The Ordinary + How It’s Changed My Skin

Happy Sunday Friends! I’m so excited to talk about The Ordinary and how it’s changed my Skin. But first let me make a bit of a disclaimer, this is in NO way sponsored, I bought them with my own money. I just truly really love The Original products.

So with that being said, let me give you the good, bad and the ugly.

In my teens, I struggled with moderate acne. Then I hit 20 and it magically vanished. Throughout my 20’s it was mostly smooth sailing. Of course I got the occasional bout of white and blackheads from things I ate ( like dairy ) or that time-of-the-month, but for the most part, it was pretty clear.

That is… until this past February. I thought it was from me cutting out dairy and gluten. But once it came it never left, even after months.

I was going nuts as I show my face in the online world almost every day and although a few bumps shouldn’t have affected my confidence, it did.

They were pretty big, deep and painful bumps, after research and hearing from many others in their 30’s, who randomly started getting painful cystic acne, I knew I had to do something.

I randomly heard about The Ordinary on Tiktok and I decided to check it out. What I found was amazing reviews ( usually 4.5+ ) and the price point was low. So low that you might think the products might not work.. but I hope my below photos do the talking.

Let’s first dive into what four products I started with..

The Ordinary Skincare I use

The Squaline Cleanser

I switched over to this oil based cleanser and let me tell you, it was a huge adjustment. At first, I hated it. You put a pea sized amount into your dry hands and rub it all over your face for 1-2 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

The amazing thing about this product is it leaves your face NOT feeling stripped and it’s super gentle on your skin with still getting it super clean.

The thing I didn’t like about this cleanser at first is that it is an oil so it feels like you aren’t cleaning your skin at all.

BUT, after sticking with it now for a month, I love it. It takes all the makeup off in one wash and my face doesn’t feel stripped after like most other cleansers I’ve used.

It works on oily, combo and dry skin AND the price is insanely cheap. I bought the value size for 19.99 and after a month I haven’t even used half. This will get me through for another 2-3 months!

Natural Moisturzing Factors + NA

I can honestly say WITHOUT A DOUBT that in my entire life, I’ve never experienced a moisturizer that moisturizes your skin but doesn’t leave it feeling greasy. It’s either one or the other I have found with all other products.

I use this before applying makeup and also before bed. I will never stop using this moisturizer and the price kills me. It’s so good.

This moisturizer is a hydrating formula with amino acids, dermal lipids, and hyaluronic acid and my favourite part of The Ordinary products is that they are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, gluten, and fragrance. They also have NO paragons, sulfates and phthalates.

“Buffet“

The reason why I bought the Buffet is because it was said by MANY reviewers that it drastically helped their acne. Many claiming it helped their cystic adult acne.

But looking into the description of it, it claims that it’s supposed to help with fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and dullness and texture.

I definitely think this has given my skin a glow. I compare it to a pregnancy glow. I’ve used this twice a day for the past month and I’m not even 1/3 through the bottle. I bought the 30 ml size, which is only 14.99

I apply the Buffet to my skin after I wash it and before moisturizer.

Some reviewers say it feels a bit tacky, but I haven’t had that issue – it drys on your skin in under a minute.

Retinol 1% in Squalane

This product is the icing on the cake. I apply it as a very last step after my moisturizer. It goes on a bit greasy, but absorbs into your skin after 5 minutes. So for this reason, I only put it on before bed.

I bought the 30 ml container which is only 6.99 and this will last me 3 months. Due to the company not using and preservatives in their products, shelf life is only 3-6 months on most products. But for the price point and quality, I’m TOTALLY okay with that.

If you’re unsure what Retinol is, it’s for fine lines and wrinkles. Honestly, I don’t have many so I’ve never really batted an eye at it. But since I’m 32 in September, I thought it would be a good time to start.

When introducing retinol into your routine, you want to start slow. I started off using it every other night and now I use it every night. You also want to use an SPF on your skin if you’re going to be in the sun the next day.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This is the latest product I have added to my skincare routine as many have raved about this product. It’s one of the best products for acne control. I have only used it for the past 3 days, so my results are credited to the other four products I chatted about above.

Packed with B3 it helps reduce blemishes and pores.

Many of the reviews claim that it has changed their life, so I knew I had to throw this into my routine to give it a try. I purchase the 30 ML size since the products only have a 3 month shelf life.

How The Ordinary Has Changed My Skin

Looking at my skin, it’s more clear, it’s brighter and it feels tighter. I honestly cannot say more good things about this product. If I could add ANYTHING into these products, I wish something would help to decrease my scaring from the bout of acne I had right before using The Ordinary products. I do have an amazing oil that helps with scaring, but I’m worried it will react with my skincare, so I haven’t introduced it.

That being said, I’m sure The Ordinary makes a product that does just that. I just need to research a bit more.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier. With my skin, with the feel and look of it, with the price point – everything!

If you’re struggling with acne, uneven skin, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles or I’m sure anything else – give The Ordinary a try!

I’d love to hear in the comments what products you use from The Ordinary and how it has changed your skin!