The Ordinary Skincare Routine Guide For Superb Skin

Hey all, Here’s an in-depth, yet simple, The Ordinary skincare routine to help you understand the products and layer up your routine. 

Tip! Read till the end because there is so much to cover! Let’s get started!

How To Build A Skincare Routine With The Ordinary

First of all, know your skin! They need to be tailored to your needs to deliver a positive result. So, beforehand, follow these tips:

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• Know your skin condition or Consult your dermatologist to see the real needs of your skin;
• Do your research or ask your doctor for a list of necessary components for your skin condition and which ones can be combined;
• Check the product options offered by the brand, as well as the percentage of each ingredient in the product’s formulation;
• Once you have a list, identify which ones will cause conflict together and pick the ones that can be combined together.
• Most of the range consists of serums, oils and more recently foundations and primers. They even have a guide for choosing the right foundation color for your skin.
• The Ordinary website has detailed information about the function and uses of each product. Download this PDF with a description of each product, their function and how to use them.

How To Use The Ordinary Products?

Start slowly, combining one product at a time to observe how a product will react on your skin.

If this particular product worked well, then you can start to slowly add some other products, following the same method.

This allows you to get to know your skin well, helping you to understand which products will provide the best results as well.

You can also combine The ordinary with other brands without problem, as long as there aren’t conflicting ingredients in the same routine.

One important consideration is that The Ordinary does not recommend using more than two serums at the same time.

You can find more details by reading how to build a skincare routine with the ordinary article.

How To Layer The Ordinary Products

It is ideal to start applying the lightest products first and the thickest ones after.

For example, first the liquids, then the serums, then the oils and after that the creams and heavy creams should be the latest ones.

I have also written a full article with a super easy full guide on How To Layer The Ordinary Products.

How To Create A Morning & Night Routine

In the morning, it is best to opt for light products with lighter textures that will blend well with your sunscreen. 

At this time, it is a good idea to have an antioxidant routine, with less products, in which your skin will absorb better. 

When thinking about your night routine, you can use stronger products, including acids and heavier creams that can be absorbed while you are sleeping.

The Foundation Of The Ordinary Skincare Routine

Let’s begin with the basics and talk about the products that will probably be present in most of the routines I put together here.

Some of The ordinary products are designed for all skins. Here they are:

• Squalane Facial Cleanser 
• The Eye Serum
• Facial Moisturizer 
• Sunscreen SPF

Check The Ordinary Skincare Routine for beginners full guide!

NOTE: If you want more specific routines to target different skin problems, keep on reading because you’ll find it later on! 

The Ordinary Skincare Guide By Skin Types Suggestions

IMPORTANT: Please consult a dermatologist to have personalized doctor instructions on how to adopt an advanced routine. 

Have in mind that some advanced products from this brand can cause conflicts when mixed together in the same routine. 

At the first signs of irritation, suspend the usage immediately! 

Quick Hydrating Skincare Routine (All Skins)

Firstly I’d like to share a super simple basic routine that will probably work for most skins.

Use this suggestion if you want to keep your skin gorgeous and hydrated.

For this you will need:

• Squalane Cleanser
• Caffeine Eye Serum
• ordinary hyaluronic acid
• Moisturizing Factors
• SPF 30

The Lazy Days & Nights Routine Guide

Let’s get started with the five steps routine. For this, you just add sunscreen in the morning as the final step.

Now, if you are having a very lazy day or just don’t have time, here’s the thing.

I like this routine because Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a hydration serum that protects and strengthens your skin barrier.

You can take out the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and have your 4 steps routine and go out like a diva!

The Ordinary Skincare Routine Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, it has difficulty retaining moisture. You can try oils that will nourish your skin.

As for example, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil is perfect for this job as it contains a moist blend rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to help nourish and protect the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid has amazing hydrating properties. You can also try Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, which contains a powerful blend of amino acids, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid and other natural ingredients found in your skin to repair and rehydrate your skin.

Morning Ordinary Routine

1. Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye Serum
3. Serum: Amino Acids + B5
4. Moisturizing Factors + HA
5. Sunscreen: Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 

Night Ordinary Routine

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Serum: AA + B5
3. Skin Oil: 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
4. Moisturizing Factors + HA

Products that are good for dry skin: Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Niacinamide, Borage Oil, Panthenol, Rosehip Oil.

