LÉ Blog

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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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for skin is the latest "miracle ingredient" buzzing in the skincare world. Fans tout its transformative HOCl benefits from scar healing to acne. But what is this molecule, how does it work, and is it actually deserving of all the hype? Let’s break down everything the chemists think you should know before adding a Hypochlorous acid spray to your routine. What is Hypochlorous Acid? HOCl is a weak acid and potent pro-oxidant that our body naturally produces as a defense ...

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Cleansing might sound like the most straightforward part of your entire routine, but even seasoned skinthusiasts can fumble the first step. Dig a little deeper into foam levels and surfactant systems, and you’ll quickly realize how much the details matter and why getting them right can set the tone for everything that follows. Why is it so tricky? The simplest answer is that there’s no such thing as a “correct” way to wash your face; only what works best for you. Maybe your mornings start wit...

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You’ve got serums, moisturizers, and maybe even a trendy acid or two. But did you know that pretty much every product in your lineup does its best work when it’s got a clean canvas to start with? It might sound silly, but cleansing is often where things go sideways. For something we’ve been doing since childhood, figuring out when to use facial cleanser can be surprisingly tricky. Too much scrubbing can leave skin dry and cranky, while skipping or mistiming the step means your hardworking act...

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Here’s the thing about washing your face: It might seem like the easiest part of skincare, but it’s surprisingly finicky! Too much cleansing and you’re in desert-face territory. Too little and leftover dirt, grime, and daily pollution can linger—potentially paving the way for long-term skin issues. The trick is finding the sweet spot in between. So, how often should you wash your face? It depends on various factors, including your skin type, environment, makeup habits, and the products you us...

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Let’s set the record straight: Retinol purging isn’t your skin “rejecting” a product. It’s more like a sped-up reveal of breakouts that were already in your skin’s pipeline, triggered by the introduction of retinoids accelerate cell turnover. But not every flare-up is a purge. Sometimes, it’s just plain old irritation or a bad match. Being able to tell the difference helps you stick with the right plan or switch gears when needed. The chemists have spent years getting up close and personal wi...

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In true Chemist Confessions fashion, it’s worth saying that a cleanser for combination skin can do a lot more than just wash off the day. With a well-formulated cleanser, cleansing can help manage oil levels and play a notable role in how your skin barrier holds up. With the wrong balance, you might be looking at even more oil production, dry patches, or both. Get it just right, and you’ve got a well-hydrated, cooperative canvas for all of the skincare goodness that follows. As the first step...

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Bisabolol might not sound like a glow-inducing hero, but it has a surprisingly solid track record when it comes to soothing irritation and brightening complexions. If you’ve ever dealt with flare-ups, overeager retinoid experimentation, or mysterious tightness, bisabolol might be worth adding to your wishlist. This under-the-radar overachiever is best known as the calming, isolated compound in chamomile. That means, it’s the main compound that has given chamomile its claim to fame as a skinca...

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3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, or “ethylated ascorbic acid” is a vitamin C derivative that’s risen quickly in the popularity ranks in recent years. But just because it’s a structural cousin of hte famed ascorbic acid doesn’t automatically mean that it’s going to delivery all those vitamin C skin benefits you’re looking for. So let’s break down the science - chemist style - and get the the bottom of just whether or not ethyl ascorbic acid is the stable, gentle, age-prevention superstar worthy of rep...

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Finding the right cleanser can be surprisingly tricky. You want something that gets rid of daily grime, sunscreen, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. But many cleansers overshoot the mark, stripping away the good stuff right along with the bad. Cleansers can also undershoot the mark by being so gentle that it no longer holds up its basic function of cleaning. A good gentle cleanser for face should cover the basics while keeping your natural lipids and proteins intact. ...

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