Yesterday, a patient came in with acute acne. A week ago, her skin was clear.

 

Her rosacea was mild and well controlled. She had bought a product online, marketed for rosacea. The azelaic acid was correct. The retinoid alongside it, at that strength, was not. Within days, her barrier failed.

 

This is what happens when skincare is chosen without context or sequencing. Even well-formulated products will disrupt the skin if they are introduced in the wrong order, or with the wrong actives.

 

 Skincare is not a question of ingredients. It is a question of diagnosis.

 

Ask Dr Ellie is a clinical review of your skin as it is now: what you are using, what it is tolerating, and what it actually needs. When the protocol is correct, the skin responds. When it is not, it rarely improves, however refined the routine.