Journal
Notes from the atelier
Skincare notes, gentle rituals and product guidance for Albania and Kosovo.
Ingredients
5 stories
Hyaluronic acid — the molecule that holds 1000x its weight in water
Hydration is the base of every routine, and hyaluronic acid is the king of hydration. How it works, the mistake that makes it useless, and how to use it right.
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Centella asiatica — the calm your sensitive skin needs
Redness, irritation, damaged barrier — the Korean herb that calms them all. How to spot it on labels and the best products with it.
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Retinol vs retinal — which is better for wrinkles?
Both are vitamin A, but retinal works up to 10x faster. How to choose, how to start without irritation, and the gentle alternative: bakuchiol.
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PDRN — the viral ingredient that came from Korean clinics
From dermatologists' injections in Seoul to your evening serum — what PDRN (salmon DNA) is and why it's catching Botox's eye.
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Snail mucin — what it is and why the world loves it
Snail secretion sounds strange — and it's the ingredient that made K-Beauty famous. What it actually does and who it suits.
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