The Ordinary confusion

[ChaircatMiaow]

For those of you that use and love The Ordinary products, could I please get some advice?

I’m dying to try the products based on rave reviews on another thread but am so confused about what’s what and what to use.

My skin is dehydrated with some hormonal acne, and at 37 I probably should be using anti-aging products also. I get that the retinoids are anti aging, but which ones are the cleansers or moisturisers? So the Buffet looks good for my dehydrated skin, but isn’t that contradicted by the Niacinny-minny-thingy which helps with acne but removes oil?

Perhaps it’s my baby related sleep deprivation talking but I feel like I need a chemistry degree to figure it all out. Help!

You mentioned baby-related sleep deprivation, so I just thought I would mention that you shouldn't use retinoids if you're pregnant or (I think) if breastfeeding.

Is it ok to use two acids in the evening like that?

I use morning:
Salycilic acid
Argirilene solution
Estee Lauder ANR
Clarins moisturiser (not really impressed with this, just trying to finish it before using a diffirent one)

Evening:
After double cleansing
Glycolic acid 7%, unless using Retin A
Argirilene solution
Estee Lauder ANR
Marula oil, and
clarins Moisturiser

I feel this is enough with actives, my skin is coping with it all, but does feel dry occasionally.
I use LRP Anthelios 50+ sunscreen every day, even if mostly indoors

I'm thinking of adding in EUK next

yrhengi as riled says check out Korean spfs. They are light weight. I have the NIOD survival 30 which is lovely.

Can I just say that if you are using hyaluronic acid plus other actives it's best if you put the hyaluronic on first on damp skin. It's a humectant so will draw moisture into your skin and take any other actives like the niacinamide with it for better results. It's not 'moisturizing' in itself. I Love The Ordinary .

OP I pretty much use what you have decided to use in your routine. I have built up slowly over the past three months and haven't had any adverse effects.

I use:

AM: Spritz with rosewater toner & wipe off with cotton wool pad
HA & B5 on still damp skin (this is important)
Niaciamide & Zinc
SPF 50 - I use a Japanese Nivea important that is very light and gel like
BB cream/make up

PM:
Hot cloth cleanse with Superdrug Pure hot cloth cleanser
Spritz with Rosewater toner & wipe off
[Twice a week Glycolic Acid 7% - very gently avoiding my cheeks as they react with stinging]
Buffet
Niacinamide & Zinc
[Twice a week, not same night as Glycolic acid, Granactive 2% in squalane]
Argan oil - patted into skin
[Wait 15 mins] Night cream

It seems a lot written down! I was only doing a normal three step routine previously so it took a bit of adjustment. I am seeing good results and love how my skin feels. I think it was dehydrated so overproducing oil. Now I'm moisturising properly and using oil my skin is far less shiny and much clearer.

[BTW I'm 38, combo skin with hormonal acne and acne scarring, as well as very large pores and sebaceous filaments on nose/chin/forehead.]

Mare wow I didn’t actually know that, thank you - will leave out the Granactive for now.

Going to start with the Buffet and the Hydraluronic Acid, because the niacinamide is sold out everywhere.

nightmanager what Nivea SPF do you buy? I'm a sucker for facial sun cream and Korean skincare and am still looking for the holy grail... I have very oily skin and am always on the look out for something new to try.

Apologies for the delay @nicketynac I use this one www.amazon.com/Nivea-Protect-Super-Water-Japan/dp/B00SM997I2?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Me too!!!....I'm 43 with overall good skin but I would like to try . I do have some mild roseaca ( sp) on my cheeks and wonder if I could combat this ? My skin is drying anything , what shall I buy ?

Has anyone used The Ordinary foundation?

Sorry pressed send without finishing....

Has anyone used The Ordinary foundation and what did you think?

I have dry skin so would it be suitable?

Would you choose the serum foundation or the coverage foundation?

nightmanager incredible coincidence - I ordered this today after seeing it recommended on another thread! (By you??)
crazy8 I have very oily skin and hated both foundations. The coverage one was hard to blend and didn't last, the serum one sank into my pores and looked awful no matter what I did. I think Sali Hughes liked the serum one and she has dry skin.

@yawnyawnyawnyawn apparently Azeliac acid by the ordinary is good for redness. You put it on after moisturiser