Skin / Free tier / fills one slot
Skin Basics
An honest guide to what has evidence behind it, what does not, and what order to apply things in. Four products do most of the achievable work. The rest of the shelf is optional, and it is sold to you as if it were not.
Not medical advice. Persistent conditions belong with a dermatologist.
Skin
Most of the Skin work needs physical products. Those are not shipping yet, and we say so rather than pre-selling them.
- EvidenceBroad-spectrum sunscreen, dailyRandomised trial evidence for reduced photoageing over four years. The single highest-return step.
- EvidenceRetinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, retinal)Repeated controlled trials for fine lines, texture and acne. Effects take twelve weeks minimum.
- EvidenceA plain moisturiser with humectant and occlusiveBarrier support is what makes everything else tolerable. Price has no relationship to performance.
- Some evidenceAzelaic acidGood evidence for redness and post-inflammatory marks; slower and gentler than most alternatives.
- Some evidenceNiacinamide, 4–5%Modest, real effects on barrier and oil. Higher percentages add irritation, not results.
- Some evidenceVitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)Reasonable evidence, poor stability. Worth it only if you will finish the bottle quickly.
- Some evidenceChemical exfoliants, once or twice weeklyUseful at low frequency. Daily use is the most common cause of a wrecked barrier.
- SkipCollagen creamsCollagen molecules are too large to cross the barrier. You are buying a moisturiser.
- SkipTen-step routinesMore products means more variables and lower adherence. Neither helps.
- SkipStem cell, gold and caviar activesMarketing categories, not ingredient categories. No usable human trial data.
- SkipPore-shrinking claimsPore size is largely genetic. Products can clear pores, not resize them.
- AM 01Rinse or gentle cleanserWater alone is fine if your skin is dry.
- AM 02Treatment, if anyVitamin C or azelaic acid. One, not both.
- AM 03MoisturiserThin layer, damp skin.
- AM 04Sunscreen, SPF 30+The non-negotiable step. Reapply if you are outside for hours.
- PM 05CleanserOnly in the evening, only if you wore sunscreen or makeup.
- PM 06RetinoidPea-sized amount, dry skin, two nights a week to start.
- PM 07MoisturiserOver the retinoid, not before, unless you are irritated.
- Anything promising results in under two weeks.
- Ingredient lists used as evidence. Concentration and formula decide the effect.
- Routines with more than two actives at once — you cannot attribute the result.
- Before-and-after photographs taken under different lighting.
One change at a time, held for twelve weeks. Same light, same time of day, same distance. Log irritation separately from outcome, because a routine you abandon has an effect size of zero.
Read the protocol →Cleanser
Non-stripping, twice daily
Coming soon. Formulation locked, stability testing under way.
Serum
Concentrations on the label
Coming soon. Formulation locked, stability testing under way.
SPF
Broad spectrum, wearable daily
Coming soon. Formulation locked, stability testing under way.
We have not found a manufacturer we would put our name on. Until we do, these slots stay empty and Skin stays at its real number. No pre-orders, no waitlist pressure — one email when there is something to ship.