Acne advice affects your skin, your wallet and your confidence. I’m not a doctor, so the only thing that makes this site worth reading is how carefully I handle the evidence. These are the rules I write to.
1. Every clinical claim is sourced — and the source is linked
If I tell you something about your skin, you can click through and check it. In rough order of preference, I cite:
- Clinical practice guidelines from specialty bodies — the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the British Association of Dermatologists, and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, particularly Cochrane reviews.
- Large randomized controlled trials.
- Government health agencies — FDA drug labeling and OTC monographs, the NIH (including NIAMS and MedlinePlus).
- Individual peer-reviewed studies, clearly identified as such.
I don’t cite other content sites as evidence for medical claims, and I never cite a manufacturer’s own marketing as evidence that its product works.
2. I say when the evidence is weak
A lot of skincare research is small, short, uncontrolled, or funded by the company selling the product. When that’s the case I say so, and I say why. “The evidence is low certainty” is a real finding, and reporting it honestly is more useful than manufacturing confidence.
3. I report findings that are inconvenient for advertisers
Some of the best-supported answers are bad news for people selling things — including products I could earn a commission on. I publish them anyway. A site that only reports findings that suit its revenue is worth nothing to you.
4. I never fabricate medical review or credentials
If an article has been reviewed by a clinician, I name them, list their credentials, and say what they reviewed. If it hasn’t, there is no reviewer byline. There will never be a vague “medically reviewed by our experts” line standing in for review that didn’t happen. Currently, no article on this site has been clinically reviewed.
5. I untangle things that are commonly confused
Fungal “acne” (Malassezia folliculitis) isn’t acne. Rosacea isn’t acne. Sebaceous filaments aren’t blackheads. Retinoid “purging” isn’t the same as a reaction. A lot of confusion in skincare is profitable to somebody — clearing it up is much of what a site like this is for.
6. I date everything
Every article shows when it was published and when it was last reviewed against the evidence. Guidance changes; an undated health article is one you have no way to evaluate.
How an article is built
- The Quick Summary — a direct 30–50 word answer at the top.
- Key Takeaways — the handful of points that matter most.
- The detail — mechanism, how to use it, side effects and who should avoid it, with data tables that name their source.
- Sources — a full, linked reference list at the end.
- Last reviewed date — updated whenever I re-check the article against current evidence.
What I don’t do
- I don’t diagnose. Nothing here is medical advice or can account for your individual circumstances.
- I don’t sell a product. There is no house-brand serum.
- I don’t use scare tactics or shame.
- I don’t publish before-and-after photos or testimonials. They can’t be verified and are easily faked.
- I don’t recommend prescription medication. I explain what the evidence says; what you use is between you and a clinician.
Corrections
If something here is wrong, I want to know. Corrections are made to the article and the review date is updated; where a correction changes the substance of what I said, I note what changed. Send me the article and the source.
Use of AI tools
I may use software, including AI tools, for tasks like outlining or proofreading. AI is never treated as a source of medical facts: every clinical claim is checked against a cited primary or authoritative source before it’s published.
Affiliate and advertising disclosure
TipsForAcne.com may earn a commission when you buy through some links, at no extra cost to you, and may display advertising. These relationships never determine what I conclude or which products I mention. Sponsored content, if I ever publish it, will be clearly labeled.
Medical disclaimer: Content on TipsForAcne.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition.