Is this usual when starting the ordinary products?

[Wonderingwhyme]

My skin care was pretty poor in terms of products etc but always took make up off and moisturised.

I went to the ordinary and they’ve recommended products. Iv just introduced buffet in the morning and thr niacinmide in the evening. For about a week now Iv used them. Today I’ve noticed on my neck/chest (where I’ve rubbed the product down abit) has lots of little red spots. Iv also noticed my face feels like it has lots of little under the skin spots but you can’t see them really. Is this usual? Is it just my skin getting used to it or a reaction and I should stop?

A change in any skin care regime produces a purging effect bringing a lot of spots to the surface. Give it a week or 2 unless it's painful and looks like a rash as opposed to a breakout.

Thanks I wasn’t sure. The ones on my chest are very bumpy almost like the rash my dc get when they have a viral infection, a bit sand papery? Can I use these new products on my neck and décolletage area? My face doesn’t hurt and not itchy just not attractive! I can wait it out if it’s normal.

I'd say normal too OP. I use tretinoin and when I started, Jesus I had a purge from hell. It was like every single spot I was ever destined to get in my lifetime all came up at once. Horrific, especially coupled with my skin falling off So gorgeous!

The ones on your chest, could it be milia? Milk spots? They can come in clusters and give the sandpaper-y feel, that's quite normal too.

Definitely worth sticking to your new routine, it should absolutely get better when your skin has adjusted.

No on my chest they are red not white. It wasn’t there this morning it has appeared over the day? My face looks bad close up like very congested lots of small bumps but ok at arms distance.

Has this ever happened before? Do u have sensitive skin normally?
Be careful in the sun using this stuff S it make the skin sensitive. Do put on an SPF. At least 15 higher if poss.

Yes my skin is sensitive. I went in to ask about retinol etc and they said not to use it as my skin is sensitive and use what they recommended instead?

I don’t know if it does sound like purging. The Lab Muffin (who I really rate) did an article about this: labmuffin.com/purging-vs-breakouts-ditch-skincare/

I wouldn’t expect a peptide serum or niacinamide to cause purging to be honest. The trouble is, because you started the both at the same time you can’t really say whether it’s one or the other causing it.

To me that sounds like a reaction

Not a normal reaction at all sounds like sensitivity, irritation or allergy. Purging is not to be expected with these ingredients.

The reason why the Ordinary is so affordable is because they strip it down to very basic and crude formulas, so it lacks any soothing and restoring ingredients. The niacinamide is a high percentage, it can be good for sensitive skin but over 5% there's a drastic increase of irritation. I'd stop using both personally. You can return them and get your money back with the Ordinary.

It sounds like a reaction to me. But if you don't want to return them, you could try stopping them until the bumps disappear and then applying less of them every other day under a sensitive skin moisturiser and see if the bumps come back. Sometimes skin just needs to get used to something new.

Ideally, when trying new products, you should introduce them one at a time and allow at least a few weeks before adding a new product. I know that is easier said than done, but by going slowly you can determine which product you are having a reaction to. Could you stop using the new products and try introducing them one at a time in to your routine?

I gave up on the ordinary, I really really wanted it to work, I've tried so much but it all just makes me so spotty. Ive started using another brand and my skin is fine again, I'm really disappointed because it's all so cheap, but it just doesn't agree with my skin.

I don't get on with the Ordinary niacinamide. It gave me zits. The salicylic acid is fab though.

So remind me the purpose of the buffet? I used that first as i bought it in the shop but had to order the niancide thingy so Iv only been using that one since Saturday. So maybe it’s that and I should cut that out and see if it goes? I don’t know what else to use? I don’t want to be spending loads on loads of different things.

I basically want something that will help my skin look more ‘glory’, will prevent spots plus a bit of anti aging type thing thrown in as I’m getting older... but there isn’t one product that does all that in one!

*glowy!!

I ended up with perioral dermatitis when I used The Ordinary products. Not attractive!

Buffet is a multi peptide so it is supposed to encourage cell renewal to keep your skin looking fresh. I've used it for months and cant say it's done anything noticeable...well other than dry out my under eyes so bad they peeled!

My under eyes get very dry and eczema probe. I told the lady that but she said I should be fine... so far they are ok.

I don’t know what else to try though? Anyone recommend anything in my situation?

I would maybe stop the niacinamide then, if you think that might be causing the rash. If you want something that’s anti-aging, prevents spots, and gives a glow, the only thing really is a retinol. I know you say you are very sensitive, but if you make the rest of your skincare routine as gentle and nourishing as possible, you may be able to tolerate it.

For how I would focus on getting your skin back to normal, then making your routine as gentle as possible, as well as ensuring you’re using spf every day (very important with a retinol) and then find a gentle retinol product and introduce that in and see how you get on.

For now, not how!

I told the lady I didn’t want something that would make spots worse and she assured me these wouldn’t. She said don’t use retinol..... so who to trust?? What is a gentle retinol?

I don't see much of a change with either the retinol or buffet. To be fair retinol I haven't persisted with as I live in a hot country and buffet has made a huge difference to my neck which has started to go! But not my face.

I bought the caffeine eyecream… nice but also not a huge difference.

Vit C 23% however, what a lifechanger!

If you said I had to have 1 product forever, it would be Vit C.
(Am 48 with good skin generally, no lines yet, a bit red though)

I am in full (was early) menopause, I think it does depend on age and hormones...

OP sorry, my point was to answer your question, if I get spot, rash or have drunk to much, Vit C... new woman!

Well I guess you just read up about it and decide for yourself what you want to do. By a gentle retinol I mean a product that’s in a lower concentration, or in a gentler form. They take longer to work, but the side effects (redness, sensitivity, peeling etc) will be less.

Some links with information you might find helpful:
www.carolinehirons.com/2019/03/cheat-sheet-vitamin-a-stages-of-conversion.html
www.carolinehirons.com/2019/02/retinol-qa-february-2019.html (Scroll down for the video)

Thanks. It’s a mine field. No idea where to start.

My skin does look better now that I started hot cloth cleanser at night after a month now I think. So currently in the morning wash my face in the shower with tea tree wash (was also using at night but was told on here too harsh so I don’t now) then I’m putting on the buffet and currently avene moisterisor. In the evening I take off my make up with botanics make up remover as only thing that doesn’t set my eczema off and then soap and glory hot cloth cleanser and then the avene moisterisor. I have vitamin e oil sometime I use when skin is dry.

What type of vitamin c product could I look at? My face is not badly spotty, I’m just prone to them? Right now I don’t have any but yet some around the jaw. So I don’t need all day every day spot stuff I just don’t want anything that will clog the skin and make it worse? Struggle with a moisterisor. I bought the la Roche posay b5 thingy after reading on here and I use that on any spots etc and it’s great.