When the Ordinary is not Ordinary

I sent this out a while back, but I had breakfast with a friend this morning and she asked me if I had ever heard of "The Ordinary". I told her that I had done a post on it, and she said, "I must have missed it, can you send it out again". It gave me the idea that others may have missed it too so I'm resending it.

I cannot begin to tell you how much

I have spent over the years on "potions and lotions", always chasing the newest and greatest products on the market. From Creme de Lamer, to La Prairie, to Cle de Peau, I have tried them all. And what was the one thing they all had in common? All very pretty pricey and all promising revolutionary results. Now I'm not saying they don't work or get the job done but are they really worth it? Aren't there other alternatives out there that don't require a loan to incorporate them into your beauty regime?

I think there are.

Say hello to "The Ordinary".

At first glance it seems almost impossible for figure out what products to use. Their bottles of serums line up like something you would see in a laboratory, which is what my vanity looks like:) It took me a while to figure what I needed and when to use them and how to mix them but once you get it, it's pretty easy! And the price for value is in my opinion, unbeatable!

So where did this line of serums and creams originate? It was born in Toronto Canada under the umbrella company Deciem, founded by a visionary Bradon Truaxe. Unfortunately, Truaxe, after building a successful financial enterprise, plunged his empire into chaos because of his personal problems. Este Lauder, the cosmetic giant, had already a vested interest in Deciem, the umbrella company and given the circumstances, took all of it over. With Lauders huge investment in research and development, I expect to see new and exciting products added to this already fabulous line!

So, what do I use and really like? There are quite a few products that line my vanity.

I would say my skin is in the normal to dry range as it's been around for a while, 78 years! That given, I'm interested in products that provide hydration, get rid of age spots or hyperpigmentation and lines, and have some firming and smoothness properties. Pretty tall order but I've found some that hit the mark.

Hydration.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid is a great place to start. Once of the things I have learned when applying this is to leave your face slightly damp. The Ordinary claims it boosts hydration after one week. Their formula contains four forms of hyaluronic acid, utilizing different sizes of the molecule to be drawn into your skin. It's an AM and PM treatment and can be combined with other water-soluble serums.

A second hydration product is The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum (formally called Buffet). What is it? This too is a water-based serum. It contains a variety of ingredients including peptides, hyaluronic acid complexes, amino acids and probiotics. It targets not only the hydration but also targets the skins elasticity and firmness. Can you use this with the hyaluronic acid? Absolutely! The recommendation from the ordinary is you can combine up to 3 serums and these two definitely go together.

Hyperpigmentation.

Years of sun have left a lot of us with those dark spots that seem almost impossible to get rid of. Little did we know it would take years for that damage to show up but here it is. Yes, we can do laser but is there anything else less intrusive and less costly. There is. And here are some choices.

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is another water-based serum targeting uneven skin tone and dryness. Dark spots and acne scars are targeted with this serum. And since it's also water based, it too can be combined with your hydrating serums. It can be used in both the AM and PM.

Remember the "toners"? The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner. As it removes dead skin by exfoliating, dark spots gradually fade away. Great to use weekly or bi- weekly or as your skin tolerates it.

And speaking about glycolic acid, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10+ also works to help fade those dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Lactic Acids and Glycolic Acids both work the same way but since glycolic acid molecules are larger, the don't penetrate as deeply and may be a better choice if you have sensitive skin.

The Ordinary Mandelik Acid is also an AHA and has even larger molecules than lactic acids, making it even gentler and great for beginners. It's also a water-based serum and recommended to be used in the PM.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%+ works by suppressing the enzymes that stimulate excess melanin production so that it slows down the hyperpigmentation in the first place. If your skin is sensitive this may be a good one to start with. This product also contains hyaluronic acid and together they attach discoloration and dryness. It's also a water base serum so can be combined with other water - based serums and used both AM and PM.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a multitasker, because it not only helps with the hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production but also calms the skin and gently exfoliates. The company says its especially beneficial if you are dealing with post acne marks as well as active breakouts as it targets both simultaneously. This is a cream like formula that brightens the skin, combats dullness and textural irregularities. It's gentle enough for daily use for uneven and blemish prone skin and can be used in AM and PM.

Firming and Smoothing

The top of my list for a firming product is the Ordinary Matixyl 10% = HA. This formula targets fine lines and wrinkles. Matrixyl TM and hyaluronic acid is a proprietary formula. I use this and love it. Can be used in the AM and PM and is definitely one for you to have in your skin care arsenal.

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% is without a doubt one to target fine lines and give you skin smoothness. When I asked my esthetician how to get rid of the lines about the lip the answer was retinal. I think this is probably the number on addition you can make to tackle fine line, pigmentation, firmness, basically, all of it. Defiantly needs to be included in the skin care regime. You can start off with a lower dose until your skin gets used to it and then build up to the higher dosage. Only use in the PM as it makes your skin light sensitive.

The Ordinary AHA 30%+BHA2% Peeling Solution. I've done a post on this before. It's the only peel I've ever used that make my skin an instantly smooth. As my Pilates teacher said to me in class, "It looks like I can skate on your face". It's that good and I'll never be without it.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% +HA 2% will make your skin look instantly brighter and feel smoother to the touch in just one use. It's water based and ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Water based, use in the PM.

Now I can't leave this post without mentioning these three. First, the Ordinary Argireline Solution. This has been dubbed "Botox in a bottle". I use it and love it. It targets those forehead lines, those "11's", smile lines and crow's feet. Use in the AM, use in the PM but use it!

Next up, the eyes have it! The Ordinary Multi peptide eye serum is the bomb! I use it every day and will never be without it. It smooths like nothing I've used before, and I put on one drop for both eyes before my eye cream. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is another under eye alternative. If its dark circles and puffiness is what you want to get rid of, try this!

There you have it! Great skin care at an affordable price. No need to break the bank or take out a loan to have beautiful skin. Consistency is the key to make these products work. The Ordinary products produce results, and the result is your skin won't look Ordinary!

Liz❤️

(As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small compensation for any purchases you make while shopping on Amazon as a result of coming to Amazon through one of my links)