The Ordinary - what do I need for spotty old skin?

[LetsDoItNow]

I'm in my forties and suffer from hormonal spots. I'd like to look at the Ordinary as it's been recommended but I'm so confused where to start. I'm thinking some kind of retinol and a vit c serum. Can anyone help point me in the right direction?

[Amyheadache]

I’m 39 and have the same problems!
I was always a soap and water girl but have recently started using the ordinary retinol 0.5% in squalene. I think I could go stronger as I’m not very sensitive.

I have also started using glossier a milk jelly cleanser and solution (3 acid toner including salylcilic (sp?) acid which is good for acne) and they’re primer.

With this combination my skin has been the best it’s been for years. It might be a bit of trial and error! I got lucky and all the products I bought are lovely. It’s an easy regime to maintain. I’ve been at it for 2 months now x

[Blondie1984]

The C50 serum is good for spots

[Fluffycloudland77]

Have you spoken to the gp about it?. Breaking out so late in life isn't normal is it?.

My skin nose dived at 40 & I had to take roaccutane in the end.

[OxanaVorontsova]

Their niacinamide and zinc is great for breakouts, I’m 49

[HermioneWeasley]

Glycolic acid toner and niacinimide

[tomhardyfan]

I find anything really tree based and witch hazel is great for my skin.
I generally hit spots individually with a tea tree and witch hazel stick as I find using stuff on my whole face makes it worse.
I also have related allot of it too diet if I get breakouts i drink lots of water and I found certain things like milk chocolate , salad cream and crisps make me break out around a week later.

[EmpressJewel]

I have PCOS and I'm spotty, so I feel your pain. I use The Ordinary/

Niacinamide - it did help, but I found it left my skin red. I switched to the hyalamide Pore Control, which is the next more expensive brand and I don't get the redness.

Salicylic acid - they don't sell the serum, only a face mask, but it helps.

You many also want to try;
Hyalauronic acid - for hydration. Even if your skin is oily, it can still lack water.

Anti ageing - buffet is a good.

Natural factors moisturising - I find even when using hyalauronic acid, I still need a cream.

[Apileofballyhoo]

If you don't double cleanse to take off make up and SPF try it - it's really helped keep my skin clear. Vitamin C won't help clear your skin to the best of my knowledge, but if you can get your skin clear it will help fade any marks. I haven't tried the niacinamide myself. The zinc doesn't agree with everyone but The Inkey List do a niacinamide without zinc. Niacinamide itself doesn't agree with everyone for that matter. Some people add a couple of drops to their moisturiser to get their skin used to it. CeraVe do a moisturiser with 5% called CeraVe PM. It's not expensive as moisturisers go.

Salicylic acid should help unclog pores. Paula's Choice do one called Skin Perfecting Liquid. You can get a small trial/travel bottle for about a tenner - if you can get it at the moment, I think lockdown has inspired a lot of people to do something with their skin.

[Apileofballyhoo]

Forgot to say for aging skin, retinol, exfoliating acids and Vitamin C. Have a look at the Fantastic Skincare threads here, they're brilliant.

[dontgobaconmyheart]

I think it's trial and error really OP. Salicylic acid and niacinimide made me breakout worse than I ever have (and did not tail off after any adjustment period). I would look at regimes, try to identify what types of appts the breakouts are and start with low doses of any acids, don't apply every day at first.

Definitely double cleanse to remove makeup and check your face creams etc for comodegenic ingredients.

[LetsDoItNow]

Thanks everyone - that's really helpful. I'll try by buying a few things and see how I go. Next question is where is the best place to purchase The Ordinary?

[porridgeface]

You can email the ordinary and list your concerns and they will send you a list of suggested products with am/ pm routines. I order from cult beauty or ASOS