The Ordinary 2% retinoid

[DragonMamma]

I started using this over two weeks ago and have been using it every 2-3 days since.

I have broken out in spots that I wouldn’t ordinarily have had. Is this normal?

I usually have dry skin with the occasional spot but otherwise my skin isn’t too bad.

I’m 35 and started using it as my skin had started to lose it’s glow that it had previously that it had previously

Some reviews have said it may get worse before it gets better so shall I power through?

I had the same. Great big lumpy muthafuckas on my forehead and nose. Worse than when I was a teen.

They have gone now but also I can't see too much of a difference. Perhaps a better texture but not a massive improvement. I'll finish the bottle but wouldn't re order based upon results thus far.

I have those lumpy motherfuckers on my forehead too

I’ll stick with it for now then and see if it settles down but like you, if this carries on I won’t be buying anymore.

Well, this makes cheerful reading .

My bottle arrived yesterday!

How are you using it? I've only used it a couple of times so far, but have used very sparingly then applied face cream over the top. I haven't noticed any difference but it is early days

You have to wait it out. It basically purges your skin, it will then get thin and after 3 months will look great.

Did your skin peel at all, Timmy?

I ordered a bottle of this yesterday

Google skin purging and read a bit about the difference between 'purging' and a reaction. (Caroline Hirons has an article about it, among others). When you say spots you wouldn't ordinarily have had, it depends whether you mean spots in a place you wouldn't normally have had them, or just more spots than usual but you recognise the type and location. if the former then you may just be irritating/sensitising your skin.

No it didn't peel. I used it every couple of days to begin with as well as with moisturizer. If my skin looked a bit sensitive, I waited a week before the next application.

Isn't 2% high? I am sorry not v knowledgeable but I gathered that you start from 0.2 and then work upto 0.5 and then build up.

It’s a retinoid, not a retinol, so the concentration is not high.

I’ve started using a Retinol not The Ordinary and wow the spots are horrific! They are usually where I get spots anyway so trying to ride out this purge!

I have been using it every three nights after I wash my face and apply a light serum? I don’t moisturise after as the serum and oil seem to do a great job in that respect.

The spots are in places that I wouldn’t usually get them - prior to using this, if I did get spots it was usually along my jawline or cheek but this bastards are 1) a giant queen in the centre of my forehead and 2) above my left eyebrow. Random.

I am off to google skin purging but I’m determined to benefit from the results I’ve read about - 3 months looking like a spotty teen feels like a lifetime though!

ASOS sells The Ordinary. Mine arrived today.

You’re meant to start with a lower percentage and build up to the 2%

Oops posted on wrong thread.

I thought I should update after my 'ooo-er' post earlier.

I've been using this for a week now, every night, and everything about it has been positive. My skin looks smoother, clearer and the large sebaceous filaments I've had on my chin forever are well on their way out. Moisturiser and foundation are going on much better.

My skin is absolute elephant hide so I'm not typical skin-type wise, but I'm hooked!

What is the lowest percentage?

thedevil good to know! I was about to give up but I think I’ll carry on. My skin seems to be purging in the areas I’d usually get spots so hoping the other random spots were one off.

coolcarrie I believe these come in 2 & 5%

I have just got some of this too, using every other night, no reaction so far,but only used for a few days

Same as you lovemylover Ive used it twice and waiting for something!

Mine is the emulsion, maybe the retinoid in Squalane has a different effect