The ordinary - how to suplement with my existing products

SarahMollie

Hi Ladies,

Hoping for some tailored advice. I've recently become very interested in The Ordinary but I'm really struggling to determine which products would work best for me, and also which might nicely suplement some of my existing favourite products.

My main skin challenge at the moment is oilyness. I'm atributing this to changing my pill about 9 months ago (from Yasmin to Microlite) and I had a few (not entirely unexpected) breakouts around that time, and since then I feel its just far more oily, also spots would be infrequent.

As a teenager I had some pretty substantial acne which was ultimely treated by Minacin (antibiotic) but not before some long term damage was done. Its not terribly obviously on a day to day basis, but with no make up on, there is some scarring.

I get microderm abrasion and a glycolic peal done a few times a year using Image products, and use a good bit of their stuff on a faily basis. I get given samples of more intense products like their masques etc to use in the weeks after the treatment, but typically my skincare is the following.

Morning.
Clinique gentle foaming cleaner with hot facecloth/sponge - I've used this for years as I've always liked it but am open to trying something new.
LRP eyecream - not wedded to this product, I'm always trying new eyecreams to be honest.
Image Prevention daily ultimate protection moisturizer SPF 50 - Love this but my facialist wants be to drop to the SPF 30 which comes in a matte formula due to how oily my skin has gotten.
Then make up

Evening.
Bioderma Micellar Water to take of the bulk of my make up.
2nd cleanse wiht Clinique as above
Eyecream as abvoe
Image Vital C Serum (again my facialist asked me to drop to this product from the moisturiser because of my oily skin - she felt I was in danger or over loading).

In addition I use a Kiehls exfoliating scrub about twice a week, and dont currently use a toner (although I do have a guinot one thats supposed to be good - I think I've just never fully understood toners).

So I'd like to buy some things from The Ordinary - what would you suggest and where can I fit them in? Aside from the Image products, everything else can be replaced. I guess the SPF is my one non negotiable

njs030

I wrote a really long post that disappeared!!
I'll write it again later but have a look at the sample regimes on the ordinary website.

pemtca

I'm no expert but I've always found that foaming cleansers make my skin overproduce oil. I use LRP micellar water gel which is rinse-off and feels like a face wash but is non-foaming.
Re. The Ordinary products, Niacinamide & Zinc is recommended for congested skin - but not to be used with Vitamin C, the suggestion is to use the N&Z in the morning & Vit. C in the evening.
I find that although my skin is naturally oily, it also gets dehydrated, and I find that counterintuitively if I use a hydrating serum & a light oil at night my skin is overall less oily. The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid serum at night, followed by Rosehip Oil might be an option.

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

SarahMollie

I forgot to add this to my origional post but I also have an alterative cleanser - https://www.imageskincare.com/by-category/cleansers/reconstructive-facial-cleanser.html

this is fairly hardcore stuff as far as I know and I'm only supposed to use it in targeted areas twice a week or so. The idea is to try and minimize some larger pores across my nose and help keep the oil under control.

pemtca

sashafierce wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Alpha Arbutin, but to be used sparingly and make sure you use sunscreen

SarahMollie

OK, so I've been browsing on their website and have put the following in my basket.

-buffet
-advanced retinoid 2%
-azelaic acid suspension 10%
-vitamin C Suspension 23%
-hyaluronic acid
-100% organic cold pressed rose hip oil

So - first question - any obvious conflicts? either wiht other products in the range or my existing stuff? I remember hearing that Vitamin C reacts badly with something but can't remember what.

Second question - If I were to start using any of the above, what could I then remove from my existing routine? When things arent clearly called cleanser, serum, moisturizer, I just don't know where they slot in or if they're all just designed to be extra steps!

Third question - if I go ahead any buy it all, what order do I use them in?

GingerLily

You use them at the serum/moisturiser stage. The clearer/ thinner liquids first.

