Beauty Product Reviews

An important part of my Ordinary Routine

So - I've been using The Ordinary products for the last 5 months, and I'm absolutely in LOVE.

I have dealt with a variety of skin issues (adult acne, dull skin, scarring, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis) over the last 10 years, and for the first time in my adult life, I'm able to go makeup-free. My skin is French-girl glowy, and I can’t believe it. The Ordinary products form the core of my skin care.

I’ve created a routine for myself, and hopefully this review might help you to do the same for yourself. I patch tested all these products, and tried a few different routines (frequency, amounts, combos) before I landed on this. I’d recommend everyone does the same, since everyone’s skin can react differently. I tried to keep in mind what each product does, their pH level, and what products enhance each other.

My goals are: clear acne, fight hyperpigmentation and redness, and anti-aging

Morning #1: Cleanse with Micellar water (I use Simple brand) Buffet – anti-aging Moisturizing Factors + HA - moisturize

Morning #2: Cleanse with Micellar water Niacinimide 10% + Zinc 1% - fights acne by balancing sebum production, promoting clearer, brighter, smoother skin - cannot be mixed with Vitamin C Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - reduces redness, fades hyperpigmentation, reduces look of blemishes, brightens Moisturizing Factors + HA - moisturize

Evening A: Remove makeup with baby wipe - I use Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Skin wipes Cleanse with Micellar water Glycolic Acid 7% Toner Solution - exfoliant Lactic Acid 10% + HA - exfoliant + moisturizer Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil - moisturize + brighten

Evening B: Remove makeup Cleanse with Micellar water Granactive Retaniod 2% Emulsion - anti-aging, brightening Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% - vitamin C serum, anti-aging, brightening Moisturizing Factors + HA - moisturize

1x/Week @ Night: Remove makeup Cleanse with Micellar water AHA + BHA 30% Peel - exfoliant **allow skin to dry completely** Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% - improves tone, texture, prevents free radical damage. Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil - moisturize + brighten

I also have found that the Lactic Acid 10% + HA is AWESOME for body. I use them in conjunction with these Korean Body Scrubber wash cloths. <a href='https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C8DR1U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1' rel='nofollow' target='_blank'>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...</a>

Take a shower and towards the end, start scrubbing with one of these - your dead skin will ROLL off in little pencil-eraser looking things. It is WILD. Then follow up your Korean Body Scrub with the Lactic Acid, and YOUR SKIN WILL FEEL LIKE ROSE PETALS. Baby skin.

Also, I’ve started putting several of these products into airless pump vacuum bottles, (esp. the Alpha Lipoic Acid, because it is VERY airl/light sensitive). They are refillable, measure out a perfect pump of product, and protect stuff from light and air. <a href='https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C3UMR46/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1' rel='nofollow' target='_blank'>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...</a>

The only other thing about this routine is that The Ordinary serums (Buffet, Niacinimide) have to be used with a light hand. They tend to pill up under makeup unless you use a very small amount.

Unexpected benefits

I would bathe myself in this if I could.

I wasn't looking for a psoriasis treatment when I ordered this - I just needed a good exfoliant. I got both!

I patch tested this on one arm, and rubbed some on my flaky, psoriasis-prone elbow for good measure. I couldn't believe how smooth it left it! I started using it daily on both elbows, and when that worked so well, I tried it on other psoriasis hot spots I've been struggling with - behind my ears (completely clear in 3 days), and hairline (clearing) -- it has been such a happy accident! I've tried shampoos, creams, steroids... nothing has worked like this has.

I've also been really happy with how it has worked on my face as well. I've been using it 2x/week, and am always amazed at how lovely my skin looks the next morning. I finally understand the whole "glowy" adjective everyone keeps throwing around.

I have sensitive, fragile skin, and had NO problems with this at all. Considering how well daily use has gone on my arms/ears/head I'm seriously considering just using it on my face every day as well.