You're probably using the wrong acid. This finds the right one

Image Source

Quiz Questions

1.
Be honest. When you look in the mirror...
Image Source
- A.
  My skin’s okay, but where’s the glow?
- B.
  It’s always red, tight, or irritated.
- C.
  Ugh. Another breakout?
- D.
  Used to bounce back. Now it looks tired.
- E.
  Greasy here, flaky there. Make it make sense
2.
Tell us your skin era:
Image Source
- A.
  18–25 | The ‘try-all-the-products’ phase
- B.
  25–35 | The ‘I-thought-this-was-hormonal’ phase
- C.
  35–45 | The ‘fine lines are fine’ era
- D.
  45–55 | The ‘wise but still working on glow’ chapter
- E.
  55+ | The ‘been there, glowed that’ legacy
3.
Which one sounds like your skin today?
- A.
  Balanced (but still not glowing)
- B.
  Shiny by noon
- C.
  Flaky and thirsty
- D.
  Angry at everything
- E.
  Chaos
4.
Which of these options are true? (Pick all that apply)
Image Source
- A.
  I always moisturize/ hydrate my skin in the morning and/or evening
- B.
  I use serums (more than once a week)
- C.
  I use a face wash in the shower
- D.
  I have a night routine before bed (take off make up, apply some sort of cream or serum, etc.)
5.
Stress has an impact on your skin. Which of the following options apply to you?
Image Source
- A.
  I pay attention to what I eat
- B.
  I exercise often (two days a week or more)
- C.
  I have some sort of spiritual practice (prayer, church, meditation, yoga)
- D.
  All the above (even if you wish you were more consistent)
- E.
  None of the above
6.
I experience hormonal acne (acne/ blemishes mainly around your jawline)
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  No
7.
My skin complexion often has...
Image Source
- A.
  Shiny appearance ALL over, thick complexion, blemishes, and pores that look larger than normal
- B.
  Redness and itching
- C.
  Some blackheads on the nose and large pores especially on my T-zone
- D.
  Barely visible pores
- E.
  Dull, rough complexion
8.
I use acids in my skincare routine
Image Source
- A.
  True, I love acids
- B.
  Not true
- C.
  I use them occasionally
9.
If I had a magic wand, I would ask for:
Image Source
- A.
  A mattifying effect on my T-zone and more hydration overall
- B.
  A less dull complexion: I need some plump!
- C.
  Fewer breakouts, blackheads, and less shine so my foundation could hold longer
- D.
  Less redness. I wish I could stop worrying about how my skin would react to almost everything
- E.
  Nothing; I have a radiant complexion
10.
My biggest skin concern right now is
- A.
  Inflammatory acne (chin, front, nose, cheeks)
- B.
  Maintain the plump and softness I have
- C.
  Hydrate + moisturize my jaw line, reduce pores, and mattify my T-zone
- D.
  Soothe my skin...from redness, burning, itching...
- E.
  Nourish my thinning skin, soften the look of my wrinkles and fight dehydration

