How to build a skincare routine with The Ordinary products

I thought it would be great to create some sample skincare routines for different skin types, so there is something for everyone, whether you have sensitive skin, oily skin, acne prone skin, dry skin, combination skin… there is a whole range! Here is how to build a skincare routine with The Ordinary products – The Ordinary skincare routine ideas for every skin type!

I also recommend doing a patch test to avoid a negative initial reaction to a new product. This is helpful for everyone but especially helpful to those with sensitive skin.

The Ordinary products for most skin types

♡ Cleanser (AM + PM): Squalane Cleanser – This is a gentle cleanser that is ideal for a morning cleanse and works as the perfect makeup remover in the evening.

♡ Eye Cream (AM + PM): Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG – Perfect to treat dark circles around the eye contour, pigmentation, and puffiness.

♡ Sunscreen (Last Step in AM Skincare Routine): Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants – Broad Spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection that also contains antioxidant, hydration, and anti-irritant support.

The Ordinary products for sensitive skin and rosacea

Whether you want to figure out how to calm your skin and keep it happy, or how to get rid of rosacea or redness and swelling, you can use products with anti-inflammatories to reduce the blotchiness and inflammation.

If you have sensitive skin, be sure to incorporate products that support your skin barrier into your skincare routine. It is all about restoring that all important moisture barrier, that will protect your skin from the elements and keep it happy and calm.

PS if you have sensitive skin be sure to patch test to ensure compatibility with all products from The Ordinary!

I love both Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for their gentle formulas. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA will hydrate and repair the skin, while 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil helps with redness, sensitivity, and inflammation.

Morning:

♡ Squalane Cleanser

♡ Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

♡ Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

♡ Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)

♡ Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

♡ Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening:

♡ Squalane Cleanser

♡ Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

♡ 100% Plant-Derived Squalane OR 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil

The Ordinary skincare routine for oily and acne prone skin

Cleansing is a gentle process and the focus is on keeping skin clean, calm and restoring the moisture barrier through lightweight layers of hydration.

Oily/combo skin that is prone to acne and breakouts can benefit from The Ordinary’s best-selling Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% along with acid exfoliation and retinoids. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% helps to even skin texture, brighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. This lightweight gel-cream can be used as your morning moisturizer.

Morning:

♡ Squalane Cleanser

♡ Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

♡ Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

♡ Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

♡ Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)

♡ Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

♡ Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening:

♡ Squalane Cleanser

♡ ”Buffet” serum

♡ Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

♡ Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

♡ Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)

♡ 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

Weekly:

♡ Salicylic Acid 2% Masque This masque is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

♡ AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, a 10-minute exfoliating facial which is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation. I would avoid using this treatment on the same day as the Salicylic Acid 2% Masque. This masque is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin.

The Ordinary skincare routine for dry skin

If you have dry skin, your skin will benefit from products that supplement your skin with moisture and protect your all important skin barrier. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + HA is the perfect product for this and can be used twice daily. The Ordinary has some fantastic oils that will help to seal in the active ingredients underneath, so feel free to try some options like their Squalane, Marula or Argan Oils.

Morning:

♡ Squalane Cleanser

♡ Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

♡ “Buffet” serum

♡ Ascorbic Glucoside Solution 12%

♡ Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)

♡ Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

♡ Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening:

♡ Squalane Cleanser

♡ Lactic Acid 5% + HA (on alternate nights use Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane)

♡ Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

♡ Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)

♡ 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

The Ordinary skincare routine for aging skin

The Ordinary offers an extensive selection of products for aging skin. Their retinoids are seriously amazing, so to start out with a single product for anti-aging, I would try their Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane or Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. These will increase cell turnover for younger-looking skin.

100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is another wonderful product that addresses the signs of aging. It is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic, and pro-vitamin A that will help with dehydration, dullness, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Morning:

♡ Squalane Cleanser

♡ Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

♡ “Buffet” serum

♡ Ascorbic Glucoside Solution 12%

♡ Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)

♡ Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

♡ Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

Evening:

♡ Squalane Cleanser

♡ Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Alternate Nights: Use Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane instead of Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

♡ Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (for eye contour pigmentation and puffiness)

♡ 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Weekly: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, a 10-minute exfoliating facial which is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation. This masque is not intended for sensitive, peeling, or otherwise compromised skin. If this product is too strong for your skin, Lactic Acid 5% + HA is an alternative.

Extra skincare hacks for clear, happy skin

Keep your phone and pillow clean – we possibly never think about cleaning our house phone or mobile phone, yet they touch our face all the time and bacteria is constantly being transferred to our face throughout the day!

Cortisol makes it worse – You have the greatest excuse to take time out for yourself to relax and rest, as the more stress we encounter the more likely we are to see zits and pimples on our face. This is due to a chemical known as CRH, or corticotropin-releasing hormone, which is produced in times of stress. Sadly, it doesn’t mind its business as it attaches itself to receptors in the skin’s glands, leading to excess oil production. As pores begin to clog with sebum and traces of old makeup, the environment becomes rife for spots.

It’s ok to pop or drain spots if they are ready – if they are at the right stage where the skin is attempting to eject its contents. It’s best to use a very clean, sharp tool, like a disinfected needle, and cause as little damage as you can to the skin. You can tell a spot is ‘ready’ when it turns in to a white head. It is vital to wash your hands before, clean the area afterwards and apply a gentle lotion or ointment to the area, to restore the moisture barrier. It’s fine to use makeup, but be sure to avoid a backlog or even small traces of old makeup to clog up the skin as it presents the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and inflammation to occur, resulting in more spots.

If your Sunday routine doesn’t involve Jasmine tea and moisturiser then there’s so much fun to be had – in the name of skincare, of course! If you liked this post definitely check out this What is Galactomytes and Why Skin Loves It guide, best Clinique Moisture Surge Skincare Dupes and How to Look Pretty Without Makeup ♡