Trying out 'The Ordinary'. How on earth...

[bakedbeansandtuna]

Do you decipher what regimen to buy?!

I see they have a little bit of advice depending on what results you want but its not very in-depth.

So, I've ordered the buffet as that seems to be the 'to go to' item. For those of you who use this range, how did you work out your regimen? I'm in my thirties, combo-oily skin. Always stressed out and it shows on my face argh.

Help!

I ordered The Ordinary products via the Victoria Heath website and was bamboozled by the range of products too. I emailed their customer care team detailing my skin type and the concerns I wanted to address and they emailed me back with a suggestion of a regime, detailed the different products and when they should be used. My skin is looking the best it has in ages!

Easy peasy! My routine, for example:
Hyaluronic Acid for hydration
Caffeine under eyes
Buffet - peptides/anti ageing
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F - antioxidant properties but gentle.
Rosehip oil - used sparingly esp on dry lips/other dry bits!

I'm not into the acids, but you could try the 2% retinoid for anti ageing and/or 5% Lactic Acid a couple of times a week, but you have to use sunscreen in the AM after use.

Email customer [email protected] and they'll suggest a regime. Ditto Deciem but I've read that they're quicker to answer via their FB.

They are bringing out lots of new products soon but I'd suggest you start with basic things and add on if you like at a later stage. Just be aware that the Niacinamide does seem to break some ppl out, so monitoring is needed.

Good info here

Thanks to you both - this is super helpful! I knew I probably wouldn't go wrong with buffet. I'll drop them an email ad check out your link Bagel.

The stuff is quite cheap too... !

I have tried a few, and these are my definites.

The 2% retinoid is absolutely fantastic, smoothing and soothing. I'm sure it's evened out my skin tone, reduced pore size, and helped sort my rosacea.
I also love the niacinamide serum. I use it day and night, and under make up with primer, instead of a moisturiser. My skin seems to love it.
I took it on holiday for 11 days, as my only active - and had the smoothest skin upon return.
I also like the squalene oil. A drop added to moisturiser, or on it's own after serums, leaves my skin velvety soft. No break outs either.

I was all excited about the foundations too - until I read the reviews!

Also the hyaluronic acid isn't too bad. A bit sticky for my liking, and not my most favourite brand for a hyaluronic serum - but it's a good price, and worth a try.
I wouldn't be without a hyaluronic serum for plump, glowing skin. Ever!

I think HA is my favourite product too, Beautifully. Couldn't believe how my skin just sucked it up the first few times I used it. All those years thinking it was dry and it was dehydrated (poor skin). Instant softer, plumper skin. I'm waiting for an order of the Hadalabo Gokujun premium hyaluronic solution 170ml. Less than half price of even the Ordinary

The Hada labo premium hyaluronic serum is my holy grail serum. I've been praising it highly on here for ages!
You will love it. It visibly pumps up your skin, and doesn't break me out at all.
I use it under make up, with no moisturiser - it's that hydrating.

Have you tried the Hada labo sheet masks? - if you use this, as well as the serum, you will not stop touching your skin!

I love this board - people are always so friendly and helpful- thank you all.

I've ordered buffet 2%retinol and the rose serum.

And those face masks!!!

Argh! I neeed to step away from the bank now, I'm always buying stuff I see recommended here!!

Wow! You've been busy!
Hope you like the products, my skin has never been better. Even in my teenage years.
Hope you like the sheet masks. I put serum on underneath, and afterwards, patting it into the skin. Smooth as a baby's bottom!

Have a look at this link it gives a guide for each skin type

www.victoriahealth.com/editorial/the-ordinary-a-regimen-for-every-skin-type-1

I already knew what I wanted when The Ordinary came out, it's great to get the ingredients I need from the UK.

I love the 2% Retinoid, the Vit C and the Niacinamide. Second Hado Labo for Hyaluronic acid, love the stuff.

I haven't tried the acids from The Ordinary, I get mine from SR Skincare

I bloody love skincare!

What sunscreen does every use? I currently use a moisturiser with SPF 25, is this adequate? If I buy Natural Moisturising Factors + HA I'll need an additional sunscreen, right?

Current regime is: AM: Buffet, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5; PM: Buffet, Advanced Retinoid 2%, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil.

I use Biore watery essence, or the gel, both factor 50. I don't like spf added to moisturisers, I prefer each product to do it's job and use a separate sunscreen, every day, rain or shine.

Sunscreen is essential if you are using Retinoids or exfoliate with acids, which I do.

Now youve got be intrigued

I'm assuming there are not many shops you can go to and ask for advice

I developed acne after I had dd which really got me down, I got into Asian Beauty and it had a dramatic result on my skin, cleared the acne up and my skin was the best it ever had been.

There are products that do work and will improve your skin, given time, nothing works overnight. Retinoids, Vitamin C, Acid exfoliators. Using hydrators that work, decent oils and above all sunscreen.

I am happy with my routine and I know why I use what I use and how it works.

It helps to have a skincare goal and work towards that first. Everyone will benefit from Vit C and some decent Retinoid, I really rate the retinoid. The C serum is weird but effective, and it's cheap!

damn

Ive got acne

It seems to have settled slightly at the moment

So a good place to start would be the retinoid and the vit C

Anti Aging stuff would be good as well

Then get thee self some Retinoid

I found Acid exfoliants were a game changer for me, they do refresh skin and improve tone and appearance, like a workout for the face!

If you're prone to acne then Beta Hydroxy Acid (bha) is better than Alpha Hydroxy Acid (aha) It's worth getting low ph cleansers too, that really helps.

The Ordinary products are decent, they do the job.

Biore watery essence purchased. Thank you Damn.

Lovely thanks damn

I will browse tomorrow

Not doing it now as I'm about to have wine and should therefore keep away from the credit card

It's a decent sunscreen and unlike western suncreams, you won't know you're wearing it and there is no white cast.

The Ordinary have a store in Covent garden if you're in the area.

The Ordinary absolutely rocks!

Jucy, in your link it says this:

'AM – Cleanse, NIOD SDSM and CAIS (if you use them), balancing toner or Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, sunscreen and/or Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or High Adherence Silicone Primer.'

What are SDSM and CAIS?

I'm early 40's and lover the buffet serum.

Like others I use the hada labo hyaluronic acid.
Then buffet
Then possibly snail cream
Then spf. Currently using the new body shop spf.

Pm
I'm thinking about adding in azalaic acid & vit c somewhere along the line.
In the winter I alternate between bha and the 2% retinoid. I'm planning on changing to the 1% retinol this year though.

I do love the buffet. The fine lines round my eyes seem much reduced.

I didn't know there was an actual store. I'll be checking it out as I am relatively near by.