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Your Skin: Beautifully Balanced, but Not Boring
Image Source
Your ladyship,You may not know this, but having truly normal skin past your 30s? It’s practically a royal rarity.Your skin is balanced, rarely breaks out, and generally behaves like it’s been to finishing school. But here’s the catch: even perfect pupils age. Even the well-behaved skin types start whispering for help as collagen declines, cell turnover slows, and glow starts ghosting.So if you’ve been thinking, “I guess I’m doing fine…” let me gently interrupt. “Fine” isn’t the goal. Radiance is.Why Your Current Products May Not Be EnoughLet’s be honest: moisturizers and serums aren’t magic. And if your skincare hasn’t evolved in the last 5–10 years, you may already be noticing:Subtle dullness or “meh” glowUneven texture you didn’t used to haveSkincare that just… doesn’t seem to absorb or deliver like beforeThat’s not your fault. It’s biology. Skin changes. And normal skin? Still needs care, strategy, and the right active ingredients.The Secret to Keeping Your Glow Royal-LevelFor skin like yours, prevention is everything. A few of my favorite acid allies:Glycolic Acid Refines texture, softens fine lines, and boosts your glow by encouraging your skin to let go of dead cells. It helps reduce discoloration (sun spots, acne marks, uneven tone), and even improves how well your skin absorbs the rest of your routine. Small molecule, big results.Hyaluronic Acid A water-binding humectant that gives your skin that plump, dewy look without adding oil. Think of her as your internal hydration whisperer.Oleic Acid Ideal if you’re starting to feel dry patches or entering your mature skin era. But fair warning, my lady: skip this one if blemishes still visit from time to time (it can be comedogenic).Lactic, Mandelic & Ferulic Acids Gentle yet effective options that help keep your skin hydrated, firm, and luminous without irritation.Deeper Complexions, Take Note If your skin is rich in melanin, glycolic acid may still work beautifully BUT patch test first. For pigmentation concerns, look into azelaic acid, kojic acid, or supportive ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice extract, or tranexamic acid.Something big is coming!This isn’t just another launch. It’s the product I couldn’t find, so I made it.✅ Powered by glycolic acid, buffered with gentle PHA, and drenched in tremella hydration✅ Formulated in France, made in the USA.✅ Clean, science-backed, and made to actually work.It’s the glow plan I wish someone handed me years ago.Want to be first in line?👉 Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, skin truths they don’t tell you on the label, and first dibs when it drops.💕Because great skin shouldn’t be guesswork. It should be coded._________Ever at your service,Your devoted skin confidante,Yirlene MertensFounder, Beauty by Code: Behind every skin_________PS: Some acids increase sun sensitivity. So, always SPF.
2.
Your Skin: Not a Curse, but a Clue
Image Source
Your ladyship,Oily skin has a reputation. One it doesn’t deserve.Yes, it’s shiny. Yes, it comes with its fair share of blackheads, clogged pores, and hormonal breakouts.But guess what? Oily skin ages SLOWER. It’s your skin’s way of holding on to youth.Now… we just need to help it behave.Why Is Your Skin So Oily?Blame it on your genes, hormones, and… the weather.Your sebaceous glands are working overtime thanks to androgens (like testosterone). Higher hormone levels? More oil. Growth hormones also play a role...hello, breakouts!!!Age matters too. Oily skin doesn’t magically “go away,” but as you age, sebum slows down (just as collagen and elasticity take a dip). That’s why your oily skin in your 30s may look very different from your oily skin at 17.And let’s not forget the climate: humidity cranks up oil production. If you’re in a tropical zone or battling sticky summers, your skin’s probably shinier than usual.Pro tip: Oily is not combo. Products made for “all skin types” or combo skin can sneak in rich, comedogenic oils like oleic acid. Lovely for dry skin, not your T-zone.Why You’re Doing Everything and Still Getting BreakoutsYou’ve likely already tried a dozen products. Mattifiers. Charcoal masks. “Oil-free” moisturizers.And still, your skin rebels.Here’s what might be missing:You’re over-cleansing (stripping = more oil)You’re skipping hydration (yes, oily skin still needs water)You’re not exfoliating the right wayThat’s where science (and strategy) step in.The Acids That Can Help Calm the ChaosSalicylic Acid (BHA) Oil-soluble and pore-clearing. Think of it as a deep sea diver for your T-zone, perfect for breakouts, blackheads, and inflammation. A game-changer.Glycolic Acid ❤️The queen of radiance is also your ally. While BHA dives deep, glycolic sweeps the surface, sloughing off dead skin, fading dark spots, and boosting cell turnover. She’s the star of the new product I’m launching soon (formulated in France, made in the USA).Hyaluronic Acid Yes, even for you. Oily ≠ hydrated. HA binds water to your skin without adding grease. You need this if your skin ever feels oily and tight.Citric, Ferulic, or Mandelic Acids Softer options that help improve tone, calm inflammation, and support your antioxidant defense.A Word of CautionSome ingredients can work against you.Oleic acid, for example, may feel nourishing but it can clog your pores if you’re breakout-prone. Look for labels. Be picky. Your skin is worth it.And if you’re blessed with a deeper complexion... I’d go for Azelaic acid and/or kojic acid. Something big is coming!This isn’t just another launch. It’s the product I couldn’t find, so I made it.