The Ordinary

This brand is not ordinary, but extraordinary. Created to offer clinical formulas with integrity (low price tag and pure actives) they have revolutionized the skincare world by allowing us, skincare geeks, to become more educated and to have the possibility to customize our skincare routine depending of each specific need. Their very scientific lab looking packaging contains Retinols, Vitamins, Acids, Oils and more complex molecules that will help to target directly and efficiently your major concerns.

My skin is normal to dry, I´m in my 30´s and my will is to improve my skin´s condition and erase fines lines of expression, acne scars and hyper pigmentation. I also like to exfoliate time to time with some acids and overall to maintain my skin´s moisture levels high to feel it more supple and elastic.

Anti-Ageing 

Who’s not scared by the tiny fines lines that discreetly appear under your eyes, the nasolabial area and even on the forehead? I’ve been obsessed to avoid fine lines since I was 25 and know I have incorporated to my daily routine more effective products that smooth and lift the contours of my face.

ARGIRELINE SOLUTION 10%

This is a very effective solution of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. A trademark owned by the Spanish Company Lipotec. This neuropeptide, relaxes the facial muscles that lead to wrinkles, so it´s a targeted treatment to use only on the folds or lines that are forming or are already very present. You don´t have to use it all over your face, but only on the specific areas where your muscles are contracted more often. It´s not a magic product, but I have noticed that my skin´s appearance has significantly improved since I´ve started this treatment. It absorbs very quickly as it´s water based so it´s perfect to add as an anti-ageing boost to your skincare routine.

MATRIXYL 10% + HA

This is a trademark lipopeptide developed by the French company Sesderma. Created with two ``versions´´of Matrixyl (3000 +Sinthe’6) and coupled with HA, Hyaluronic Acid, a lipid which allows to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin. These compounds together stimulate the production of collagen and elastin reducing the look of wrinkles. I love how it feels when applied on the skin, I think it´s due to the hyaluronic acid. My face looks very plumped in the morning. If you are looking for a good anti-ageing serum, this one is fantastic as it gives to your skin more elasticity and a more youthful appearance.

Acids

When I first heard about acids in skincare I freaked out, as I associated the use of them to the stories of violent acid attacks in cities like London. I was so ignorant… All my life I have been using physical exfoliators and I was truly amazed the first time I applied Glycolic Acid for the first time. The choice of the best exfoliator depends on your skin´s preferences. Yes, its preferences, because sometimes rubbing tiny particles can be irritating for some persons, or a certain type of acid can cause to others an itchy uncomfortable sensation. My advice, experiment by yourself gradually, starting with tiny patches of your complexion where you feel that your skin is less reactive.

LACTIC ACID 10% + HA

There is also a more gentle version of Lactic Acid 5%, but I went for the more concentrate one, as my skin is not very sensitive or reactive right now. I really like this product for a weekly exfoliation, I use it as a serum. I apply a few drops only at night all over my skin and massage it well. It is a tiny bit itchy and tacky, but absorbs pretty well. The morning after the use of a high SPF is mandatory, as Lactic Acid is a derivative of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) that makes your complexion more sensitive to sunburns. Avoid direct and intense sun exposure for a week after the application. 
 I really like the fact that it's blended with Hyaluronic Acid, so it has a comfortable feel on the skin. It also contains purified Tasmanian Pepper Berry that reduces the irritation caused by this acid. If you have extremely sensitive skin, as Lactic Acid is a chemical peeling, I recommend to try it first on a small patch of skin. After all the warnings, let's talk about the benefits. The morning after I apply it with a very simple moisturizer like Ebryolisse, my skin wakes up radiant and glowy. It diminishes the appearance of pores, improve skin's tone and reduce hyper pigmentation and tiny fine lines. It's an amazing product because it's a surface exfoliator and doesn't go very deep into skin's layers like other acids. The use of Lactic Acid regularly will lighten your skin and will remove dead skin cells revealing the healthy new ones. My face looks polished, bright and flawless when I use it.

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID 5%

So, this is a a game changer acid for me. My face looks incredibly good when I apply it, seriously very smooth and luminous. The hitch is that it burns on my face, like, literally! I even cry sometimes, because it's difficult to stand the tingling sensation. You might probably think that I'm crazy, but trust me, it's completely safe. 
This formulation contains an extremely high concentration of Alpha Lipoid Acid, so use it only two to three drops once a week. ALA is a highly potent antioxidant and has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. An unsung hero, because it's more effective than Vitamin C+Vitamin E together. ALA is a great treatment to prevent wrinkles, pores and uneven texture that will also improve acne scars marks. This acid is ideal to use time to time to revitalize your skin.

Emollient

100% PLANT DERIVED SQUALANE 

It might sound basic, but hydration is key for a healthy and youthful complexion. Without the suppleness, hydration and elasticity, the skin is more prone to premature aging. This product is a must in my skincare cabinet, because it's perfect for a simple and soothing routine after applying peptides, acids...Less is more and I don't like to mix ingredients, I prefer to let my skin focuses in one specific blend of actives and do not driving it crazy with complex mixtures and layers. This cruelty-free vegan Squalane is a non-comedogenic hydrator. It has an oil feel, but in my opinion, the absorption is quicker. It's a very good emollient for your skin.

I'm crazy about THE ORDINARY, because it has democratized the use of highly effective clinical formulations present in very expensive and high end skincare products. 

Two days ago, I added to my collection Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane and Alpha Arbutin 2% with HA, but I haven't use them enough to have a constructed opinion. Let my know if you are interested in a review of them, or if you have tried another product of this brand.