Hormones & Eczema: The Oestrogen-Filaggrin Connection, Cyclical Flares & What to Do
Eczema flares that follow the menstrual cycle, worsen in perimenopause, or change with the contraceptive pill all have specific hormonal mechanisms. Here's the science behind each pattern.
Bio-Oil & Eczema: Why the Fragrance and Oleic Acid Profile Make It Inappropriate for Most Presentations
Bio-Oil's fragrance contains linalool and lavender oil — both documented contact allergens for eczema-prone skin. Here's why it's generally inappropriate for eczema and what to use instead.
Korean Skincare for Acne: What K-Beauty Gets Right, What to Modify & the Best Ingredients
Korean skincare's barrier-first philosophy is more evidence-based for acne than aggressive stripping approaches — but the double cleanse and essence layering need modification for acne-prone skin. Here's what to keep and what to change.
Perfume & Eczema: Why Fragrance Is the Most Common Contact Allergen & How to Navigate It
Fragrance is the most common contact allergen in cosmetics — and eczema skin's elevated permeability makes it significantly more vulnerable. Here's the mechanism, the EU allergen list, and practical guidance.
Turmeric for Psoriasis: The Curcumin Mechanism, the Bioavailability Problem & What the Evidence Actually Shows
Turmeric's curcumin has a specific and coherent mechanism for psoriasis — but its notorious poor bioavailability is what determines whether it actually works. Here's the honest picture.
Exfoliation & Psoriasis: The Safe Scale Removal Hierarchy & the Koebner Risk
Physical exfoliation carries a genuine Koebner risk for psoriasis. Here's the chemical exfoliation hierarchy that works, why urea beats salicylic acid as a first step, and when to avoid exfoliation entirely.
Skin Cycling With Eczema: Why the Standard Protocol Doesn't Work & What to Do Instead
Standard skin cycling is too aggressive for eczema-prone skin — but a modified version for settled skin makes sense. Here's what to change and what to keep.
Beef Tallow for Acne: What the Fatty Acid Profile Actually Tells You
Beef tallow is trending for acne-prone skin — but its fatty acid profile tells a more complicated story than TikTok suggests. Here's the honest assessment.
Cold Water Therapy & Psoriasis: What the Evidence Shows & What to Watch Out For
Cold water therapy has plausible mechanisms for psoriasis — but cold urticaria, Koebner risk, and dryness are real concerns. Here's the honest evidence and practical guide.
Cleansers for Eczema: What Works, What Doesn't & the SLS Warning
The wrong cleanser is one of the most common eczema mistakes. Here's the SLS mechanism, the aqueous cream cautionary tale, and what to use instead.
Flying with Eczema: The 10–15% Humidity Mechanism, Cortisol Stress Response & What to Do
Aircraft cabin humidity drops to 10–15% — far below the 40–60% threshold comfortable for eczema skin. Combined with cortisol stress elevation and recycled air histamine exposure, flying is one of the most specific eczema environments there is. Here's what helps.
LED Masks for Acne: Blue Light, Red Light, What the Research Shows & Is It Worth It
LED masks have genuine evidence for mild-to-moderate acne — but the mechanisms matter, and at-home devices are considerably weaker than clinical treatments. Here's the honest guide.