The Ordinary - what do I need?

[MeIAm]

After seeing lots of posters on here talking about this brand I thought I'd give it a try. I'm not sure what to buy though.

I'm 28, noticing my skin is losing its plumpness/firmness and I'm frequently being told that I look tired or worn out!

Currently I use whatever I have to hand to wash my face/moisturise. I do wear make up everyday but I still look just meh and I know it's because my skin looks dull and dry.

I need to overhaul my face basically!

I am NOT 28, I'm 38! Wishful thinking typo.

I don't understand all the scientific names (retinoids?!) so could really do with just being told what to try.
Oil cleanser?
Treatment?
Moisturiser?

Sorry for adding to post I'm really clueless

Just giving you a bump, I need to know too!!!

I tried the one recommended on here, the 2% retinoid in squalane (I’m such a sheep!) and it made my skin break out, so I passed that on. My sister swears that their matrixyl is working for her.
I think there is a whole thread on this somewhere.

Hello. My faves are;
Buffet - a kind of hot pot of good anti-aging items. Used morning and evening after cleansing before moisturizer.
Granactive retinoid 2% - seems like a gentler version of a retinol. Used after buffet.
Rosehip oil - this is my evening moisturizer, applied after the retinoid to prevent drying.

I had the caffeine solution for eyes but didn't rate it.

This might help: theordinary.com/regimenguide

What skin type do you have?

You really want to start simple, just one or two products, then add in new ones slowly. Also be aware that things like retinoids and acids are pretty strong so your skin will need time to adjust to them.

My skin tends to be oily but dehydrated (how that's possible I don't know!!) and breaks out easily. Products I like are:

Natural moisturising factors
Vitamin c 30% + hylauronic acid
Caffeine solution for eyes
Azaleic acid as a moisturiser but I have to use sparingly
Argireline (they call it Botox in a bottle, it's awesome!)
Salycilic acid - keeps skin nice and smooth. Doesn't work as a spot treatment for me though.

Didn't like squalene as it broke me out, but my friend with skin that doesn't break out loves it and says it's really plumping.

Ooo Botox in a bottle sounds good! I was considering actual Botox but wanted to try something less drastic first.

I'd say my skin is dehydrated rather than dry. I have started to get lines around my eyes and have deep 11's if I squint . I apparently use facial expressions an awful lot so all the moving of my skin isn't helping.

I'd say - dull, dehydrated and ageing skin. Am lucky I never get spots anymore and my skin isn't sensitive.

Where do you order from?

I have ordered and today received 'Botox in a bottle' I'm hoping for miracles

Asos sell it ! I dipped into buffet might treat myself (!!) for xmas

Go onto Victoria health and do a live chat. I told them my issues and they replied within minutes, I ordered from there too.

Agree victor a health advisors are brilliantly and will tell you exactly which pro it's to use in which order - I swear by it

You can email Deciem (parent company) or Victoria Health for a suggested regime.

BUT, whatever you get, you should start slowly, use for a couple of weeks to see if any adverse reactions.

Secondly, ditch the hand soap for your face!!! My god, that's probably bad. Look for a gentle, non-foaming Cleanser. Lots recommend La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser, also Body Shop Camomile Balm Cleanser (oil cleanser to get off makeup, then follow with a water based cleanser). You want a low ph so you're not upsetting the ph of your skin.

That should make a huge difference. At a later stage you might want to introduce a gentle Vit C product like this.

Click on the pink links on this page to find out more. www.victoriahealth.com/brand/The-Ordinary/1053

The coverage foundation is probably the best I have ever tried and I am a total foundation junkie (have had Mac, Estee Lauder, Clarins, Chanel.... I could go on!!)

I messaged them and they sent a custom regime!

That’s good. What did they recommend?

@Jerseysilkvelour that’s my skin type as well. Every foundation is sliding off my face and I think it’s my skincare that’s the issue.

Sparky, try The Ordinary's high adherence primer, works a treat to keep the foundation on. And leave lots of time between moisturising and applying foundation. Urban Decay all nighter setting spray helps too!

A guide to Retinoids/retinols - I just wish she'd given a big "You must wear sunscreen" reminder

Thank you so much for recommending this range of products. One month on and my skin looks like I have had a load of expensive facials or something like that, it looks smoother and more radiant. I can't believe how little it all costs. I am absolutely delighted.

What are you using Sparky? Glad it's working well for you.

Yes Sparky, do tell. Could do with some of the effects you are experiencing. I have just ordered Maixdryl - starting small as I have sensitive skin. I have not received it yet so untried.

Two of the products I was recommended were out of stock one was a serum and the other a moisturiser and even without them I am thrilled with the results. I am using Buffet and Niacinamide in the morning and just the niacinamide at night. I am currently still using my normal superdrug night and day creams after the serums and the recommended high adherence silicone primer if I am going to wear make up. Hopefully the other items will be back in stock soon. My skin really feels more evenly toned and make up is sitting better on it. I have oily skin but yet if I used oily skin products it felt dry and tight afterwards so I am honestly thrilled with the results I have gotten,also I can't afford very expensive stuff so the price of these products is just great.