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
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.
Read the note
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.
Read the note
What a useful skin consultation should leave you with.
What a good skin consultation should give you: a clearer understanding, a short prioritised plan, what to stop, how to judge progress and no pressure to buy.
Read the note
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.
Read the note
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.
Read the noteAfter a facial: keeping your home routine clear.
What to do after a facial: follow your aftercare, cleanse gently, moisturise, wear sunscreen, hold off on actives and know when to call your practitioner.
Read the noteReintroducing 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.
Read the noteReapplying sunscreen over make-up: practical options.
How to reapply sunscreen over make-up: the honest limits of SPF powders, sticks, sprays and cushions, why make-up SPF falls short, and a plan for each day.
Read the noteStarting retinol: questions to ask before adding it.
Before you start retinol: what it is for, what else is active in your routine, sunscreen, pregnancy, how often to use it at first and when to stop.
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?
