The Journal
Notes on skin, considered.
Writing, observations and video from Merve Akkaya, followed by a growing library of practical skincare guidance designed to make better decisions easier.
From Merve
The questions that stay after the appointment.
Some of the most useful skincare conversations begin with a question someone has been carrying for a while.
This is where Merve shares personal observations, professional perspective and longer thoughts on the decisions people repeatedly face around their skin. As her own articles are published, they will live here before becoming part of the wider Journal archive.
Watch
Skincare, in Merve’s own words.
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Longer conversations about skin.
Education, practical skincare thinking and professional perspective from Merve.
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Notes from everyday practice.
Treatments, professional observations and short explanations from Merve’s work.
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Clear answers, without the noise.
Short-form skincare education and practical perspective.
A considered perspective
Better skincare content should help you decide — not simply give you more to read.
Skincare Library
Go deeper,when you need to.
Clear, structured guides to routines, ingredients, skin concerns and professional care. Start with a question, then read what helps.
Latest notes
Glutathione and skin tone: creams, supplements and drips, considered.
Does glutathione lighten skin? What the evidence shows for creams, supplements and IV drips, what regulators have warned, and what helps an even tone.
Read the note
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu): what they are and how to use them.
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) explained: what the research shows and its limits, using them with vitamin C or retinol, and how to start a serum sensibly.
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LED face masks and red light therapy at home: what to expect.
Do LED face masks work? What red and blue light can and cannot do at home, how masks differ from clinic devices, eye safety and realistic expectations.
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Exosome skincare: what the word means on a label.
What "exosome" means on a skincare label, plant vs cell-derived exosomes, what the evidence shows for serums and clinic treatments, and what to ask first.
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PDRN and "salmon DNA" skincare: what a cream can and cannot do.
What PDRN ("salmon DNA") is, what the evidence shows for clinic injectables and for creams and serums, and how to try a PDRN product without the hype.
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When a skin concern needs a dermatologist.
When to see a dermatologist: changing moles, persistent rashes or redness, painful or scarring acne, product reactions and urgent signs, plus how to prepare.
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Skincare before an event, without last-minute experiments.
Planning skincare before a wedding or event: why to avoid new products late, when to ask about a facial, make-up trials and what to do about a breakout.
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Reintroducing products after irritation has settled.
Once irritated skin has calmed, bring products back one at a time: essentials first, likely triggers last. How to watch, what to record and when to stop.
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How to understand what your skin may actually need.
Learn how to observe your skin, review your routine and decide whether simpler care, a skincare consultation or a dermatologist is the right next step.
Read the noteA useful starting point
These guides offer general skincare information. For concerns that persist or a routine that is difficult to make sense of, talk through your options.
All guides
Every guide, by topic.
Understanding your skin
Routines
- Morning and evening skincare: what actually needs to change?
- Skincare product order: a clear guide to layering.
- Where to spend and where to save in your skincare routine.
- Should your skincare routine change with the seasons?
- A skincare routine does not need to be complicated.
- A routine that fits your life is easier to keep.
- Skincare before an event, without last-minute experiments.
Cleansing
Sun protection
Ingredients and tolerance
Body skin
Professional care
- When professional skincare belongs in the plan.
- Choosing a professional facial: where Frozen Face Pro Max fits.
- Considering Twin Body? Questions to ask before starting.
- Before a facial: what to tell your skincare practitioner.
- After a facial: keeping your home routine clear.
- When a skin concern needs a dermatologist.
- What a useful skin consultation should leave you with.
Trends, considered
- PDRN and “salmon DNA” skincare: what a cream can and cannot do.
- Exosome skincare: what the word means on a label.
- LED face masks and red light therapy at home: what to expect.
- Copper peptides (GHK-Cu): what they are and how to use them.
- Tranexamic acid for dark spots: where it fits.
- Glutathione and skin tone: creams, supplements and drips, considered.
- Medical spa or skincare studio? Understanding the difference.
- Hard water and your skin: do shower filters help?
- Glass skin: a realistic routine for a healthy glow.
- Korean skincare routines: what to borrow and what to skip.
- “Ozempic face”: skin changes after weight loss and what skincare can do.
- Choosing a skin barrier cream: what to look for.
- Beta-glucan in skincare: a gentle ingredient worth knowing.
- Spicules and “liquid microneedling”: questions before you try.
- Under-eye patches: what they can do for puffiness.
- Pimple patches: when hydrocolloid helps.
- Retinol body lotion: who it suits and how to start.
- Urea cream for rough, dry skin.
- Collagen supplements and your skin: what the evidence shows.
- AI skin analysis apps or a skin consultation?