Avoid using acid toner, retinol/retenoid or vitamin C at the same time (too harsh to use together apparently).

Don't use vitamin C and Niacinamide together (cancel each other out).

Some experts advise to not use Hyaluronic acid under oil, the theory is that moisture can't get under the oil so it's useless to layer the two, I've heard it can even make skin dehydration worse as the hyaluronic acid can can absorb water from your skin. I cannot say of this is accurate but I don't mix the two.

njs030

SarahMollie wrote: »

OK, so I've been browsing on their website and have put the following in my basket.

-buffet
-advanced retinoid 2%
-azelaic acid suspension 10%
-vitamin C Suspension 23%
-hyaluronic acid
-100% organic cold pressed rose hip oil

So - first question - any obvious conflicts? either wiht other products in the range or my existing stuff? I remember hearing that Vitamin C reacts badly with something but can't remember what.

Second question - If I were to start using any of the above, what could I then remove from my existing routine? When things arent clearly called cleanser, serum, moisturizer, I just don't know where they slot in or if they're all just designed to be extra steps!

Third question - if I go ahead any buy it all, what order do I use them in?

Morning-
Cleanser
Eyecream
Buffet
Hyaluronic acid
Moisturiser
Make up etc

Same in the evening apart from nights where you substitute retinoid for moisturiser.

Retinoid should be used twice a week for a few weeks then three times for a few weeks then every second night. If your skin becomes red go back a step.

I'd suggest you get the niacinamide + zinc for your blemishes and the small bit of scarring and use it alternating with your moisturiser.

SarahMollie

Thanks so much ladies - I went ahead and placed an order this morning. There were 8 items in my basket! :O

As above, but also a primer and the Niacinamine as recommended above. Its very easy to keep adding things to my basket as the prices are just so reasonable. Think it came out about €66ish so very happy with that and now just cant wait for it to arrive! Unfortunately there seems to be quite a delay in deliveries as they're in such demand so might take about 2 weeks before I get my paws on them.

retro:electro

Edit: posted in wrong thread at first am moving to here.

Sorry to hijack but I got some of The Ordinary products a while back but haven't used them yet as have no clue how to introduce them into my night time routine (don't have time in am for much fawncy skincare) Any tips?
I got the Vitamin C Suspension 23%
Hyluronic Acid 2%
Advanced Retaniod 2%
Cold pressed rose hip seed oil

Nightly I am currently alternating between Sunday Riley Luna-retonid oil and Sunday Riley UFO- 1.5% salycylic acid. Would it be suitable to use The Ordinary products with these? Or will my face peel off?!

It's all too scientific for moi!

njs030

anna080 wrote: »

Edit: posted in wrong thread at first am moving to here.

Sorry to hijack but I got some of The Ordinary products a while back but haven't used them yet as have no clue how to introduce them into my night time routine (don't have time in am for much fawncy skincare) Any tips?
I got the Vitamin C Suspension 23%
Hyluronic Acid 2%
Advanced Retaniod 2%
Cold pressed rose hip seed oil

Nightly I am currently alternating between Sunday Riley Luna-retonid oil and Sunday Riley UFO- 1.5% salycylic acid. Would it be suitable to use The Ordinary products with these? Or will my face peel off?!

It's all too scientific for moi!

Well don't use two retinoid products at the same time so leave the Ordinary one aside until your current one is finished.

Use the hyaluronic acid in the morning, trust me it'll only take a second! It plumps up your skin and makes you look younger and more rested, before moisturiser if you use it or alone if you don't use anything!

retro:electro

notjustsweet wrote: »

Well don't use two retinoid products at the same time so leave the Ordinary one aside until your current one is finished.

Use the hyaluronic acid in the morning, trust me it'll only take a second! It plumps up your skin and makes you look younger and more rested, before moisturiser if you use it or alone if you don't use anything!

