As I approach 30 (yikes, that’s weird to say), I have been really trying to take care of my skin. When I was younger, I never used sunscreen and even used tanning oil. Now, I know I have to take care of this skin because it’s the only one I have. I should’ve started in my early 20s to be honest, but I can still improve my skin and help prevent future issues. One thing is for sure: It’s never too early (or late) to start taking care of your skin!
A few months ago, I decided to take a chance on a new skincare regimen. Up to this point I had tried several high-end regimens, all with minimal results and then, a while back I began also using Rodan + Fields. I still use my R+F Redefine Daily Cleansing Mask, micro-needling AMP MD roller, and ESPECIALLY my Lash Boost— all the time. But I was looking to try some new serums to help assist with specifics, such as evening skin tone, reduction of pore size, moisture retention, and fading fine expression lines in my forehead. (NOTE: My Rodan + Fields consultant website is no longer active because selling it isn’t my main focus and I don’t like to push products. I do love a lot of the products and for that reason, I am still a registered R+F consultant. I do love to talk skincare to those who reach out to me. If you have questions or would like to place an order, I’d love to help you. Just contact me directly at ashley.thurby@gmail.com).
I read about a brand called The Ordinary and started looking up some of their products. I quickly learned how these products worked. Instead of being a serum or cream that contains multiple ingredients or lots of fillers, they are each their own separate product. So, for example, you can buy a bottle of just retinoid… or just hyaluronic acid– or whatever it is that your skin needs.
The best part was that the most of the bottles are around $8. Products range from $4-$18. I clicked through the reviews, thinking that this stuff couldn’t work that well with that low of a price tag… but the reviews were all outstanding. In fact, nothing had lower than 4 stars and most of the products had closer to 5 stars with hundreds of reviews. OK, I thought, this is worth a shot. And what have I got to lose? $24?
I started out with trying 3 different serums and after 2 weeks of alternating serums and finding a schedule that worked for my skin, I was sold. I apply these products morning and night after cleansing my face. The Ordinary does make a face wash, but I already have 2 that I use and love: the R+F cleanser mentioned above and Origins Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash, so I have not tried The Ordinary Squalene Cleanser. (I also use Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial mask once per week for 15-20 minutes. I wrote about it here.)
The purpose of this article is to help you with what I’ve already spent time researching– which serums by The Ordinary work the best and when/why to use each product. Here’s the scoop on the 6 products from The Ordinary I use regularly:
- Granactive Retinoid 2% ($9.80): Apply in the PM and leave on overnight. Slowly improves the skin’s appearance. Resurfaces, increases collagen production, smooths skin’s texture by lessening visible wrinkles, pores, scars, and sun spots.
- Salicylic Acid ($5.30): dissolves skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne, can use all over every 2-3 days or as a spot treatment
- Hyaluronic Acid ($6.80): helps skin to retain moisture, makes skin look/feel more supple. Apply to face and/or lips in AM to give skin extra moisture retention. (Hyaluronic Acid is found naturally in your skin and lips.)
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% ($7.20): Use once or twice a week as a mask for 10 minutes or less. Helps minimize wrinkles and fine lines, remove dead skin cells, smooth skin, even out skin tone, and unclog pores.
- Lactic Acid ($6.80): used mainly to treat hyperpigmentation, dull or uneven complexion, and enlarged pores. Apply in PM and leave on overnight. (I alternate using this every other night with the Retinoid.)
- Caffeine 5% + EGCG ($6.70): Apply to eye area/orbital bone AM and/or PM. Reduces any redness/puffiness/darkness by brightening the eye area. It’s like a cup of coffee for your eyes!
*They make many other products. These are just the 6 I use and found to be the most effective based on my research.
Other Parts of My Skincare Regimen
Collagen Peptides: I take collagen daily in the form of a powder. I mix it into my water (sometimes coffee) and it is tasteless. You can also mix it into a smoothie or shake. Collagen helps with hair and nail growth and assists in improving skin’s appearance and elasticity. It also helps with bone and joint support! (Trying this brand once my current tub runs out).
Viviscal Daily Vitamins: These are powerful hair and nail vitamins. They actually can be taken by people with thinning hair to help with hair regrowth. They are known to make hair longer and thicker. You can also buy them at Target.
xo,
Ash
PS. ICYMI, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is still going on through August 4th. I got a few of the sold out items by watching for returns. If you didn’t see my list of must-haves, it’s linked here.
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Hi, I have enjoyed reading your posts. I am currently using Rodan and Fields Unblemish and want to start including some.of the Ordinary products into my daily routine but I have not idea if I can use the two together or if I have to alternate days. The ordinary rep didn’t have any suggestions for me. Do you?
Which Ordinary products are you considering using?