How To Build A Skincare Routine With The Ordinary Products
The Ordinary products are amazing for building an affordable skincare routine. But what products are the best for your skin? Find out here.
Skincare is more important than you realize. It’s not just for aging skin, as you should be taking care of it long before you see any visible signs of aging!
A good skincare routine is essential to keep your skin in the best possible condition, as it helps the skin cells regenerate, keeps your face glowing and healthy, and keeps your skin looking and feeling its best.
Your skin cells shed every day, so having a skincare routine is so important. This can help clean and clear any debris, whilst exfoliating old skin cells away so that you do not clog your pores or create build-up on your skin. You can also keep your face looking fresh, free of blemishes, lines and wrinkles, and prevent breakouts or acne.
The most important thing is keeping to a routine, and ensuring that you are taking good care of your skin every single day.
Luckily for you, we have created this guide to help you build a skincare routine with The Ordinary productsthat will leave your skin looking gorgeous, no matter if you have acne-prone skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, or any other skin concerns!
Why Do I Need A Skincare Routine?
Having a skincare routine is so essential in how your skin looks, feels and ages. It’s never too early to start, as prevention is easier than correction. For instance, lines and wrinkles are easy to avoid when you have a good skincare routine that you stick to regularly, whereas trying to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes that are already there can feel impossible.
But, it’s not just about how your skin looks, it is also about how it feels. With youthful-looking skin and a fresh, glowing complexion, you will have a confidence boost and feel much better about yourself.
In addition, if you have skin problems such as acne or rosacea, and you keep on top of it with the right products, then you will not feel insecure or down about your appearance!
A good skincare routine can prevent dryness, lines, blemishes, acne, the early signs of aging, skin damage, and excess oil…you name it. The benefits are countless, and there are too many not to implement a skincare routine!
Things To Consider When Building A Skincare Routine
The only problem with building a skincare routine is getting started. You need to know what skin issues you have, what skin type you have and which products will be best for you, and which ones to avoid!
Fortunately, this is where we come in handy. We have created skincare routines with The Ordinary products for a variety of skin types to help you find the best one for you.
Most people have one of three skin types; dry, oily and combination. If you have dry skin, then you will need extra hydration, and you may have irritated or rough feeling skin that needs moisture and care.
On the other hand, oily skin can need a little extra help getting under control, and there are certain products you will want to avoid that could cause excess oil build-up.
For those lucky ones who have combination skin, most products will be suitable for you, but you will want to ensure that they do not aggravate any skin conditions that you have such as eczema, rosacea or acne.
Before choosing products for a skincare routine, you will need to know what problems you want to combat. If you have large pores, then you may want to implement a BHA liquid exfoliant, or if you have acne, then you will need to use products with Niacinamide and Zinc to help replenish and clear the skin.
Luckily, we can help you understand which ingredients are right for certain skin types and problems so that you can have clearer, healthier and the perfect skin that you have always dreamed of. With our skincare routines, we are going to focus on The Ordinary products. These are some of our favorite products, and it is one of the hottest skincare lines available on the market.
What Is The Ordinary?
The Ordinary is quickly becoming one of the most popular skincare brands in the world, and it is no wonder why. There are so many products to choose from, and they are designed for different skin types and purposes, and they actually work.
The Ordinary takes clinically tested and proven ingredients, formulates them for their effectiveness, and sells them at a fair price. This brand creates wonderful products that really do what they say they will, without charging excessive amounts of money for them! In addition, all of their products are 100% cruelty-free!
View this post on Instagram
Many of The Ordinary skincare products are created with active ingredients that are scientifically proven to improve the skin and have it looking its best. With protective packaging to prolong the products and secure them in transit, The Ordinary formulates its products and treatments to give the utmost results and effectiveness on the skin.
It’s high-quality skincare, without the steep prices.
The Ordinary Skincare Routine
This skincare routine has been built in general for normal skin. We will provide skincare recommendations from The Ordinary, what ingredients they have and how to use them.
If you need skincare products for specific skin problems, we have also added our recommended products for each skin type after the general recommended routine, which you can alter as needed.
Morning Skincare Routine
Step One: Cleanser
Get this on Sephora
Of course, you ave to start your The Ordinary skincare routine with a cleanser. This removes dirt, grime, debris and makeup to give you a fresh face. It is essential that you cleanse your skin at least once a day to remove grime.
We recommend using the Squalane Cleanser from The Ordinary in the morning to remove any excess oil or grime. This cleanser is incredibly lightweight and is specifically formulated to target makeup removal and leave the skin smooth and moisturized.
The product is made with Squalane, alongside lipophilic esters that are gentle on the skin and highly efficient in dissolving dirt, build up and facial impurities.
When you rub it between your fingers, you can change the texture from a balm to a clear oil consistency, able to rub and wash over the face. It’s perfect for everyday use as it does not dry out the skin, and is suitable for all skin types.
