THE ORDINARY + SKIN SCIENCE

With more time to do at-home spa treatments, it’s important to take the time to learn more about our skin, the products, and how to be a smart consumer. There’s a lot of products out there that claim to work wonders but sometimes the science isn’t out or we are not using it properly. Majority of the time we spend hundreds of dollars on products and the science behind it does not 100% support what is being marketed. We can sometimes jump on the hype of a product and end up causing more harm to our skin, causing us to need more products to fix the damage.

How do we spend less and get more? I remember back in the day I had a roommate that was majoring in bio-chem. She was incredible at understanding what each ingredient did to the skin. I learned so much from her! The more I learned the more I realized there are more products out there that do more harm to the skin or don’t do anything at all, which makes consumers buy more and more. I learned from her to do some research before jumping on the bandwagon of trending skin care. I remember when dermarollers came out, and I wanted one so bad! I read articles, listened to experts online sharing their feedback. All this ultimately made me think twice. Experts shared that these can be dangerous to the skin if done improperly because they can tear and damage the layers of skin. They recommended seeing an expert or dermatologist first, to learn the proper technique and how to properly clean the tool. Knowledge is power and the more we know about the science in skin care, all marketing efforts are powerless against us. 

As you may have seen on my IG, I received a package the other day full of products from The Ordinary skincare line. The Ordinary is a highly affordable line that gets the job done, BUT you need to know what you’re doing. After listening and reading expert’s opinions, some of these products have the science to back them up and with some, the science isn’t really out. This doesn’t mean that the products cant perform, it just means don’t go spending a lot of money on a product. That’s what’s great about The Ordinary, these products won’t break the bank! 

There are many opinions, products, solutions and science out there, it can feel overwhelming. Some experts and doctors I enjoy listening to are Dr. Sam, Cassandra Bankson, Hyram and Dr. Lim, just to name a few. They all share informative tips and advice when it comes to skin, skincare, products, tools, science and practices. When it comes to The Ordinary Products Cassandra Bankson is incredible at breaking down the products and science. 

Two things that are important to learn before jumping into skincare or makeup; The Fitzpatrick Scale and pH levels of our skin/products. Cassandra Bankson refers a lot to the Fitzpatrick scale a lot. I found a great article explaining more about the Fitzpatrick Scale, here. pH levels are important to also understand because these products, like many others can work best at our skin’s natural pH level or need a different pH level. Misusing products can cause skin irritation, burns, permanent damage or end up cancelling each other out; which means you spent money on products that aren’t doing anything for your skin. Keep in mind our skin is typically around a 5.

Before using any of these products, do a patch test. Make sure that your skin is able to handle the solutions. I placed a small amount on the inside of my arm. As a consumer we should always follow manufacturer’s directions unless your doctor or specialist tells you otherwise. In the grey boxes I shared information from The Ordinary website. I have also shared some takeaways I have learned from the experts and articles/ videos of professionals doing a great job at breaking down the science. 

So what’s in the box?

AHA 30% + BHA PEELING SOLUTION:

Watch This video for important step by step how-to.

The famous red chemical peel has a pH level of 3.6. The peel is going to do “beneficial damage” to the outer layer of the skin, allowing your skin to rebuild itself. Leaving your skin brighter and radiant. Leave the peel on for no more than 10 mins, and you’ll want to buy a neutralizer to cancel out any left over product that can remain on your skin. Stay out of the sun and if you do need to go outside, you have to use SPF; preferably a mineral one. 

“Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin’s topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use.” The Ordinary

GLYCOLIC ACID 7% TONING SOLUTION:

With a pH of 3.6 This should never be used in the same routine with the peel or retinoids. Helping to balance your skin so that other products work better. This toner is alcohol free and shouldnt dry out your skin. The toner also lightly exfoliates the skin to help brighten the skin and pose a benefit for those that have wrinkles and dark spots. The toner penetrates deep into the skin and allows the next product to reach deep into the skin as well. 

“This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use.” – The Ordinary

NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTORS + HA 10 ML:

With a pH of 6.5 to 7, the moisturizer can be applied after serums and hydrates the skin without leaving it greasy. Learn more about HA and why its important to pair it with a moisturizer or moisturizer cleanser, here.

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are elements that keep the outer layer of the skin protected and well-hydrated. NMF are made up of multiple 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.
This formula offers non-greasy hydration that acts as a direct topical supplement of impaired NMF components. It contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerin, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid. It offers immediate hydration and lasting results with continued use. -The Ordinary

HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 :

pH level of 6.50-7.50, HA is a beauty market trend and range in price.   This video helped learn more about HA and how it works. Watch this video before buying an HA, here

Pair this with the Natural Moisturizing Factors cream. 

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The molecular size of HA determines its depth of delivery in the skin. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration.

ARGIRELINE SOLUTION 10%:

pH of 6-7. The particular peptide is trademarked to a lab in spain. This peptide is supposed to mimic botox but without the injections. I found this article here, that does a great job breaking down peptides and this particular peptide. 

ARGIRELINE™ is a trademark owned by Barcelona-based Lipotec S.A.U. It is a proprietary solution of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. Controlled studies have shown that ARGIRELINE™ improves the appearance of facial areas prone to developing dynamic folds, including around the eyes and in the forehead area.- The Ordinary

NIACINAMIDE 10% +ZINC 1% :

pH of 5.50-6.50. Niacinamide helps control oil production, shrinking pores and treats dark spots. This article breaks down niacinamide and all the benefits, here. 

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.- The Ordinary

The Best Trio for Anti Aging: Watch Here

BUFFET:

with a pH of 4.5- 5.0, this serum works well with your skin’s natural pH level. This serum is packed with multiple peptides. What are peptides?  Peptides are meant to rebuild and repair damaged cells and tell the skin to produce collagen, while slowing the aging process. 

CAFFEINE SOLUTION 5% + EGCG :

This light-textured formula contains an extremely high 5% concentration of caffeine, supplemented with highly-purified Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. Independent studies have shown that topical use of caffeine and EGCG can help reduce looks of puffiness and of dark circles in the eye contour. Additional studies have shown that caffeine can also reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Notes:
1. Hollowness in the eye contour as a result of structure of sub-dermal tissues like fat and bone can result in visible shadows under the eyes. This shadow, which is not to be mistaken for dark circles, cannot be addressed with topical skin care including this formula.
2. Fat deposits under the eye contour can create permanent puffiness in this area. This type of deposit cannot be improved with topical skincare, including this formula.
3. Supplied in UV-protective packaging as EGCG is sensitive to light.

GRANACTIVE RETINOID 5% IN SQUALENE:

This water-free solution contains a 5% concentration of an advanced retinoid active complex called Granactive Retinoid that has been shown to offer better results against multiple signs of aging than retinol without any of the irritation and drawbacks common with retinol. Granactive Retinoid, an active technology from Grant Industries, is a solubilized system of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of aging than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid.- The Ordinary

I hope all this helps you understand the importance of knowing whats in our products or at least motivates you to do some research before purchasing. We should all be able to walk into any store and not feel the pressure from marketing and sale tactics. We can achieve beautiful skin targeted for our uniquenesses, we just need to figure our what our skin wants and needs, on a deeper level 🙂