z(it) happens / skincare routine

5 Things I’d Do If I Had to Heal My Hormonal Acne All Over Again

Hormonal acne doesn’t play by the same rules as a random breakout. It’s tied to hormone levels, stress, and how your body moves through everyday life. I’ve been there — and if I had to start the healing journey from scratch, here’s exactly what I’d do.

Sweat, Sunscreen & Skin Freakouts: Your Official Guide to Summer Breakouts

There’s a reason your skin feels more reactive in the summer — and it’s not just the heat. From sneaky breakout triggers like salty ocean swims and poolside chlorine to the way your skincare routine shifts with the season, acne-prone skin needs a little extra attention right now. Consider this your no-stress guide to keeping things clear, balanced, and beach-day ready.

Breaking Out or Purging? Here’s How to Tell — and What to Do About It

You finally commit to a skincare routine — maybe it's your first dip into a retinoid, or you’re flirting with exfoliating acids — and boom: your face suddenly switches up on you. You’re spiraling. Is it a skin purge? A breakout? Is your barrier about to disown you? Take a breath. This might actually be a good sign. A skin purge happens when actives like retinoids or BHAs speed up cellular turnover and push all the junk (clogged pores, micro-breakouts, bad decisions) to the surface. It’s temporary. It’s annoying. But it can be a turning point if you know how to ride it out.