Step Two: Toner/Astringent
Get this on Ulta
The next step after cleansing is to tone the skin. A toner or astringent works to rebalance the skin, refine the skin, and gently exfoliate to restore hydration and freshen the skin.
Astringents can also help to rebalance the overall look of the skin, reducing pigmentation, redness and minimizing the appearance of pores. This gives you a brighter, fresher complexion.
For this step, we would recommend that you use the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. This product is designed to target the signs of aging, improve the appearance of congestions and target textural irregularities and uneven skin tone.
It is a very light and gentle exfoliant that will give you skin radiance and clarity that all will be jealous of. This toner will give you a brighter, clearer and clearer complexion that will make your skin glow and look younger with continued use.
Step Three: Exfoliator/Mask (done 1-2 times per week)
Get this on Ulta
This step is only meant to be incorporated into your skincare routine about 1-2 a week, so make sure that you do not use these products more than that. However, The Ordinary AHA 30% and BHA 2% Peeling Solution will visibly improve the skin.
This product is the perfect solution for textural irregularities, dull skin and congested pores, as it exfoliates away dead skin cells, revealing the fresh, new and clear skin underneath.
It is made with Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid, making it a wonderful solution for blemishes and acne-prone skin, but it is also packed with nutrients to improve your skin and nourish it at the same time.
It is a powerful resurfacing treatment that acts as a 10-minute facial to revitalize, tone and freshen the skin.
Step Three is all about targeting your skin’s problems, so you can choose products that suit your skin’s needs. For instance, you may want to try using the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque if you have blemish prone skin, as this will smoothen and clear the complexion, leaving the skin feeling refreshed.
Step Four: Serums
Get this on Ulta
Now, it is time for serums. This is a step that many people try and skip, or think that they do not need, but serums are vital in keeping your skin healthy.
Most serums are typically formulated with a high concentration of nutrients and ingredients designed to benefit the skin. Again, you will want to use ones that target your skin’s specific problems and issues. We recommend the Hyaluronic Acid Serum to give you round-the-clock hydration support, keeping your skin healthy, smooth, clear and bright all day.
This Hyaluronic Acid works to draw moisture into the skin and improve it over time. Simply pat the serum onto the skin, especially in the driest areas.
Alternatively, you can use an anti-oxidant serum to help protect the skin from long-term damage caused by environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV rays. These serums will protect and shield the skin from stress, and reduce the signs of damage.
Our favorites are The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% if you have pigmentation or lines, and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% & Zinc 1% if you have breakouts, blackheads or congested skin. Once again, press these into the skin gently, rather than rubbing them in.
Serums are generally very lightweight, and gloss over the skin before heavier creams and moisturizers, and make the perfect surface layer to protect the skin before you use such creams.
Step Five: Moisturizer
Get this on Ulta
Once you have applied your serums and allowed them to seep in, you can move on to moisturizer. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, you need to use a moisturizer. Even if you think that your skin is oily, a moisturizer will be your best friend. Just pick an oil-free one or a very lightweight one. Moisturizers work to hydrate the skin, keeping it smooth and younger-looking.
The most popular moisturizer from The Ordinary is the Natural Moisturizing Factors & HA hydrating formula.
This product is jam-packed with surface hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, triglycerides and other healthy ingredients. The formula itself is lightweight, nongreasy or cakey and is perfect if you need a little extra hydration.
It provides extra skin barrier support, keeping your face smooth, and reducing texture irregularities, and also works well to replenish lost moisture, which is even better if you have dry skin. However, it is still lightweight enough not to clog the pores, so can be used for oily skin types too! Gently massage this all over the face and neck.
Step Six: Eye Cream/Solution
Get this on Ulta
One of the biggest ways your skin can look tired, dull and old is if the eyes are not cared for. Under-eye bags can make you look older, and you can develop wrinkles, dark circles and fine lines if you do not look after the skin around the eyes.
Therefore, you have to take care of this area every single day. If you want to attack puffiness, dark circles and lines around the delicate eye area, then you will need the Caffeine Solution 5% and EGCG from The Ordinary.
This product is truly wonderful and has a high concentration of caffeine and epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves to rejuvenate the eyes. It’s a lightweight serum that you can just dab around the eyes to give you a more awake and youthful appearance.
Step Seven: Sunscreen
Get this on Beauty Bay
The sun’s UV rays are one of the fastest ways to get wrinkles and aged-looking skin. Even on cloudy days, the sun can still penetrate your skin and cause sun damage, skin damage, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and blemishes.
This is why it is so crucial that you wear sunscreen every single day, as you can cut your risk of developing skin cancer in half, and keep your skin looking younger for longer. Make sure you invest in a good sunscreen and apply this to the whole face before using primers and makeup. We recommend the Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants Sunscreen. This one from The Ordinary is a bestseller, and it’s no wonder why.
