The Ordinary Skincare Routine Guide For Superb Skin

The Ordinary Skincare Routine Guide is here to help you figure out, how to get your better skin today!

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!

What’s Your Skin Type?

To get started,take a look at your skin and ask yourself, how is your skin acting lately

Here’s a quick guide on what to focus (depending on your skin type):

• Oily or Combination Skin: Use products that contains glycolic acid, niacinamide
• Dry Skin:Give preference to products that contains squalane and ordinary hyaluronic acid

How To Build A Skincare Routine With The Ordinary?

Sticking to a morning (AM) and night routine (PM) should be enough. In any skincare routine, the BASICS are:

• Cleansing
• Exfoliating
• Eye treatment
• Serums
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen

Check This article: Best Sunscreens For Tanning Plus Your Essential Safety Guide

Example of Extras

• Facial Oils
• ordinary vitamin C
• Facial Masques

So far, we talked about the base of The ordinary skincare regimen. Easy peasy, right?

From there, you can start to think about additional products to layer up and consequently bring your routine to the next level.

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The most common treatments are

• Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (hydration serum)
• Ordinary “Buffet” Serum
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Retinoids
• 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

I’ll talk about these products later on!

NOTE: You should look for a dermatologist before starting any advanced skin care regimen. The ordinary contain products that can cause conflicts if not mixed properly in the same routine.

What Order To Use The Ordinary Regimen?

According to The Ordinary, after cleansing, you can apply water-based formulas and layer it up with anhydrous or oil based formulation. 

After that, you can go ahead and apply creams or suspension-based products. 

Here’s the order:

1. Water-based formulas
2. Anhydrous or oil based formulation (respectively)
3. Creams / emulsion or suspension-based products

The basic steps in order of application can be as following:

Morning	Evening
– Cleanser- Eye CreamWater-based serums- Anhydrous or oil-based composition – Moisturizer sunscreen/primer	– Double cleanse- Exfoliator (2x / week)- Eye CreamWater-based serums- Anhydrous or oil-based composition- Moisturizer

Download! the pdf cheat sheet with a list that specifies which product belongs to each category: Water-based formulas, Anhydrous or oil-based formulas, emulsions, and suspensions!

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What To Add To Your The Ordinary Skincare Routine (And Why)

Hydrators 

Hidrators leave skin hydrated, restoring its natural glow at the same time.

The ordinary has hydrating serums, as well as moisturizing creams. It is nice to remember that the SPF protection is also hydrating.

How to use	Conflicts
Use a few drops of hydrating serums after cleansing, morning and evening.	These products don’t cause conflicts when layered up with other products / For serums, don’t use more than three serum formulations in a single regimen.

Recommended Article: Humectant vs Emollient vs Occlusive Hydration: What’s The Difference?

Oils

The ordinary has many hydrating oils, for different skincare concerns. These oils can be both dense or lightweight in their texture.

If you have oily skin, opt for lightweight oils such as The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil.

Is good to remember that some oils such as The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil are also great for the hair.

How to use	Conflicts
You can use oils after applying water based serums, morning and evening.	These products don’t cause conflicts when layered up with other products (Source: Deciem)

Retinols & Retinoids

Retinols and retinoids are great to treat signs of aging and skin texture problems. They improve skin texture, fine lines and similar concerns.

How to use	Conflicts
Use ordinary retinoids and retinols after water based products, before oils and creams in the evening (PM ONLY)	Don’t use ordinary retinoids and retinol with Other retinol & retinoid products, Direct Vitamin C, Copper Peptides (Buffet + Copper, NIOD CAIS, NIOD CAIL, Hylamide Sub Q Skin) and Direct Acids. (Source: Deciem)

Quick Tip: Stock ordinary retinoids and retinols in the fridge 

Antioxidants

Your skin is constantly in contact with pollution, free radicals and things that can cause cell damage.

Examples of Free radical damage can come from UV rays, chemical toxins such as smoke and chemicals. 

Antioxidants have the function to protect your skin from these types of damage and stop cell damage.