Anti-aging 

Treat the signs of aging or as an aging delaying skin care routine.

The peptide serum buffet will work great to treat wrinkles, skin texture and dehydrated skin.

It contains Matrixyl 3000, which stimulates collagen production and repairs the skin.

Just make sure not to mix the buffet serum with ordinary vitamin C in the same routine, as it can cause reactions.

Morning 

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine 5% + EGCG 
3. Serum: “Buffet” + CP 1%
4. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 

Night 

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Toner: The Ordinary 7% Toning Solution
3. Serum:Buffet (Check Full Review Here)
4. Skin Oil: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

Early Signs Of age

When you hydrate your skin, you are consequently delaying the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaluronic acid – is a great skin hydrator that will consequently delay signs of age.

There are many benefits of using hyaluronic acid, but a very known function is to retain skin natural water retention. 

In addition, it will leave your skin firmer while boosting collage stimulus.

Vitamin C – Is another great contributor to collagen production. So, it is a good idea to add it to your skincare routine.

Tip: Just make sure to check on The ordinary website what products you can use with vitamin C and which ones will cause conflict.

There are many Vitamin C products, however, to treat early signs of age, many dermatologists recommend products with light formulas such as Ascorbyl Glucoside 12%.

The Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% is ideal to treat early signs of age, maintain the skin hydrated and illuminated.  

The Láctico 5% + HA 2% Is also a good option to reduce fine lines, stimulate skin regeneration and minimizes age spots, and contains hyaluronic acid which is hydrating.

The ordinary has different options of retinoids. Make sure not use them together in the same skincare routine as it may cause conflicts.

You can use retinols once per day and two to three times per week to reduce early signs of age.

Mature Skin

For mature skin, you can add the Buffet Serum to your skincare routine, that targets wrinkles and fine lines, improves skin texture and hydrates the skin.

The buffet Serum contains Matrixyl 3000 that stimulates the skin collagen production and repairs the skin.

Alternatively, you can try ordinary retinols. O Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion contains a high concentration of pure retinol that reduces fine lines, hyperpigmentation and sagness.

Another option for mature skin is Vitamin C. You can try the Solution 20% in vitamin F that is derived from Vitamin C, is an oil based solution that clears spots and reduces fine lines (ideal for dry mature skin).
If your skin normal to oily, you can opt for the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.

Dull / Uneven Skin

Excess dead skin cells can cause dullness and you are left with the feeling that skin is dry and uneven.

Morning Guide

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye Serum
3. Hylamide Low Molecular HA / or Hyaluronic Acid
4. Ascorbyl Glucoside
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Night Routine Guide

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. The Ordinary Glyc. Acid 7% Toning Solution 
3. Hylamide C25
4. ‘B’ Oil

Oily Skin

I bet you want your face to feel fresh all day, without that shine that’s caused by sweating and natural skin oils. 

Products that are good for oily skin: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, Marine Hyaluronic, Benzoyl Peroxide.

Morning 

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 
3. Niacinamide
4. Moisturizer
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Night 

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
3. Salicylic Masque 
4. Niacinamide 
5. Moisturizer

Niacinamide is great to treat congestions and breakouts. It will also keep skin protected and strengthen your skin barrier.

Read Also:Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide: Can You Mix Together?

The Ordinary Skincare For Oily, Sensitive Skin & Redness

Some products can be harsh on sensitive skin especially if the product has a high concentration of actives. 

Having this in mind, sensitive skin and oily skin in general can benefit from Niacinamide and zinc 1% that are more gentle on skin. These two products are also very efficient for redness and irritated skin.

Niacinamide (vitamin b3) improves skin texture and softens the skin. At the same time, it calms the skin and reduces excess sebum.

Zinco is anti-inflammatory, calms irritated skin and neutralizes redness.

Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to be really careful about what you put on your face, otherwise, you may face redness and irritation.

Down below I bring to you a quick suggestion to treat your sensitive skin in your skincare.

Sensitive Skin 

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye Serum
3. NIOD MG Modulating Glucosides
4. Natural Factors + HA
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants (Day Time)

Normal Skin

Oh lala! You have normal skin! 

This is super good, but it is always important to continue to take care of it!

