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Welcome to the INKEY Blog. Where we spread and share our skincare knowledge with you!

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: one of skincare’s biggest debates - and one of its most misunderstood. Both protect effectively against UV damage, but they differ in texture, finish, and wearability. This guide breaks down the real science behind both filter types, the truth about “chemical sunscreen” myths, and how to choose the SPF you’ll actually wear every day.

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Reapplying sunscreen is the part of SPF that actually keeps your skin protected - but for most people, makeup gets in the way. This guide explains why sunscreen needs topping up throughout the day, how often to reapply, and the easiest ways to layer SPF over makeup without ruining your base. From beauty blender techniques to common SPF mistakes, here’s everything you need to know for real-world sun protection.

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Daily SPF is not just a summer habit - it is one of the most important long-term investments you can make in your skin health. In this guide, we break down the science behind year-round UV exposure, explain the difference between UVA and UVB rays, and explore why winter, cloudy days, indoor light through windows, and even daily commutes still expose your skin to cumulative damage. Backed by clinical research and UK seasonal UV data, this article explains exactly how daily broad-spectrum SPF helps prevent premature ageing, pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and long-term skin damage - while showing you how to build an effective winter skincare routine around it.

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Niacinamide is one of the most effective - and easiest - skincare ingredients to add to your routine. In this complete guide, discover exactly how to use niacinamide serum for clearer, more balanced skin, including when to apply it, how to layer it correctly, what products pair best with it, and how long results realistically take. Whether your skin is oily, dry, blemish-prone, or sensitive, this guide breaks down the routines, mistakes to avoid, and expert application tips that make niacinamide work harder for your skin.

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Learn how long skincare products really last, what the PAO symbol means, and how to store your skincare properly to keep formulas safe, stable, and effective. From Vitamin C and retinoids to cleansing balms and eye creams, this complete guide explains what causes products to expire, when a skincare fridge helps (and when it doesn’t), plus the warning signs a product has gone off.

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Skincare acids can transform your skin — when you know which one to use. From glycolic acid for glow and texture, to salicylic acid for breakouts and PHAs for sensitive skin, this guide breaks down exactly what each acid does, who it’s best for, and how to use it safely for clearer, brighter, healthier-looking skin.

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Men’s skin is biologically different - producing more oil, experiencing regular shaving stress, and often dealing with larger pores, congestion, and sensitivity. This complete guide breaks down exactly how to build an effective men’s skincare routine, from cleansing and hydration to shaving care, beard maintenance, and product layering. Whether you are starting from scratch or refining your current routine, discover the essential ingredients, routines, and expert-backed tips that help keep male skin clear, healthy, and protected every day

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Your skin doesn’t need the same routine all year round - and treating it like it does could be holding your skin back. From winter dryness and barrier disruption to summer oiliness and breakouts, seasonal changes directly affect how your skin behaves. In this complete guide, we break down exactly how to adapt your skincare routine for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, including the products to switch, the ingredients to prioritise, and the signs your skin is giving you each season. Whether your skin is feeling dehydrated, congested, dull, or sensitive, this guide will help you build a routine that works with your skin all year long.

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Your skin deserves more than a one-size-fits-all routine. This complete skincare guide breaks down exactly how to build an effective AM and PM routine based on your skin type - whether you’re oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or blemish-prone. From identifying your true skin type to choosing the right actives, layering products correctly, and avoiding the most common skincare mistakes, this guide gives you everything you need to create a routine that actually works. Featuring step-by-step routines, expert ingredient advice, and tailored product recommendations from The INKEY List.

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Niacinamide is often labelled as an ingredient for oily or blemish-prone skin - but that reputation overlooks one of its most important benefits. For dry skin, niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, boost ceramide production, reduce moisture loss, and calm irritation at the source. In this guide, we break down exactly how niacinamide works for dry skin, why it does not cause dryness, how to layer it correctly in your routine, and the best INKEY List products to pair with it for long-term hydration and barrier support.

