LÉ Blog

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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We polled everyone on Instagram on their top dry skin questions, and one of the most common questions we got was “just what is the difference between dehydrated and dry skin?” In a similar vein, people also wanted to know just what kind of skin deficiencies causes dry skin – lack water or oil? Understanding just what kind of dry skin you have and what your skin need can be the difference between an effective moisturizing routine and an endless loop of frustration. So in this blog post, let’s ...

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Blackheads is a persistent skincare for many. It doesn’t matter your skin type, people from the driest of dry skin to the most oily can all be frustrated by pesky blackheads at any time. The skincare market is not short of miracle blackhead treatments - from pore strips, serums, to fancy devices. So in this blog post, let’s dive into just what causes blackheads, key skincare ingredients that can effectively clear blackheads fast, routines to prevent them from popping back up again. What are B...

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How to use a cleanser sounds like almost a silly question. It’s something that most of us have been doing since we’re kids. But! Being mindful in how you approach your cleansing routine can make a huge difference in your skincare routine. After all, a thorough cleanse can help prevent skin damages caused by enironment pollutants, minimize breakouts, and maxmize the efficacy of your active ingredients. So in this blog post, we’ll go over what are the two main staples in your cleansing routine,...

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When you first foray into the world of chemical exfoliation, two ingredients are bound to come up almost immediately: salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) often associated with acne, clearing skin congestion. On the other hand, glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that’s associated with smoother, brighter skin texture. So how do you know which one is right for your skin? Is one better than the other? Should you use one more both in your routine...

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The skincare world is never short of the newest, glitziest active ingredient vying for your attention. But while trendy ingredients can come and go, retinol and glycolic acid are two workhorse active ingredients that consistently top the chart. Both of these come with a rich history of clinical data on treating uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. However, given that these are both heavy hitting actives that come with a risk for skin irritation, you might be wondering: can you actual...

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Acne patches have emerged as a popular item to keep in your skincare arsenal. These handle little patches are positioned as a “break out in case of emergency” tool for quick, effective relief or your pimple. But how do they work really? In this blog, we’ll cover the science behind these nifty little patches, what to really expect from them, whether or not they can replace your topical acne treatments, and what are some of the best pimple patches on the market. How do pimple patches work? Pimp...

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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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Petrolatum is an ubiquitous skincare ingredient perhaps popularized by good ol’ Vaseline. As common and historied as it is, it’s also one that often finds itself on top of many “dirty” lists. The two main reasons you might hear about petralatum nay-sayers are “it’s a carcinogen” and “it’ll clog your pores!”. These are some pretty serious accusations! But, as cosmetic chemists who have worked with petrolatum in formulas for years, we can say that these claims are not nearly as scary as they so...

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As a skincare enthusiast, you’ve probably already heard of the irritation potential of heavy-hitting active ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid. Niacinamide, on the other hand, gets touted as a highly efficacious yet vanilla, and gentle ingredient. But! When it comes to any ingredients, dose makes the poison… and the elixir. Most active ingredients have a tested effective range. Within that range, the ingredient should deliver those long-term benefits they promise without causing in...

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