Skincare Basics

4-IngredientSkincare Protocol

Skincare industry is $100B of mostly noise. Only 4 ingredients have strong RCT evidence. This is the evidence-only routine — no marketing, no $400 serums.

The 4 Ingredients That Actually Work

Retinol / Tretinoin

Hundreds of RCTs. Gold standard for anti-aging. Increases collagen, reduces fine lines.

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Antioxidant, brightening, UV damage protection. Best paired with SPF.

Niacinamide

Reduces redness, pore size, oil. Well-tolerated by sensitive skin.

Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Single most important anti-aging intervention. Daily UV damage is the primary aging driver.

Target Outcomes

Fine Lines

Visible

Smoother

Retinol-driven

12-16 weeks

Skin Tone

Uneven

Even

Vitamin C + SPF

8-12 weeks

Pore Size

Enlarged

Reduced

Niacinamide

8-12 weeks

Damage Prevention

Ongoing

Halted

SPF-driven

Immediate