The Ordinary is known for its unique approach to skincare products. Their commitment to transparency, simplicity, and offering quality active ingredients at reasonable prices sets them apart from other product lines. Their researched-based skincare products are focused on specific active ingredients that provide customers the freedom to tailor their skincare routines to their own, individual needs. The Ordinary brand is also committed to being cruelty-free and offering vegan options, making it an ethical choice for many consumers.
If you struggle with acne, you understand the frustration of finding effective and affordable products that keep your skin clear. The Ordinary brand offers a solution by making active ingredients ingredients available to everyone at a price that isn't out of reach. So instead of buying a skincare cleanser or cream that contains Salicylic Acid, The Ordinary allows you to purchase Salicylic Acid.
Because you are working with active ingredients with The Ordinary, there is a learning curve when using these products. The purpose of this post is to try to make it a bit easier to narrow down which Ordinary products to use for acne, and also to provide instructions on how to use them correctly. The most effective skincare regimen is one that is simple enough to stick with, so that is what I have attempted to do for you here.
In this guide, we will take a look at some of The Ordinary's most popular acne-prone skincare products and share tips on how to use them to help keep your skin clear, healthy, and hydrated.
The Best Ordinary Products for Acne-prone Skin Types
Moisture is important for all skin types, including oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. When the skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Moisturizing oily or acne-prone skin can help to balance the skin's natural oil production. Keeping the skin hydrated also protects the skin barrier.
The Ordinary's Marine Hyaluronics, derived from sea kelp, is a lightweight serum that deeply penetrates the skin, providing long-lasting hydration. It is formulated with different types of algae, amino acids, and salicylic acid.
Marine hyaluronics is especially beneficial to acne-prone skin because it contains higher levels of enzymes, proteins, and minerals which help to improve the overall health of the skin and encourages cellular regeneration and healing.
This serum helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, redness, and enlarged pores. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B (B3), which can improve skin barrier function, while zinc PCA helps regulate oil production.
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many skincare products. It has a variety of benefits for the skin, making it a popular choice among skincare enthusiasts.
One of the main benefits of niacinamide is its ability to improve the skin's moisture barrier. This can help to prevent moisture loss and keep the skin hydrated and plump. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and inflammation, making it a great option for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
In addition to its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by acne scars.
Niacinamide is also an effective antioxidant, meaning it can help to protect the skin against environmental stressors such as pollution and UV radiation.
Overall, niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient that can provide a range of benefits for the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and is often found in serums, moisturizers, and other skincare products.
This cream-gel formulation helps brighten skin tone, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and improve skin texture. Azelaic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit acne-prone skin.
Azelaic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid that is used in skincare products for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. It is derived from grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and discoloration. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, which can help to fade dark spots and create a more even skin tone.
In addition to its skin-brightening properties, azelaic acid also has anti-inflammatory benefits that can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. This makes it a great option for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it can help to reduce redness and inflammation and prevent future breakouts.
Azelaic acid is also effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works by stimulating collagen production, which can help to improve the skin's firmness and elasticity over time.
This exfoliating solution helps improve skin texture and appearance by reducing blemishes and unclogging pores. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) exfoliate the skin's surface, while beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) exfoliate the inside of pores.
AHAs and BHAs are types of exfoliating acids that are used in skincare products to help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. They work by loosening and dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and the skin's surface, thereby helping to reveal smoother, brighter, and more even-looking skin. AHAs are water-soluble and are best used for surface exfoliation of dry, normal, or sun-damaged skin. They are often used to treat problems such as fine lines, discoloration, and acne.
BHAs, or beta-hydroxy acids, include salicylic acid. Unlike AHAs, BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can penetrate deep into pores to unclog and remove excess oil and debris. This makes them particularly effective for treating acne-prone or oily skin. BHAs are also anti-inflammatory, a quality that can help to soothe redness and inflammation in the skin.
In addition to their exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, both AHAs and BHAs can also help to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. However, it is important to introduce them into a skincare routine with care in order to avoid over-exfoliation or skin irritation.
One of the main benefits of rosehip oil is its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin. It is easily absorbed and penetrates deeply into the skin, leaving it soft and moisturized. It is particularly beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin, but anybody can benefit from its hydrating properties.
Rosehip oil is also rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help to protect the skin against environmental stressors and free radicals that can cause premature aging. Additionally, it contains essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 which can help to improve the skin's texture and tone.
