How to get clear skin fast
I am obsessed with my skin.
Because it’s so sensitive, the tiniest blemish leaves behind PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) that can literally take up to three months to fade. That means I have to be vigilant by maintaining a solid skincare routine and avoiding breakouts at all costs. Speaking of $$$, quality skincare adds up which is why The Ordinary is such a game changer in the beauty / skincare space.
Ever since it’s popularity skyrocketed in 2017, I’ve been keeping close tabs on the super affordable skincare brand, The Ordinary. I first saw fellow beauty addicts sharing their experiences with these products on Reddit in the Skincare Addiction thread.
To sum it up, The Ordinary is a popular skincare line at a ridiculously low price point housed under Toronto-based brand Deceim. They deliver active ingredients in simple packaging. You need to understand exactly which ingredients you’re putting on your face and what they do. It also turns you into a chemist of sorts, as you’ll probably have to mix a few of their products together for boosted results.
For my slightly uneven, super sensitive, sometimes dehydrated skin, I tested out four of The Ordinary’s products: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and 100% Plant Derived Squalene.
NIACINAMIDE 10% + ZINC 1%
The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is for you if you have a slightly uneven complexion or texture on your skin. I love this product’s gel-like consistency; which helps it to apply smoothly and absorb quickly. The formula is gentle enough to use once everyday — I’ve done both either morning and night, layered under a sunscreen and it’s no problem!
As my favourite product from the line so far, I feel as though its made the most difference in the quality of my skin. The website claims this product helps with oil control, which I don’t have much experience in, but I did find that the high concentration of Niacinamide has shown big results in terms of texture and clarity. Whenever I feel a breakout coming on, especially during my time of month, I layer this underneath a heavy moisturizer at night and wake up to smooth skin.
ALPHA ARBUTIN 2% + HA
Personally, the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is just too drying for nightly use. Although the product lives up to its claim of reducing “the looks of spots and hyper-pigmentation”, I have to double up on moisturizer the next morning. It also makes my face feel slightly exfoliated (is that irritation?!) but that’s not a concern as long as I ensure my face is hydrated and protected from the sun. Lately, I’ve been using the AA2% as a bi-weekly treatment, which I think is a best practice for those with easily irritated or hyper-sensitive skin. Make sure you use sunscreen!
NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTORS + HA
As someone who used to shell out over $40 CAD for MAC’s Studio Skin Moisturizer, this $5.49 CAD alternative is amazing. Although I do prefer the silky smooth texture of most other moisturizers (this one is slightly gritty/clumpy when applying), the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA packs a long lasting punch. To help the texture of this product, mix it with another facial oil. That combo gives my skin a PERFECT, radiant glow. It does take around 15-20 minutes to fully absorb but it works nicely under sunscreens, most primers and makeup.
If you’re like me and just need a basic moisturizer that doesn’t brighten, control oil, minimize pores, just moisturizes, than add to cart ASAP!
100% PLANT-DERIVED SQUALENE
This was my first experience with using oils (and it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be). The 100% plant-derived squalene absorbed quickly into my skin and helped leave a dewy, lasting glow. I mainly used it to thin out the somewhat clumpy texture of the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA cream.
What I can’t wait to try next: The Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
I’m also VERY excited to announce I’ve created my first ever YouTube channel!! If you like this blog post, don’t forget to subscribe since I’ll be posting all about beauty tips for dry skin:
Talk soon,