It simply seeps into the skin, providing weightless protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, and doesn’t leave a greasy film behind! With antioxidants, it can neutralize free radical damage, and replenish hydration, leaving your skin feeling healthy and fortified.
Once you have completed your daily skincare routine, you can apply primers and foundation or other makeup, knowing that your skin is prepped and primed ready for the day!
Nighttime Skincare Routine
Get this on Ulta
For your evening skincare routine with The Ordinary products, you will want to repeat step one, and use the Squalane Cleanser again to remove makeup and grime from the day. Again, don’t forget to tone the skin as your step two.
When it comes to serums, you will want to use a type of retinoid to treat the skin throughout the night, just like the one recommended above.
In addition, you may want to use your Niacinamide and Zinc solution if you have oily skin, or you can try The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% for textured skin and pigmentation.
On the other hand, you may prefer to use a Retinoid Treatment, such as the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion as this can target the signs of aging, whilst improving the skin’s elasticity, texture and radiance.
Alternatively, you can try the Retinol 0.5% treatment. With this water-free solution and 0.5% pure retinol (use a lower percentage at first to build up a tolerance), to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, damage and the early signs of aging. Retinols are best used in the nighttime as they are sensitive to sunlight, so don’t use them in the AM.
After you have applied your serums, apply moisturizer in the same way you do in the morning routine, and use your caffeine eye solution again just before bed, to heal the skin overnight.
The Ordinary Skincare Products for Dry Skin
Get this on Ulta
For dry skin types, Step One is the same for you as the Squalane Cleanser is ultra-moisturizing and suitable for all skin types. You can also stick to Step Two, and use the Glycolic Toner, but make sure you use extra moisturizer later on in your routine, as it may dry the skin at first, but this is only temporary.
As an exfoliant, you are best off using the Lactic Acid 5% & HA for gentle exfoliation and hydration. When it comes to serum, stick to the Hyaluronic Acid as this will fully hydrate and moisturize the skin. Step Five, Six and Seven are also suitable for this skin type.
For an extra boost of moisture, apply The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane as your last step before bed as this can strengthen the skin barrier and provide more hydration through the night.
The Ordinary Skincare Products for Oily Skin
Get this on Ulta
Instead of Hyaluronic Acid for a serum, opt for a lightweight formula like the Marine Hyaluronics, as this is not sticky or greasy, and will not trigger excess oil.
You will also want to use The Ordinary’s bestselling Niacinamide serum as this will prevent excess sebum production and oiliness. Follow the rest of the steps as instructed.
The Ordinary Skincare Products for Acne-Prone Skin
For this skin type, you can follow Step One and Step Two. Glycolic toner will be your best friend. It is even more important that you exfoliate with the AHA and BHA Peeling Solution once a week to treat acne-prone skin.
When it comes to serums, you will want to use the Niacinamide and Zinc solution, as this will reduce sebum production and prevent your pores from clogging, which is what causes acne.
In addition, it can strengthen the skin barrier to prevent bacteria from getting in and causing blemishes. The latter steps are all the same for this skin type and always use retinol before bed to help skin cell reproduction and heal acne scars.
The Ordinary Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin
Get this on Ulta
For sensitive skin, it is fine to use the Squalane Cleanser as your Step One. For Step Two, stick to a gentle toner or skip the toner altogether and move on to your serums.
Step Three from our routine above is not suitable for sensitive skin, as the peeling solution is packed with free acids that could irritate your skin.
Instead, opt for a hydrating mask with minimal ingredients. Skip the peeling acids for this step as this can damage your skin barrier, and instead, try using the Azelaic Acid Suspension as it improves the evenness of your skin texture and reduces blemishes.
You can however follow Step Four, and use Hyaluronic Acid on sensitive skin as it is very gentle and hydrating. Follow Step Five, Six and Step Seven as they are suitable for all skin types. Sunscreen is particularly important for sensitive skin, so opt for SPF 30 for this one.
Precautions When Building A Routine
When you are building a skincare routine with The Ordinary, you will probably be looking for products that can fix your problems. However, some ingredients should not be used in the same routine as others.
For instance, peptides cannot be used with direct acids such as glycolic or lactic acid. Acids should also not be used with retinoids, so try to alternate which ones you use in the AM and PM. We also recommend using patch tests before applying new skincare products onto the face, as you could have a reaction.
What Are The Bestselling Ordinary Skincare Products?
Lastly, you might be wondering what the most popular The Ordinary are. There have been TikTok trends in abundance around some of these products, and by far the bestselling products of The Ordinary are:
- The Ordinary AHA & BHA Peeling Solution
- The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc Serum
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors Moisturizer
- The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution
This is also why we have chosen to include so many of them in our The Ordinary skincare routine above!
We hope you enjoyed these tips about building a skincare routine with The Ordinary! For more beauty ideas, make sure to check out the related posts below.
Get More Beauty Ideas
10 Best The Ordinary Products For Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots
8 Best The Ordinary Products For Acne Scars