✅ Powered by glycolic acid, buffered with gentle PHA, and drenched in tremella hydration✅ Formulated in France, made in the USA.✅ Clean, science-backed, and made to actually work.It’s the glow plan I wish someone handed me years ago.Want to be first in line?👉 Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, skin truths they don’t tell you on the label, and first dibs when it drops.💕Because great skin shouldn’t be guesswork. It should be coded.Ever at your service,Your devoted skin confidante,Yirlene MertensFounder, Beauty by Code: Behind every skin_________PS: Some acids increase sun sensitivity. So, always SPF.**This content is for informational or educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or the results of consultations with healthcare professionals.**
3.
Your Skin: A Balancing Act, But Not a Burden
Image Source
Your ladyship,Combination skin may be the most common type, but it’s also the trickiest.You’re dancing between two worlds: your T-zone plays oily teenager while your cheeks sip moisture like afternoon tea. And your skincare? Likely trying to do everything at once and not doing much at all.Why Combo Skin Needs a Smarter StrategyHere’s what’s happening:Your sebaceous glands are more active in the T-zone (thanks, hormones), causing excess oil and occasional breakoutsMeanwhile, your cheeks and jawline can feel dry, flaky, or tight, especially in colder months or as you ageHumid climates, stress, and the wrong products only make things worseYou can’t “fix” combo skin, but you can treat each area with intention.That means avoiding rich creams on oily zones and skipping drying formulas on dry spots. And beware: many “all skin types” products sneak in ingredients like oleic acid that can clog your T-zone. No thanks.The Acids That Bring Harmony to Your Skin1. Hyaluronic Acid Your water whisperer. Hydrates both zones without oil. Helps plump, smooth, and prevent that tight, stretched feeling.2. Glycolic Acid ❤️Refines skin tone, clears dullness, and encourages cell renewal. If your T-zone feels clogged and cheeks look tired, glycolic brings the glow back. The magic of glycolic acid resides in its small molecular size. It’s the smallest of all AHAs, meaning it is the most common bioavailable and active acid. In other words, it penetrates the skin easily. She’s the star of my soon-to-launch pads—designed to gently resurface without throwing your skin off balance.3. Salicylic Acid (BHA) Optional, but effective if you’re breaking out in the oilier zones. Targets congestion at the root—but keep it away from your dry areas.4. Lactic, Mandelic, and Tartaric Acids Larger molecules = gentler exfoliation. These are ideal for smoothing dry spots while avoiding irritation.5. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Ferulic Acid Support antioxidant defense, brighten uneven tone, and add a little bounce.SPF = Non-NegotiableSome acids (like glycolic and salicylic) make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So if you’re exfoliating—even gently—you must wear SPF daily. No excuses, your ladyship.Something big is coming!This isn’t just another launch. It’s the product I couldn’t find, so I made it.✅ Powered by glycolic acid, buffered with gentle PHA, and drenched in tremella hydration✅ Formulated in France, made in the USA.✅ Clean, science-backed, and made to actually work.It’s the glow plan I wish someone handed me years ago.Want to be first in line?👉 Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, skin truths they don’t tell you on the label, and first dibs when it drops.💕Because great skin shouldn’t be guesswork. It should be coded.Ever at your service,Your devoted skin confidante,Yirlene MertensFounder, Beauty by Code: Behind every skin__________**This content is for informational or educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or the results of consultations with healthcare professionals.**
4.
Your Skin: Thirsty, Not Fragile
Image Source
Your ladyship,Dry skin isn’t weak. It’s just… parched. It cracks, it flakes, it pulls, and it quietly begs for moisture long before we notice.But dryness isn’t just about hydration. It’s about skin that’s lost its resilience, its plumpness, and its ability to bounce back. And that, my dear, we can do something about.Why Your Skin Feels So Tight (and Why That Expensive Cream Didn’t Fix It)As we age, our skin’s natural oil production dips. Combine that with cold air, harsh products, long showers, or sun exposure, and your skin barrier starts waving a white flag.Sound familiar?Flaking, peeling, or tightness after washingMakeup that won’t sit rightFine lines that appear out of nowhereThese are signs your skin isn’t just dry...it’s depleted. Let’s fix that!!!The Acids That Nourish Without Stripping1. Hyaluronic Acid A hydration magnet. Pulls water into the skin and keeps it there. No oil, no irritation, just plump, smooth, dewy results.2. Glycolic Acid (in moderation) ❤️This is the glow-giver, even for dry skin, if used right. It removes dead cells that block your moisturizers