New essay this week · Dermatology Myths, Explained

Skin insights you can actually trust.

Plainspoken articles on skincare, conditions, and hair — written by our clinical team and reviewed by board-certified dermatologists. No miracle ingredients, no empty promises.

Featured · 4 min readA bunch of DIY acne treatments spread across the counter.
Dermatology Myths, Explained·Oct 28, 2026

Myth #5: Do DIY Acne Treatments Actually Work?

✓Written for patients, in plain language✓Sources cited on every article✓Doctor reviews shown by name✓Care from board-certified dermatologists
01 — A field guide

Skincare, without the noise.

All in Routines →
02 — Plainly explained

What's actually happening on your skin.

All conditions →
03 — More reading

Every essay we've published.

Woman in sunhat with sunscreen on her cheeks.
Sunscreen·3 min read

Why Your Sunscreen Leaves a White Cast (And How to Avoid It)

Does your sunscreen leave behind a chalky, white, or grayish residue? Discover why mineral sunscreens can create a white cast, how tinted formulas can help, and simple ways to find sun protection that looks and feels better on your skin.

woman getting hair color applied.
Hair·8 min read

Can Hair Dye Cause Hair Loss? How to Prevent Damage

Is your latest hair color responsible for thinning or breakage? Bleaching and coloring can weaken hair strands, but that doesn't always mean you're losing hair from the root. Learn how chemical treatments affect your hair and scalp, how to reduce damage, and what to know if you're using topical hair-growth medications.

Medications of various types being stored inside refrigerator.
Treatment Insights·6 min read

Room Temperature or Refrigerate? Why Medication Storage Matters

Most of us don't give medication storage much thought. We pick up a prescription, bring it home, and put it wherever it's convenient. Maybe that's the bathroom...

Woman looking at reflection in mirror and applying serum.
Ingredient Spotlight·7 min read

Azelaic Acid Does More Than Treat Acne: Here’s What It’s Used For

Azelaic acid might not get as much attention as other skincare ingredients, but its versatility is hard to ignore. From treating acne and rosacea to addressing dark spots and uneven pigmentation, discover why this ingredient has become a staple in dermatology.

Mortar and pestle on marble counter
Treatment Insights·7 min read

What Is a Compounding Pharmacy, and Why Would You Need One?

Not every prescription can be filled with a medication straight off the shelf. Compounding pharmacies prepare medications to meet specific patient needs, from different strengths and dosage forms to formulations that avoid certain ingredients. Discover how pharmacy compounding works, why it's sometimes necessary, and what patients should know.

Woman applying cream to her face.
Treatment Insights·11 min read

The Science of Skin Purging

Starting a new skincare treatment can sometimes make your skin look worse before it improves. But is it actually purging, or is something else happening? Explore the science behind early breakouts, retinoid adjustment, and the signs that your skin may need a different approach.

Amber bottle and white tablets sitting on gray countertop.
Hair·10 min read

Oral vs. Topical Minoxidil & Finasteride

Oral and topical minoxidil and finasteride are commonly used to treat hair loss, but their side effects aren't identical. From scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth to cardiovascular concerns and sexual side effects, learn how these treatments compare, what men and women should know, and why the formulation matters.

A small white cosmetic container being held in woman's hands.
Ingredient Spotlight·4 min read

Meet Urea: The Ingredient That Works in More Ways Than One

Urea might not be the trendiest skincare ingredient, but its versatility makes it a dermatology staple. Learn how different concentrations can help with everything from everyday dryness to rough, thickened skin.

Woman sitting on bed analyzing her face in handheld mirror.
Treatment Insights·4 min read

Does Your Skin Get Used to Skincare Products?

Your favorite skincare product worked wonders at first. Now? Not so much. Here's why your skin might seem less impressed—and whether you really need to switch products.

Woman applying cream to her face.
Treatment Insights·10 min read

Why Your Skincare Pills (And How to Stop It)

Ever notice tiny balls forming when you layer your skincare? The problem may be how your products interact. Explore the science behind skincare pilling, which ingredients to look for, and simple ways to prevent it.

Oral medications and topical creams shown together for a comparison of dermatology treatments
Dermatology Myths, Explained·12 min read

Myth #3: Oral Medications Work Better Than Topical Medications

A prescription doesn’t have to travel through the entire body to be effective. In dermatology, sometimes the most direct route is exactly where the treatment needs to be.

Two sets of legs and feet in the air.
Skin Conditions·7 min read

Itchy Feet? Fungus Isn’t the Only Suspect

Fungus may be the first thing that comes to mind when your feet start itching, but it isn’t the only possibility. From eczema and contact dermatitis to bacterial infections, several conditions can leave feet itchy, peeling, or irritated.

