Skin Care Insights — benzoyl peroxide

By Rachel Hawkins, licensed esthetician, 25+ years · November 2026 They're the two ingredients I get asked about most for breakout-prone skin. They do different jobs, and many people do best with both. Salicylic acid: the pore clearer Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), not an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It's oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore, loosening the dead cells and oil that form plugs. It's ideal for blackheads, congestion and oily T-zones. Try Salicylic Acid. ✨ Ask Rae: Salicylic acid is a BHA that clears inside the pore. BPO is your go-to for red blemishes....

By Rachel Hawkins, licensed esthetician, 25+ years · Updated November 2026 Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is one of the most-used ingredients for breakout-prone skin, and it's been around for decades. Here's how I tell clients to use it. What it does BPO helps keep pores clear and is a long-standing ingredient for blemish-prone skin. It's often paired with an exfoliant like salicylic acid. Our Benzoyl Peroxide 10% is designed to go on the whole face, not just on spots. ✨ Ask Rae: New to BPO? Start every other night and switch to white pillowcases. How to use it Apply a thin...

By Rachel Hawkins, licensed esthetician, 25+ years · Updated November 2026 After 25+ years in skin care, I still hear the same myths every week. Here's what's true. Myth 1: Only teenagers break out. Many people sail through their teens and get breakouts as adults. Hormones and stress don't check your age. Myth 2: The sun clears breakouts. A tan can hide redness for a while, but sun exposure dries and damages skin, and that can lead to more congestion later. Wear broad-spectrum SPF daily, like Morning Moisture SPF 30. Myth 3: Chocolate and fries cause acne. No single food...