from absorbing. The magic of glycolic acid resides in its small molecular size. It’s the smallest of all AHAs, meaning it is the most common bioavailable and active acid. In other words, it penetrates your skin easily.It’s also the star of my upcoming pads, carefully formulated to exfoliate without tipping your skin into panic mode.3. Gluconolactone (PHA): Your Gentle Exfoliator + HydratorUnlike AHAs and BHAs, gluconolactone has a larger molecular structure, meaning it penetrates the skin more slowly. That’s great news for dry or reactive skin—it exfoliates without the sting.But here’s the beauty of it:It’s not just an exfoliant. It’s a humectant, too. That means it attracts water to your skin while gently buffing away roughness. So while it clears out the dull, it also keeps you dewy.Bonus: It has antioxidant properties and helps strengthen your skin barrier over time. Gluconolactone is basically a multitasking diplomat, refining, soothing, and hydrating in one elegant swoop.4. Oleic Acid A fatty acid that strengthens your lipid barrier and locks in moisture. Ideal if your dryness leans toward flakiness, irritation, or redness. (Not for oily-prone or blemish-prone areas.)5. Tartaric Acid A gentle AHA from grapes. Great for sensitive or reactive dry skin, with a soft touch and soothing profile.6. Ferulic Acid Technically not an exfoliator, but a powerful antioxidant. Combats environmental stress and supports your skin barrier, especially when paired with vitamin C or E.Important: SPF Is Your Non-NegotiableIf you’re using glycolic, tartaric, or any exfoliating acids, your skin will become more sun-sensitive, even if you don’t “burn easily.”SPF daily = protection, prevention, preservation.Something big is coming!This isn’t just another launch. It’s the product I couldn’t find, so I made it.✅ Powered by glycolic acid, buffered with gentle PHA, and drenched in tremella hydration✅ Formulated in France, made in the USA.✅ Clean, science-backed, and made to actually work.It’s the glow plan I wish someone handed me years ago.Want to be first in line?👉 Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, skin truths they don’t tell you on the label, and first dibs when it drops.💕Because great skin shouldn’t be guesswork. It should be coded.Ever at your service,Your devoted skin confidante,Yirlene MertensFounder, Beauty by Code: Behind every skin_____**This content is for informational or educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or the results of consultations with healthcare professionals.**
5.
Your Skin: Delicate, But Not Doomed
Image Source
Your ladyship,Sensitive skin isn’t fragile, it’s just particular.It’s selective, easily offended, and frankly? Deserves to be treated with a little more reverence.You already know the drill: What works for everyone else often makes your skin red, itchy, or inflamed. And yet… doing nothing doesn’t feel like an option either.Why Sensitive Skin Feels Like a Full-Time JobThe truth? Sensitive skin isn’t a type, it’s a condition. And it can happen to anyone: dry, oily, or combo.Triggers can include:Fragrance (even natural ones)Essential oilsOver-exfoliationHeat or long hot showersCertain preservatives or alcoholsStress and climate shiftsSo if you’re constantly patch-testing, holding your breath before trying new products, or avoiding actives altogether, you’re not alone. The Acids That Love Sensitive Skin Back1. Gluconolactone (PHA) ❤️The ultimate gentle exfoliant. Large molecule = slow penetration = no sting. It hydrates, protects with antioxidants, and strengthens your barrier over time. A perfect first step if you’re scared of exfoliation but craving results.2. Hyaluronic Acid A humectant that hydrates deeply without disrupting your skin’s peace. Think dewy, plump, and calm.3. Tartaric Acid A soft AHA found in grapes. Large molecule, low irritation. A fine option for mild texture smoothing, especially if your skin leans dry.4. Ferulic Acid Not an exfoliator, but a potent antioxidant. It calms inflammation, supports other ingredients (like vitamins C and E), and helps protect sensitive skin from environmental damage.5. Glycolic Acid ❤️Use with extreme caution and only if your skin has built tolerance. It’s powerful, but its small molecular size can cause tingling or even flare-ups. If you try it, patch test and go slow. (This is the acid in my soon-to-launch pads, formulated with sensitivity in mind, but not for everyone.)Important: Acids Make Skin Sun-SensitiveEven the gentlest acids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.Daily SPF is non-negotiable. No matter the weather, no matter the season. Period.I’m about to launch a product made with real skin in mind—formulated in France, made in the USA, and guided by clean beauty science (no fearmongering here).Want to follow along? I share launch updates, glow tips, and behind-the-scenes on Instagram and Facebook.Ever at your service,Your devoted skin confidante,Yirlene MertensFounder, Beauty by Code: Behind every skin___________**This content is for informational or educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or the results of consultations with healthcare professionals.**

You're probably using the wrong acid. This finds the right one

AHAs. BHAs. PHAs. Glycolic. Lactic. Mandelic. Salicylic. Two minutes. One answer. Yours.

Quiz Questions

Quiz Outcomes