A woman standing with her hands in her long hair and her back facing the camera.
Hair·6 min read

The Secret to Longer Hair Might Be a Haircut

Your hair may be growing just fine, even if it never seems to get any longer. The problem could be happening at the ends. Here’s how trims, breakage, and length retention all fit together.

Woman wearing unbuttoned white shirt with sparkly face mask is smiling.
Dermatology Myths, Explained·5 min read

Myth #4: Pores Can Open and Close

Pores can look more noticeable for plenty of reasons. This post breaks down the myth and explains what actually changes the way they look.

Hands with eczema reaching out.
Eczema·6 min read

Understanding the Eczema Cycle

Eczema doesn’t always follow a straight path. A flare may improve or even clear with treatment, only to return later. Understanding the cycle from triggers and treatment to clearer skin and maintenance can make eczema easier to manage over time.

Tired looking woman in pajamas, peeking out of her sleeping mask.
Dermatology Myths, Explained·4 min read

Myth #2: Dark Circles Mean You Need More Sleep

A good night’s sleep doesn’t always make dark circles disappear. From genetics and pigmentation to allergies and natural shadows, there may be more happening beneath your eyes than simply being tired.

Close-up of male scalp showing hair thinning — illustrative image for hair loss education article
Skin Conditions·11 min read

Does Minoxidil Have to Be Forever?

If you've been avoiding minoxidil because you don't want to be on it forever, the answer may be more nuanced than you think. Here's what a board-certified dermatologist actually says about long-term use.

A woman smiling while applying cream to her cheeks.
Dermatology Myths, Explained·4 min read

Myth #1: Oily Skin Doesn't Need Moisture

If your skin already feels oily, adding moisturizer might sound like the last thing you need. But oil and moisture tell two different stories.

A man wearing a blue shirt is running his fingers through his hair.
Hair·5 min read

Can Hair Loss Be Reversed? Understanding Your Treatment Options

Not all hair loss is permanent. Learn what affects the chances of hair regrowth, common treatment options, and why personalized treatment plans may play an important role in managing hair loss.

Legs with bumps.
Skin Conditions·6 min read

Keratosis Pilaris Explained: Why Those Rough Bumps Appear

Tiny rough bumps on the arms, thighs, or cheeks are often caused by keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition sometimes called "chicken skin" or "strawberry skin." Learn what may contribute to these bumps and why they're often mistaken for other skin concerns.

Melasma and Pregnancy: Understanding the Link
Pigmentation·13 min read

Melasma and Pregnancy: Understanding the Link

Pregnancy can bring many changes to the skin, including melasma. Learn why this common form of hyperpigmentation may become more noticeable during pregnancy and what factors can influence it.

Woman with acne looking at herself on broken mirror.
Acne·8 min read

Skin Purging vs Breakout: How to Tell the Difference

This article examines the differences between skin purging and acne breakouts, including commonly associated ingredients, expected symptom patterns, and factors dermatologists often consider during evaluation.

Person putting serum on scalp.
Hair·5 min read

Dandruff vs Seborrheic Dermatitis: Key Differences

Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can cause similar symptoms, but they aren't exactly the same. Learn the key differences, common causes, and when professional support may help.

A destressed looking woman touching her face.
Acne·5 min read

Rosacea vs Acne: How Can You Tell the Difference?

Redness. Bumps. Sensitive skin. Breakouts that don't seem to go away. If you've been trying to figure out whether you're dealing with acne, rosacea, or...

Woman with towel on her head is looking at herself in mirror while applying cream to her face,
Routines·6 min read

Skin Barrier Repair: Signs Your Skin Needs Support

If your skin suddenly feels dry, tight, or irritated, your skin barrier may need extra support. Learn what affects the skin barrier and discover simple habits that may help restore healthier-looking skin.

Orange comb with hair in it.
Hair·5 min read

Hair Shedding vs Hair Loss: What's the Difference?

Noticing more hair in your brush or shower drain? Learn the differences between hair shedding and hair loss, common causes, and signs that may help you better understand what's happening.

Woman standing in front of mirror applying undereye patches
Skin Conditions·5 min read

A GLP-1 Can Change More Than the Number on the Scale

Significant weight loss can bring changes beyond the number on the scale. Learn about common skin and hair changes—including hair shedding, dry skin, and changes in facial appearance—and discover simple ways to support healthy-looking skin throughout your weight-loss journey.

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