Searching for Skincare Advice!

Jun 22, 2017

Shelby B.

Hey guys! So I'm currently researching and trying to improve my skincare routine. I've been trying out some products from The Ordinary, so I'm interested in buying some more things if anybody has some recommendations. I have normal-dry skin that is a little on the sensitive side. I'm not entirely breakout prone, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. As of right now, my routine includes

AM: Ordinary Buffet, sunscreen, moisturizer
PM: Ordinary Buffet, Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid, Ordinary 2% Retinol, occasionally Squalene oil, and a night cream

I've been using the Philosphy Purity cleaner for a while, and have recently learned that it's not exactly the best for your skin, so needless to say I'm also in the market for a new cleanser.

I'm looking to reduce fine lines, some mild acne scarring, redness, and just overall even out my skin tone.

So if anybody has any recommendations that would be great! Thanks guys.

Jun 22, 2017

Shelby B.

I forgot to mention, I also use the Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid as a toner after cleansing at night.

Jun 22, 2017

Leuca S.

I would say CeraVe's hydrating cleanser would be good for you as a starting point much cheaper than Purity and a better formula.

Second: how long have you been on this routine?

Third, what are your moisturizer/sunscreen?

Jun 22, 2017

Shelby B.

Every CeraVe product I've ever tried hasn't worked with my skin, no clue why. I tried to use one of their sunscreen moisturizers and their dry skin moisturizer in the jar, and they just never work for me. It makes me kind of weary to try more of their products, but I know a lot of people have great results with it.

I've been doing this routine probably about a month now.

In the morning I use the Aveeno smart essentials SPF 30 and either Embroylisse or the First Aid Beauty ultra repair cream. At night I just switched from the first aid beauty to the No7 protect & perfect intense night cream.

Jun 23, 2017

Leuca S.

If you don't care to try the CeraVe cleanser, Olay's Gentle Clean may be a good option. I think it's appropriate for all but the driest skin types. Eucerin also makes a good fragrance free face wash, but I find I need to do a more thorough precleanse before that one if I want my face to be as clean as possible, whereas the Olay one is a bit more rich in texture.

I will say that from a formulary standpoint, the Ordinary really shines when you are picking a specific product or two to be an addition or supplement to your skincare routine. I don't think their products are comprehensive enough to properly deal with troubled skin; eventually it gets to a point where you have to layer too many products for them to remain effective to even get to the same point that a more complex formula would be at. That said, their Buffet is one of their best products in my opinion from the perspective of how much they fit into it for the price.

For example, something I mentioned in another thread is that their salicylic acid product is technically at the correct PH and % to function as an effective exfoliant, but you get a meager 1 oz of product, which puts it at a similar price per volume when compared to a brand like Paula's Choice (which I see you already use), which offers a superior product in a range of formulas. On that note, it may be worthwhile to check out one of their other BHA formulas if you aren't getting the results you want with their original BHA liquid; I personally enjoy their lotions and the body spray in terms of texture and results.

For fine lines, it is absolutely a good idea to include a retinoid in your routine, and the Ordinary's 2% Advanced Retinoid isn't a bad product by any means, but their claims that it's as effective as concentrated retinol products is simply inaccurate. If it was, they wouldn't have even bothered offering their 1% retinol serum, but there you have it. You will undoubtedly get stronger effect from a concentrated retinol solution, and then even more from prescription retinoids. This isn't to dissuade you from using it, as maintaining consistent use of a tolerable level of retinol/retinoid has a large amount of evidence supporting it's better than using intense products less frequently. It's more to let you know to keep your options open. If you can handle stronger products on a frequent-use basis, you'll get better results with them, but you don't want something so strong that you have to break up using it. It's about figuring out what you can get your skin acclimated to.

I do see that you don't have a vitamin c product in your routine. Vitamin c is an excellent ingredient to have for almost anybody. It tackles many of the same issues that retinol does but in a different way, though it tends to be better for skin tone and pigmentation issues. You really can't go wrong with most of the Ordinary's vitamin c products, though I tend to think their 23% suspension is kind of overkill, and is formulated in a way that doesn't buffer the irritating aspect of such a high concentration of the ingredient. If you have a retinoid targeting lines, you should be fine going with one of the Ordinary's vitamin c derivative products rather than their ascorbic acid solution.

A question about your sunscreen. You did say that your skin can tend to be sensitive, but I know for a fact that the Smart Essentials sunscreen uses chemical filters, which can exacerbate sensitivity for some people. Have you ever tried a mineral sunscreen formula?

In regards to your moisturizers. For the majority of No 7 and Emryolisse products, the formula leaves something to be desired for the price in my opinion, as the bulk of their formulas are film formers and superficial occlusives, with fragrance and preservative coming before any of the really interesting antioxidants and skin friendly ingredients. On top of that, the No 7 moisturizer is in a jar, which exposes the small amount of good stuff to air and light, on top of being rather unsanitary. You'd probably get better results with the Ordinary's HA + NMF. First Aid Beauty tends to have well formulated products, but I cannot speak to how moisturizing they are from a personal perspective.