Morning Guide

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 
3. “Buffet” + CP 1% 
4. Natural Factors + HA
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Night Routine Guide

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. The Ordinary Glyc. Acid 7% Toning Solution
3. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
4. Natural Factors + HA

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, you can normally use Ordinary products for oily and dry or normal skin on specific areas.

Morning Routine Guide

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG 
3. Pycnogenol 5%
4. Natural Factors + HA
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Night Routine Guide

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Vit C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres
3. Moroccan Argan Oil
4. Natural Factors + HA

Skincare Routine For Acne Prone Skin

If you suffer from acne, down below is a nice suggestion for acne prone skin and similar concerns.

Acne Prone Skin Morning Routine Guide

1. Squalane Cleanser
2. Eye cream: Caffeine 5% + EGCG
3. Salicylic A. 2% Solution 
4.  Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 
5. Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Acne Prone Skin Night Routine Guide

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Salicylic A. / Lactic Acid/ Glyc. Acid (twice a week)
3. Marine Hyaluronics
4. Moisturizing Factors + HA

Read Also:The Ordinary For Acne Scars 101 | A Powerful Regimen Guide

You can also use The Ordinary 7% Toning Solution, which is great if you have acne scaring.

Just make sure not to use it more than once per day and use it only in the evening time.

This is an exfoliating serum that removes dead skin cells, impurities, and can reduce acne scars.

If you want to use the The Ordinary 7% Toning Solution, you can try this alternative night routine:

Alternative Acne Prone Skin Night Routine Guide For Acne Scars

1. Double Cleanse: Squalane Cleanser
2. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
3. Marine Hyaluronics
4. Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Note: So, I’ve never seen anywhere The Ordinary claiming to totally cure acne scars.

However, they claim to have great treatments that may prevent and even diminish them.

SO, if you are suffering from superficial acne scars, you can give it a try.

The Ordinary Skincare For Acne & Blackheads

Here you can find a few tips for all types of acne prone skin, be it normal, oily or sensitive, etc. 

In addition, the following routine can help with spots, hyperpigmentation, sebum control, fine line and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

For this you can use:

Squalane cleanser – It is a gentle cleanser that leaves the skin hydrated and soft. 

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque – Contains charcoal, Amazonian clays and squalane. It’s also great to treat fullness and texture irregularities. 

Ideal to remove dead cells, renovates the skin, which will prevent acne and leave it more radiant. 

You can use it once or twice a week in your nightly routine

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – It’s also called Vitamin B3 – Great serum that contains vitamins and minerals that will help you minimize spots and control excess of sebum.

Nicotinamide is an essential B-complex vitamin that hydrates the skin by increasing the synthesis of natural ceramides. 

In addition, the substance works as a strong ally in controlling the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands, preventing the appearance of blackheads and pimples on the face.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 30ml – Is a highly hydrating moisturizer, with a nice lightweight texture

it is composed of several amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid and many other compounds that are naturally present in the skin

The Ordinary Skincare For Dark Spots

Here are some products that you can use for dark spots: Alpha Arbutin, Azelaic Acid, Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinoic Acid, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid.

The Ordinary Skincare For Hyperpigmentation

For Hyperpigmentation, you can try using HAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

The  HAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a Weekly exfoliating mask with alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

Function: brightens the skin, evens out the tone and fights acne.

How to use: apply to the skin for 10 minutes once a week. Wash well after this period.

The Ordinary Skincare For Rosacea

To treat rosacea, you can cleanse your face with the squalane cleanser, apply hyaluronic acid serum, and natural moisturizing factors and sunscreen during the day.

In the evening, you can just cleanse your face and apply the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. Lightweight gel that contains azelaic acid.

By doing this regularly your skin may get illuminated, and you may notice acne and redness minimization.

The Ordinary Skincare Routine Conclusion

This article you can find some suggestions about what to use for your skin concerns.

We have also reviewed some products and talked about possible conflicts between products.

Always remember to patch test these products to assure you will not encounter allergies on the way.

I’m leaving here the link with Decien’S Patch testing guidelines, so go ahead and do it before using some advanced regimen.

Before you go, I want to remind you again to always search for a doctor’s advice that can give you personalized instructions based on your own skin concerns.

While using these products, if you feel any sort of reaction, suspend usage immediately and look for a dermatologist.

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That’s it, guys; I hope you enjoyed it! If you like this blog, please follow me on Instagram @themakeup.insta  Love you! Thanks a bunch!

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