For acne-prone skin, rose hip oil can be beneficial as it is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 which can help to reduce inflammation. It also helps to balance the production of sebum, which helps to prevent clogged pores and a build-up of excess oils on the skin's surface.
Rosehip oil can also help to reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne due to its antioxidant content, which helps to protect and renew the skin. Additionally, it is easily absorbed into the skin without clogging pores or leaving an oily residue behind.
Rosehip oil can provide a variety of benefits for acne-prone skin. It can help to balance sebum production, reduce inflammation and scarring, protect the skin against environmental damage, and leave it feeling soft and moisturized.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is an excellent skincare product that can provide a range of benefits for the skin. It contains a blend of natural moisturizing factors, including hyaluronic acid (HA), amino acids, dermal lipids, and fatty acids.
This unique combination helps to keep the skin hydrated and nourished, while also providing protection against environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays. Additionally, this product also helps to maintain optimal water levels within the skin's surface layers which helps to promote softness and suppleness.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin as it helps to reduce inflammation and irritation while adding vital hydration. Additionally, its nourishing ingredients can help to improve skin elasticity, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This exfoliating solution helps improve skin texture and appearance by reducing blemishes and unclogging pores. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) exfoliate the skin's surface, while beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) exfoliate the inside of pores.
AHAs and BHAs are types of exfoliating acids that are used in skincare products to help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. They work by loosening and dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and the skin's surface, thereby helping to reveal smoother, brighter, and more even-looking skin. AHAs are water-soluble and are best used for surface exfoliation of dry, normal, or sun-damaged skin. They are often used to treat problems such as fine lines, discoloration, and acne.
BHAs, or beta-hydroxy acids, include salicylic acid. Unlike AHAs, BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can penetrate deep into pores to unclog and remove excess oil and debris. This makes them particularly effective for treating acne-prone or oily skin. BHAs are also anti-inflammatory, a quality that can help to soothe redness and inflammation in the skin.
In addition to their exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, both AHAs and BHAs can also help to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. However, it is important to introduce them into a skincare routine with care in order to avoid over-exfoliation or skin irritation.
There are 3 basic rules to keep in mind when using The Ordinary products:
It is also important to know that not all products from The Ordinary can be used in conjunction. For example, you would never want to use Azelaic Acid with a Retinoid. You can create an effective skincare routine by alternating The Ordinary products. For example, you would use Azelaic Acid in the AM and Salicylic Acid in the PM.
How to Layer The Ordinary Products
Yes, there is a specific order in which most of The Ordinary products should be used.
Sample Daily Skin Care Routines for Acne-prone Skin
I put together two skincare routines that can be used for oily and acne skin types. One uses Azelaic Acid in the AM and Salicylic Acid in the PM. The other uses Niacinamide in the AM and Granactive Retinoid in the PM.
Morning Regimen Using Azelaic Acid
1. Prep - Cleanser:
Look for products without harsh detergents, fragrances, and other potentially irritating ingredients that can aggravate the skin further. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a good choice because it is a gentle cleanser, and helps protect the skin's moisture balance.
2. Treat - Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%:
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, focusing on areas with breakouts.
3. Seal - The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics:
For best results, the skin should be damp, so after the Azelaic Acid treatment has dried, you can mist the face with water then apply a few drops of The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics to the face and neck, gently massaging it into the skin.
4. Seal - Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA:
Apply a small amount to the entire face and neck, gently massaging it into the skin. This will provide hydration and support the skin's natural barrier function.
5. Protect:
It's always a good idea to finish with sunscreen! Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Morning Regimen Using Niacinamide
1. Prep - Cleanser:
Do not use facial cleansers that include Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide. Look for products without harsh detergents, fragrances, and other potentially irritating ingredients that can aggravate the skin further. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a good choice because it is gentle, and helps protect the skin's moisture balance.
2. Treat - The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Apply a few drops to clean, dry skin.
3. Seal - Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA:
Apply a small amount to the face and neck, gently massaging it into the skin.
It's important to keep in mind that everyone's skin is different, and for specific needs and skin concerns, you should visit a dermatologist or skincare expert to tailor a regimen that suits your individual situation.
Be aware of how your skin reacts to each product and adjust the frequency of use accordingly. It might be best to start by doing a patch test and if you experience any irritation or excessive dryness, consider reducing the usage of certain products or giving your skin a break. Always consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about your skincare routine or if your acne does not improve.
For this beautiful featured photo, I want to thank:
Susan Wilkinson on Unsplash
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