Thanks! I might just abandon the Luna for the time being and take up The Ordinary retinoid for now. Would you use the vitamin C under this?

njs030

anna080 wrote: »

Thanks! I might just abandon the Luna for the time being and take up The Ordinary retinoid for now. Would you use the vitamin C under this?

No use the retinoid on its own, just cleanse let your face dry for 10 mins and put it on.

You can't mix vitamin c with either acid you're using in your main moisturisers as it cancels them out so either add it as a 3rd day or as a stand alone treatment.

jadie

notjustsweet wrote: »

Well don't use two retinoid products at the same time so leave the Ordinary one aside until your current one is finished.

Use the hyaluronic acid in the morning, trust me it'll only take a second! It plumps up your skin and makes you look younger and more rested, before moisturiser if you use it or alone if you don't use anything!

You need to add moisturiser after Hyaluronic acid if it's a serum.You can use vit c and a retinol together as well, just not a retinol product in the am

njs030

jadie wrote: »

You need to add moisturiser after Hyaluronic acid if it's a serum.You can use vit c and a retinol together as well, just not a retinol product in the am

You're not meant to use retinoid and vitamin c at the same time, the vitamin c cancels out the effect of the retinoid. If you have a link saying otherwise I'd be happy to read it though?

The poster was saying she didn't have time in the mornings, using a serum alone is better than nothing as she specifically said she didn't want a long morning routine. Perhaps you didn't read it?

GingerLily

YouTube beauty editor Nadine Baggott has some great videos featuring some The Ordinary products, definitely check her out!

jadie

notjustsweet wrote: »

You're not meant to use retinoid and vitamin c at the same time, the vitamin c cancels out the effect of the retinoid. If you have a link saying otherwise I'd be happy to read it though?

The poster was saying she didn't have time in the mornings, using a serum alone is better than nothing as she specifically said she didn't want a long morning routine. Perhaps you didn't read it?

I did read it but no point in using serum without moisturiser is what I was saying. I'd recommend serum and spf moisturiser if short on time.Serum takes like 5 seconds to put on

jadie

http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/myths/_/five-retinol-myths-busted

GingerLily

jadie wrote: »

notjustsweet wrote: »

You're not meant to use retinoid and vitamin c at the same time, the vitamin c cancels out the effect of the retinoid. If you have a link saying otherwise I'd be happy to read it though?

The poster was saying she didn't have time in the mornings, using a serum alone is better than nothing as she specifically said she didn't want a long morning routine. Perhaps you didn't read it?

I did read it but no point in using serum without moisturiser is what I was saying. I'd recommend serum and spf moisturiser if short on time.Serum takes like 5 seconds to put on

I've read HA can be used without a moisturiser to give a tightening effect to the skin, so it really depends on what your after!

Sunny Dayz

So my order from The Ordinary arrived this morning.
Got: Vitamin C suspension, Hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil and a silicone primer
Now to figure out how to work in them into my routine.


Primer is fine, I know how to incorporate that, I'm nearly finished my current one so I'm looking forward to trying it out.


Current skincare routine is:

1. Micellar water to precleanse
2. No7 soft & sooth cleanser
3. Serum - Cien (lidl) gold serum in the morn (it's ok, I couldn't justify repurchasing the No7 much lauded serum with the price) and Aldi Q10 serum at night (love this, I'm on my 3rd bottle)
4. Moisturiser - Lacura Aldi Q10 moisturiser in the morn (it's only ok, I'm on the look out for a different moisturiser) and night time is also from Aldi, it's in a dark red container, quite like it.
5. Eye cream- same brand as the night moisturiser, used morning and night.

From what I can gather the Rosehip Oil is to be used at night. But when? And any idea when I can use the Hyaluronic and Vit c?

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

cee_jay

I have ordered:
Niacinamide 10% - this is to try clear up some hormonal blemishes on my chin
Vit C suspension - from their site, you can't use this with niacinamide - so I may have to label the bottles
Caffeine solution - to target black circles under my eyes
High Adherence silicone primer - my smashbox photo finish is almost empty so said I'd try this out.