Possible Treatments: 

• Skin Elasticity
• Redness / uneven skin tone / dark spots
• Antioxidant Support
• Signs of Aging /fine lines
• Textural Irregularities / improve skin aspect
• Dullness 

How to use antioxidant ordinary products	Conflicts with antioxidant ordinary products
Morning and Evening Before OIls and creams	Check Deciens website to consult possible conflicts with different antioxidant ordinary products

Acids

Acids skincare products are widely used for exfoliating. They get rid of dead skin cells, renewing and treating the skin tissue.

There are acids for different skin types, that penetrate under the skin to improve skin appearance on the surface.

Possible Treatments: 

• Dullness
• Skin texture
• Antioxidant
• Anti ageing / minimize wrinkles and fine lines
• Brightening / evening skin tone

How to use	Conflicts
Always in the evening, for the right order, consult Check The ordinary’s site for details for different ordinary products, / Check product label for the frequency (e.g. 1x per week)	Check The ordinary website for details for different ordinary products, but you should normally avoid mixing with other direct acidsEUK 134, Peptides, Niacinamide Powder, Vit. C, Retinol.

Tip: Pretty please limit sun exposure while using them and use Spf to protect skin / Don’t apply it around the eye area. 

Ordinary vitamin C

The Ordinary has many different topical vitamin C variations of products, and ​​Vitamin C Suspension.

Topical vitamin C can boost collagen and elastin, which leaves the skin firmer and plumped. 

They may be good for:

• Preventing premature aging
• Hyperpigmentation
• Hydration
• Readness

The way you should use them depends on the product you choose. The same apply to conflicts, so it is better to always check the ordinary products labels.

Peptides

There are four peptides ordinary products; The Ordinary range. Buffet, Buffet + Copper, Argireline and Matrixyl. Peptides can be anti ageing, boost collagen and the skin firmer.

How to use	Conflicts
Morning and evening, should be the 1st layer before oils and creams	Consult the website as it varies depending on the products.

Read More: The Best The Ordinary Products & How To Use Them For Stunning Skin

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

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

The Squalane Cleanser

You can safely start out your Ordinary skincare routine with the Squalane cleanser, which is ideal for all skin types.

The ordinary squalane cleanser review

This cleanser counts with many great reviews and is still very affordable ( around $13 dollars).

It is soap-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, silicon-free, nut-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

This gentle cleanser can also remove makeup and impurities from your face.

Read Full Review: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Review: Is It Good?

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Eye Serum: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 

The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + EGCG for dark circles, is extremely lightweight and dries out quite quickly.

I mean the skin absorbs the product really quickly and will work pretty fine for superficial dark circles.

This eye serum is indicated for everyone, but if your skin is dry, it may dry out your skin a little bit.

Read Full Review: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution Review

Moisturizer: The Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

The ordinary moisturizer protects the outer layer of the skin leaving it hydrated at the same time.

It is indicated to all skin types and you can include it to your daily and night routine.

If you are like me and sometimes avoid applying moisturizers because you don’t like sticky creams, you may like this one.

The Ordinary SPF

Don’t forget to seal your regimen with SPF even on rainy days to protect your skin from sun damage and free radicals.

The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants protect skin from pollution and uv rays, help with hypersensitivity and aid with scarring.

Additional Items To Add To Your Routine

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (hydration serum)

Rehydrates the skin at various levels. Along with Vitamin B5, this product promises to keep the skin hydrated, improve its texture, leaving it smoother.

It also has a slimy texture, just a little thicker than Niacinamide. 

Ordinary “Buffet” Serum

I have written a full review talking about the Buffet Serum. If you want, you can check this out, as you can find much more details there.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Reduces acne blemishes, oiliness, and decongest the skin. It is transparent and has a viscous texture (almost like egg white).

It is very light and about 3 drops are enough to spread over the entire face. Once it dries, it doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy or shiny.

Retinoids

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion combines two forms of Retinol to give you a truly effective anti-aging treatment without irritation.

It addresses lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and visible pores.

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

It’s a natural hydrator that leaves the skin soft and smooth, a great treatment for textured and or acne-prone skin.

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

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 

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

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

6. Squalane Cleanser
7. Eye Serum
8. Hylamide Low Molecular HA / or Hyaluronic Acid
9. Ascorbyl Glucoside
10. 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. 

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?

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.

Read Also: The Ordinary Skincare For Acne Prone Skin That’s Easy & Effective

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

Read More: THE ORDINARY FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN THAT’S EASY & EFFECTIVE

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 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.

*

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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