LÉ Blog

If you’ve ever stood in front of your skincare shelf, asking yourself, 'Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C?' you’re in good company. The mix-or-don’t-mix debate has been floating around for years, often leaving people more confused than confident. Some say these ingredients cancel each other out. Others claim they work beautifully together. Here’s what we know: both niacinamide and vitamin C are backed by solid research and show up in some of the most effective skincare formulas today. So...

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Mixing active ingredients in your skincare routine can feel like a chemistry class no one prepared you for. Niacinamide and retinol are both popular skincare ingredients, but using them together in the same routine raises several questions. Is it too harsh? Will they cancel each other out? Should you be worried about irritation? It’s completely normal to feel unsure. The good news is, you don’t have to pick sides. When used thoughtfully, niacinamide and retinol can actually complement each ot...

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If you’ve spotted silymarin or milk thistle extract on a skincare label and found yourself wondering what it actually does, you’re in the right place. This plant-derived compound is gaining attention in modern formulas for its ability to calm, protect, and support the skin without adding complexity to your routine. There’s real interest right now in milk thistle benefits for skin, especially among people who want a more thoughtful, ingredient-aware approach to skincare. From its antioxidant b...

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You’re standing in the skincare aisle, scanning labels, and there it is again: ceramides. They show up in moisturizers, serums, and creams of every kind, usually with big promises about being the must-have ingredient for barrier care. But what are ceramides, exactly? In short, ceramides are a group of lipid molecules that are naturally found in the skin’s lipid matrix. Acting as part of your skin’s frontline defense system: In contributing to the health of your lipid matrix, they help lock in...

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Understanding the order of skincare isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about helping your products work smarter, not harder. The right skincare order supports absorption, minimizes irritation, and makes even a simple routine more effective. And yes, it applies whether you're using two steps or ten. We understand that with a growing lineup of skincare treatments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed between cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. But with a little science and a lot of compassion, you ...

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Exfoliating skin, sloughing off dead skin cells, buffing out skin roughness, etc. are all concepts that are probably deemed incredibly “old school” and the least glamorous rituals in a skin routine. But experts like us will always give this arena the dedicated spotlight it deserves because it is just that important to skin health. What is Exfoliation? Exfoliation is the act of removing overdue dead skin cells (keratinocytes). Factors like age, climate, and skin diseases can all impact the lev...

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New skincare science is as alluring as it is mysterious. It can often be hard to distinguish between hype and science. But worry not! Let the chemists dissect everything for you. Today, we’re tackling PDRNv—van ingredient that’s been making waves in the beauty world. But what exactly is PDRN, and does it deserve a spot in your routine? Let’s break it down. What is PDRN? PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, are simply DNA fragments ranging from 50 to 1500 kDa. The concept of using PDRN for therap...

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Retinoids, molecules in the vitamin A family, are probably some of the most celebrated skincare actives out there. With a proven track record for addressing everything from acne to aging, retinoids are truly skincare’s glitziest superstars. Because of this stardom, the product landscape is filled with different retinoids to choose from, and it can be pretty confusing to choose just the right molecule for you. Let’s take a closer look at two of the most popular retinoids – tretinoin and retino...

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Retinaldehyde or retinal (with an A!) has become the latest, buzz-worthy retinoid on the market. Many seasoned retinoid users are honing in on the fact that in the process of retinoic acid synthesis, retinal would be the more efficient (aka more potent) cosmetic retinoid compared to retinol in getting those sweet anti-aging benefits. You might even hear retinal claims such as “10x more effective than retinol” or even “tretinoin strength without the tretinoin irritation.” Bold claims! While re...

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Retinol has been a longtime fan favorite anti-aging molecule. And for good reason! As a cosmetic ingredient, retinol is one of the few that has decades of research and data behind its efficacy. In fact, this is why in our book, Skincare Decoded, we refer to this active as one the Big Four and stands alongside the champs, ascorbic acid, AHAs, and niacinamide. But, you’ve probably heard of the downside of retinol - flaking, shedding, redness, dryness. While it may sound intimidating, just a cou...

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