The Journal
Letters from the studio. Quiet rituals, seasonal botanicals, and notes on skin.

How to Layer Skincare Products: The Correct Order for Maximum Results
Skincare products are designed to work together - but only when applied in the right order. Apply them in the wrong sequence and you eith...
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How to Build a Minimalist Skincare Routine with Natural Oils
The skincare industry thrives on complexity. New serums, essences, actives, and treatments launch constantly, each promising to solve a s...
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The 5-Step African Botanical Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin
Building a skincare routine around African botanical ingredients is more than a trend - it's a return to some of the world's most effecti...
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Understanding Comedogenic Ratings: How to Choose Oils That Won't Clog Your Pores
If you've ever broken out after trying a new facial oil, comedogenic ratings may explain why. But this scale is more nuanced than its rep...
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How Antioxidants Work in Skincare (And Why Not All Are Equal)
Antioxidants are one of the most universally recommended categories in skincare - and for good reason. But the word gets used so broadly ...
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What Is Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and Why Does It Matter for Your Skin?
You can drink all the water you want and still have dry skin. Why? Because skin hydration isn't primarily about how much water you drink ...
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African Botanicals vs. European Botanicals: A Skincare Comparison
European botanical ingredients - rosehip, argan, lavender, calendula - have dominated the natural skincare market for decades. But a new ...
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Oleic Acid vs. Linoleic Acid: Which Fatty Acid Does Your Skin Need?
In the world of facial oils, two fatty acids dominate the conversation: oleic acid (Omega-9) and linoleic acid (Omega-6). Both are import...
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Cold-Pressed vs. Refined Plant Oils: What the Difference Means for Your Skin
When you see "cold-pressed" on a bottle of facial oil, it's more than marketing language. The extraction method dramatically affects the ...
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