, and more like skin.

That’s especially helpful during the summer.

When it’s hot outside, I’m usually wearing sunscreen underneath my makeup, and the last thing I want is for everything to start looking dry, cakey, or patchy a few hours later.

Setting spray won’t make your makeup indestructible, but it can help it look fresher for longer.

My Makeup Routine With Setting Spray

Here’s how I use setting spray in my own makeup routine.

I start with the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation and then do a light spray of the NYX The Face Glue Setting Spray before moving on to the rest of my makeup.

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On days when I want a lighter finish, I often use the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint instead.

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For contour, I use Tarte’s Sculpt Tape.

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Then I go in with Saie Dew Blush in the shade Spicy, which I use as a bronzer.

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Even though it’s sold as a blush, the shade is deep enough on my skin tone that it works better as a bronzer for me.

After that, I apply Saie Dew Blush in the shade Chilly.

Chilly is my everyday blush and one of my favorite makeup products.

It’s a rosy pink shade that brightens my face without looking overdone.

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I also apply Colorscience Total Lash Mascara before moving on to powder and my final setting spray.

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Once everything is blended, I use the Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder before finishing with either the L’Oréal Infallible Setting Spray or the Saie CitySet Lightweight Setting Spray.

I used to think of setting spray as something you used once your makeup was already finished.

Now I use it as part of the application process itself.

Foundation, contour, blush, and powder all have different textures.

When they’re applied one after another, they can sometimes feel like separate layers sitting on top of the skin.

Using setting spray between steps helps everything come together.

The finished makeup looks less powdery, my blush blends more naturally into the rest of the look, and everything feels more cohesive by the time I’m done.

Do You Need a Setting Spray?

I don’t think everyone needs a setting spray.

If I’m putting on a little makeup to run errands or head out for a couple of hours, it’s not always something I reach for.

Where I find it most useful is when I’m wearing a full face of makeup and want it to look the way I intended for as long as possible.

For example, if I’m attending a wedding, a party, or any occasion where I’ll be wearing makeup for several hours, I’m much more likely to use one.

The same goes for days when I’ve spent extra time on my makeup and don’t want to think about touch-ups later.

A setting spray isn’t going to fix products you already dislike, and it won’t replace good application techniques.

What it can do is help your makeup look fresher and stay in place longer throughout the day.

You can have a great makeup routine without one.

That said, it’s one of the few makeup products I’ve added over the last year that has earned a permanent place in my routine.

My Favorite Setting Sprays Right Now

One thing I’ve learned from testing more setting sprays is that I don’t necessarily reach for the same one every time.

The one I use depends a lot on what I’m doing that day and what I want my makeup to look like.

1. NYX The Face Glue Setting Spray

This is the setting spray I most often use between layers of makeup.

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If I’m doing foundation and then moving on to contour, bronzer, and blush, this is usually the spray I’m reaching for.

It contains film-forming ingredients designed to help grip makeup, and I like the way it helps everything settle together as I’m applying it.

It’s also lightweight on the skin, which is important because I don’t want my makeup routine to feel heavier with every step.

2. L’Oréal Infallible Setting Spray

When longevity is my top priority, L’Oréal Infallible Setting Spray is usually the one I grab.

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If I’m attending a wedding, going to a party, or know I’m going to be wearing makeup for most of the day, this is usually the setting spray I reach for.

The aerosol mist is very fine, which helps distribute the product evenly across the skin, and I’ve found that my makeup tends to hold up particularly well when I finish my routine with it.

3. Saie CitySet Lightweight Setting Spray

Despite the name, Saie CitySet Lightweight Setting Spray is probably the most heavy-duty setting spray in my collection.

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Unlike some setting sprays that completely disappear once they dry down, I can actually feel a film on my skin throughout the day when I wear this one.

That might not sound appealing, but I think it’s part of the reason it works so well.

It gives my makeup a very glowy finish and helps everything stay in place for hours.

If you’re someone who prefers a completely matte finish, this probably isn’t the setting spray I’d recommend.

For me, though, it makes my makeup feel like it’s glued to my face in the best possible way, which is exactly what I’m looking for during the summer.

Final Thoughts

One thing I’ve enjoyed about getting more into makeup is realizing how much there still is to learn.

A year ago, I probably would have looked at a setting spray and assumed it wasn’t doing very much.

Now it’s one of those products that has made me pay more attention to the application process as a whole.

It’s also made makeup more fun.

Instead of rushing through my routine, I spend more time experimenting with different techniques and figuring out what works for me.

Not every product earns a permanent place in my routine, but setting spray is one of the few that has.

It’s a small step, but it’s made a noticeable difference in both how my makeup looks and how long it lasts throughout the day.

Cheers,

Fawn