We have received a lot of questions surrounding what The Ordinary products they should use for different skin concerns. So here we'll share with you DECIEM's (The Ordinary's parent company) recommended regimen guide and the reasons behind them.
Layering skincare products should be applied from the thinnest and clearest possible. This is because you want the ingredients to penetrate into your skin rather than sitting on top of each other. Besides, certain products once used, minimum exposure to sun is required.
On top of that, there should be attention given to the pH levels. As a general rule of thumbs, some acidic ingredients should not be used together because for example, an acidic products will break down components of Vitamin Bs and turned them into something else.
General Sign of Aging
PM "Buffet", Granactive Retinoid 2% or 5% in Squalane, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
"Buffet" is lightweight serum that can visibly and effectively target surface hydration, fine lines, wrinkles, dynamic lines and textural irregularities. It contains Matrixyl 3000, a complex peptide specifically designed to stimulate collagen synthesis and aid skin repair.
Hyaluronic acid is a great product as it can benefit all skin types. It's hydrating and anti-aging properties not only work wonders for mature & dry skin, but it can also help oily complexions. Because of it's lightweight formulation, it works for oily & combination skin as well, providing the hydration that it needs, leaving your skin feeling weightless while still providing the much-needed moisture.
Granactive Retinoid 2% & 5% is an active technology from Grant Industries, is a solubilized system of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of aging than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A to target signs of photo aging and support healthy, hydrated skin.
Pigmentation Issues
AM Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%
PM Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (delisted since May 2020 due to KKM notice, Azelaic Acid is a prescribed only ingredient available in local pharmacy store)
Alpha Arbutin is a safe skin-lightening ingredient that reduces melanin production, this high-potency, gel-like serum targets the look of hyper-pigmentation and dark spots to reveal more even, younger-looking skin. While also helping to balance confused complexions and even out the skin’s texture.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% is a unique form of Vitamin C in a light cream format that provides more brightening benefits than any other form of Vitamin C, it utilizes whitening agents to suppress melanin production, fade scar tissue, and lighten hyper-pigmentation. Designed to target dullness, uneven tone and signs of skin ageing.
Azelaic Acid is found in grains and also produced naturally by yeast that lives on normal skin. It brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes. It is a multi-functional support ingredient for all skin types and also acts as an effective antioxidant.
Dehydration
AM Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
PM Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Hyaluronic acid; as mentioned above, is a great product as it can benefit all skin types. But because of it's hydrating and anti-aging properties it will work especially well for dry skin, providing the hydration that it needs, it's a serum that easily absorbed in your your skin which works to rehydrate skin on a multi-depth level.
Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are elements that keep the outer layer of the skin protected and well-hydrated. NMF are made up of multiple amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid and many other compounds that are naturally present in the skin. It offers immediate hydration and lasting results with continued use.
100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that is found naturally in the skin. It has very high emollience, is an exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness.
Signs of Congestion & The Look of Blemishes
AM Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
PM Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (Product being updated by DECIEM), Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Niacinamide reduces the impact of environmental damage because of its ability to strengthen the weakened areas of your skin. It is the protector of our skin and helps us to understand our skin’s barrier by keeping irritants and pollution away while oil and water stay locked in. Helping to visibly reduce enlarged pores, smooth uneven skin tone, tighten open pores, soften fine lines and wrinkles, strengthen the barrier of your skin and reduce dullness.
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. This 2% treatment solution helps exfoliate the inside walls of pores to fight the appearance of blemishes and for better visible skin clarity with continued use.
Textural Irregularities
AM Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (Only available for custom order)
PM Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Granactive Retinoid 2% or 5% in Squalane, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (twice a week)
Azelaic Acid is found in grains and also produced naturally by yeast that lives on normal skin. It brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes. It is a multi-functional support ingredient for all skin types and also acts as an effective antioxidant.
Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use. It also contains Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative that help reduce irritation associated with acid use.
Granactive Retinoid 2% & 5% is an active technology from Grant Industries, is a solubilized system of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of aging than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution contains Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) that exfoliate the skin's topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance and Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) that also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use.
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