Looking forward to receiving the package now.

njs030

In case anyone missed it cloud 10 beauty have started selling the ordinary now!!

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

AnnaSophia

cee_jay wrote: »

I have ordered:
Niacinamide 10% - this is to try clear up some hormonal blemishes on my chin
Vit C suspension - from their site, you can't use this with niacinamide - so I may have to label the bottles
Caffeine solution - to target black circles under my eyes
High Adherence silicone primer - my smashbox photo finish is almost empty so said I'd try this out.

Looking forward to receiving the package now.

Unless they've changed the packaging, the Vit C comes in a tube and not one of the glass dropper bottles, so you should be ok! I use the Niacinamide at night and the Vitamin C in the morning, I don't know if that's the right way of doing it but when I tried using the Vitamin C at night, it just made the rest of the products pill on my face, it takes a while to sink in.

SarahMollie

So I got my order! I only tried it last night for the first time and I'm sure I still have to refine my routine but I used the buffet, followed by the retinoid followed by rosehip oil and my skin felt lovely!

Didnt use anything this morning as I was late getting up but plan to play around again tonight and hopefully have a plan for tomorrow morning. I'm only going to introduce one product at a time in the morning because I want to make sure it will sit right under my make up, so going to take the gradual approach.

jadie

I also got my Deciem order. Bought direct from them. Got the retinol 2%, the hydraluroinc acid and got the hyladmide vit c serum, it's a good bit dearer than the ordinary one, but still reasonable compared to other vit c serums. I plan on using the vit c in the morning, the retinol and hyrdarluronic in the evening

SarahMollie

So having had my products a few days I'm loving them. Not 100% sure I have the hang of it all but even wtih my cac handed attempts my skin does feel really nice.

I probably bought too much stuff, but however its so inexpensive that who cares. I had a few small belmishes last week and I really think the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% has been great for clearing them up.

There are definitely things from the range that I would rebuy and I might even buy another bottle of the rosehip oil to give to my mam. She's read all the press about the brand but don't think she'd be confident enough to order online. Also, the price for argan oil is brilliant so might get some of that for the occasional hair treatment.

I'm also running out of my current eye cream so I'm thinking of buying the one from Hylamide (same company, 1 step up from the ordinary) Its more expensive but still competitive in comparison to other products on the market. Has anyone tried it? http://hylamide.com/product/subq-eyes-15ml

JCC24

Hey looking for advice on treatment for hormonal acne - I've Trying to conceive for a year, as soon as I came off birth control I've had bad acne, a lot of scarring and pigmentation from it not to mention it wrecking my confidence- I fell pregnant but miscarried after 8 weeks, trying to conceive again and the acne is back, hard enough coming to terms with the miscarriage without feeling even more crap about myself - I've huge cysts that are sore- GP has said there's nothing that I can take since I'm trying to conceive again- anyone had similar experience? got any advice or tips?

njs030

JCC24 wrote: »

Hey looking for advice on treatment for hormonal acne - I've Trying to conceive for a year, as soon as I came off birth control I've had bad acne, a lot of scarring and pigmentation from it not to mention it wrecking my confidence- I fell pregnant but miscarried after 8 weeks, trying to conceive again and the acne is back, hard enough coming to terms with the miscarriage without feeling even more crap about myself - I've huge cysts that are sore- GP has said there's nothing that I can take since I'm trying to conceive again- anyone had similar experience? got any advice or tips?

I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage, I hope you are coping and looking after yourself.

Are the cysts hard, painful bumps that never get a head?
I get these just before my period and the only thing that shrinks them is sudocream! The zinc kills the nasty little feckers.
Spread some on them for an hour or so each evening and then wipe off with a clean facecloth.

Sudocream is very drying though so do make sure to moisturise properly.

Once they start shrinking use eye primer on them to get concealer to stick.

Best of luck!!