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Discover why niacinamide and retinol are one of skincare’s most effective ingredient pairings. This expert guide breaks down the science behind the combination, the correct application order, beginner-friendly routines, common myths, and the best INKEY products to use together for smoother, clearer, more balanced skin.

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Niacinamide is one of the most effective and well-tolerated ingredients for blemish-prone skin - and the science behind it is stronger than most people realise. This guide breaks down exactly how niacinamide helps reduce breakouts through four clinically backed mechanisms: calming inflammation, regulating excess oil, supporting the skin barrier, and helping fade post-breakout marks. We also answer the most searched questions around niacinamide and acne - including whether it causes purging (it doesn’t), whether it can worsen breakouts, and how to build it into a routine that actually works.

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Discover the difference between two of skincare’s most searched-for ingredients: hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. In this complete guide, we break down what each ingredient does, who benefits most from them, how they compare, and why they work even better together. Whether your skin concerns are dehydration, excess oil, blemishes, enlarged pores, or uneven tone, you’ll learn exactly how to choose the right serum for your skin - and how to layer them correctly for maximum results. Featuring expert-backed insights and product recommendations from The INKEY List, this guide makes building an effective skincare routine simple, accessible, and easy to understand.

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Think oily skin doesn’t need hydration? Think again. Hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients for oily and blemish-prone skin because it hydrates with water - not oil. In this guide, we break down why oily skin can still be dehydrated, how hyaluronic acid helps balance excess sebum, and why pairing it with niacinamide creates the ultimate routine for clearer, healthier-looking skin. From debunking common myths to explaining the science behind hydration and oil production, discover exactly how to use hyaluronic acid for balanced, shine-controlled skin without heaviness or clogged pores.

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Azelaic acid and niacinamide are one of skincare’s most compatible and effective ingredient pairings. Together, they help target redness, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, excess oil, uneven skin tone, and barrier support - all while remaining gentle enough for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. In this guide, we explain how each ingredient works, why they complement each other so well, how to layer them correctly, and how to build them into a routine using INKEY’s 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief and 10% Niacinamide Serum.

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Not sure where to start with moisturizers? We don’t blame you. This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is the answer to everyone’s moisturizer questions. 

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If you struggle with breakouts, you’ve probably heard of these ingredients before: Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. Both are key for keeping skin clear and smooth, but they do so in totally different ways.

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If you’ve been battling oily skin with harsh cleansers, strong toners, or skipping moisturiser altogether, there’s a good chance you’re accidentally triggering even more oil. The truth: sebum is protective — the goal is balanced production, not total elimination. This comprehensive guide explains the science behind oily skin and highlights four proven ingredients that help control oil without over-drying: niacinamide, salicylic acid, dioic acid, and omega fatty acids. You’ll also get a complete morning and evening routine with INKEY List product recommendations, plus the smartest way to build it gradually to avoid irritation and rebound shine.

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Clogged pores occur when oil and dead skin cells build up inside of pore linings and they expand to accommodate it. Here are our derm-recommended tips for dramatically smaller-looking pores.

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Congestion in the skin can be a precursor to acne and breakouts. We often receive your concerns around blocked pores but let’s explore skin congestion, its causes and ways to prevent it.

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It’s a common skincare myth to assume that moisturizers and oils will increase the shine on already oily skin types and add to acne breakouts. Before you skip this essential step, we explore how these products can work with your skin to actually balance oil production as opposed to adding to it.

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Toners are an excellent step to add into your routine as they work to deliver a range of benefits to skin and come in all different forms. Learn what a toner is, how to use one in your routine and more.

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Blackheads are essentially a blocked hair follicle or sebaceous gland that has been plugged by a tasty combination of excess sebum (skin oil), dirt, debris or dead skin. Learn more about what blackheads are, what causes them and how to get rid of them using INKEY's targeted treatments

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From cleansing the skin to managing oil production, there are several ways to treat and bust blemishes fast! Learn about our acne hero products and more tips on fighting blemishes and preventing further breakouts. 

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Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil soluble chemical exfoliators and a great choice for oily and breakout prone skin

They work deeper in the skin than Alpha Hydroxy Acids, and can help unclog pores and target blackheads. 

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