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Seeking for the best The Ordinary products for dry skin? — seek no more, you’ve found it.
People with dry skin suffers regular skin-dryness which makes them extremely careful on what they put on their skin, because one-wrong-product applied on the skin can cause extreme dryness, redness and itchiness. So, if you want to keep things in order by maintaining a good skincare routine for dry skin, we’ve made a content on that, click here to read. But when you want a skincare routine using only The Ordinary skincare products, then we got you covered.
In this article, we’ve created a skincare routine for dry skin, using The Ordinary skincare products, to keep your skin intensively hydrated, supple and healthy.
Keep reading to learn more.
The Ordinary Products For Dry Skin — Morning (AM).
Step 1: Cleanse.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
Start-off your skincare routine with cleansing your skin, to get rid of dirts and oil lingering on the skin, thereby preparing the skin for topical application of your skincare products. For the sake of your skin type, you need a skin-hydrating cleanser, that won’t strip-off your moisture-barrier and leaves your skin overly dry which will be a disaster for your already dry skin.
Therefore to curtail this occurrence, we recommend CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser — a gentle cleanser which helps cleanse the skin without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier or stripping the skin of its natural moisture all thanks to its content in hyaluronic acid and ceramides that work to restore the skin’s natural barrier to help the skin lock in moisture.
How To Apply.
Squeeze out a reasonable amount (careful not to squeeze out too much) a little goes along way.
Gently massage it on your face for 60 seconds (1 minutes), then rinse-off.
Step 2: Hydrate.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
Hyaluronic acid helps replenish skin of lost moisture, as it’s a humectant which pulls moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate skin surface. The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum also combines Vitamin B5 in their formula. Vitamin B5 also called pro-vitamin B5 helps to keep skin soft, smooth, and healthy by deeply hydrating the skin, to keep skin quenched by absorbing moisture from the air. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help stimulate your skin’s healing processes. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
Apply 4-5 drops of hyaluronic acid serum while your skin is damp, massage until fully absorbed.
Step 3: Treat.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin and a type of vitamin B3 which helps control excessive oil production, minimize large pores, Improve skin barrier function and improve overall skin tone which is very beneficial for all skin type. Niacinamide also helps build keratin — a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy. Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which can in turn, help retain moisture which is very good for people with dry skin.
The Ordinary niacinamide serum combines 10% niacinamide with 1% zinc to help minimize excess oil production, purify the pores, thereby getting rid of blemishes and pores congestion which in turn enhance skin barrier function, shrink large pores and improve overall skin texture and complexion. Zinc helps treat skin lesions as it offers anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
Apply 3-4 drops on your face, gently massage till fully absorbed.
Step 4: Hydrate Again.
The Ordinary Amino Acid + B5.
In this step, you have to hydrate again, and this time, you’ll be using The Ordinary Amino Acid + B5. This is a concentrated hydration formula, that combines amino acids and amino acid derivatives creating a combined total concentration of 17% (by weight) plus a 5% concentration of vitamin B5 to deeply and immensely hydrate the skin, provides enhanced barrier support, elasticity while aiding in skin repair and anti-irritant functions.
And not to worry, this formula (Amino Acids + B5) offers non-greasy hydration, just incase if you’re concerned about it being sticky or greasy on the skin.
How To Apply.
Apply 3-4 drops on your skin, massage till fully absorbed. You may experience a slight-tingling sensation after application. If the sensation is too strong to tolerate, you can mix the formula with other hydrating serums of your preference, (example: hyaluronic acid) before application to reduce the strength.
Step 5: Moisturize.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
Moisturization is strictly important in every skincare routine, no matter your skin type. Your skin needs all the moisture it deserves to enable it function properly and looking healthy.
The Ordinary Moisturizing Factors + HA contains all that makes up a good moisturizer (humectants and ceramides) to help enhance moisture retention in the skin by trapping in moisture which prevents moisture-loss thereby keeping the skin hydrated, plump and supple. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
Squeeze out and apply a generous amount of The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, massage till fully absorbs.
Step 6: Sunscreen.
The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants.
Go ahead and apply your sunscreen to protect your skin from the wicked UV rays of the sun. You wouldn’t want to ruin your skincare-efforts right? Then keep your skin protected.
The Ordinary Mineral UV Filter (sunscreen) offers SPF protection along with antioxidant, hydration, and anti-irritant support in a lightweight, non-comedogenic silicones formula to offer broad spectrum sun protection, neutralizes free radicals and minimizes the intensity of UV radiation penetrating the skin.
How To Apply.
Endeavor to shake well before use. Squeeze out a reasonable amount and apply to the face liberally and evenly 15 to 20 minutes before UV exposure. To maintain protection during continued UV exposure, reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure, towel-drying, swimming, or extensive perspiration.
After applying your sunscreen, you can go ahead and apply your makeup (if you must).
The Ordinary Products For Dry Skin — Evening (PM).
Step 1: Take Off Your Makeup.
This is a crucial step during your night time skincare routine. You need to take off your makeup using a makeup remover or makeup remover wipes. If you wore a waterproof makeup, then take it off using a waterproof makeup remover. Taking off your makeup relieves your pores of clogs, dirt and oil (attached to the makeup) along side removal of your sunscreen.
Step 2: Double-Cleanse.
The Ordinary Squalane Oil-Cleanser.
Double cleansing is a practice of cleansing the skin twice, first with an oil-based cleanser, then secondly with a water-based cleanser. The reason for this is to ensure a adequate cleansing, as the oil-based cleanser helps breaks down make-up, oil, sticky-dirt and sunscreen residue applied during the day, while the water-based cleanser helps rinse them all off, mildly exfoliate the skin, unclog pores and also targets acne.
The Ordinary squalane cleanser helps cleanse the skin. It’s a lightweight and skin-friendly oil which not only helps breakdown stubborn makeup and sunscreen residue, but also hydrates the skin simultaneously.
According to Board certified dermatologist David Lortscher, M.D. said “The benefit of double cleansing is that the first cleanser will break down any makeup, remove dirt and excess oils from the day and clean your skin. The second cleanser will address your particular skin type or concern and should have ingredients to hydrate, smooth or exfoliate and treat acne.”
After oil-cleansing, you should plunge ahead to cleanse the second time with a water-based cleanser. We still recommend CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for this purpose.
How To Apply.
Squeeze out a reasonable amount (careful not to squeeze out too much) a little goes along way.
Gently massage it on your face for 2 minutes, then rinse off. After that, proceed to your water-based gentle cleanser.
Step 3: Tone & Exfoliate.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
After cleansing, you tone!.
Applying a face toner is very essential, not only does it help clean off dirt (which your cleanser might have missed) but also shrink large pores, get rid of grime and gunk in the pores, target acne, soothe redness and balance the skin pH level. By so doing improving overall skin tone and texture.
Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acids), as a water-soluble exfoliating acid, it helps alleviate the pores of pore-clogging impurities all thanks to its small molecular size which enables it penetrate deeply into the skin to dissolve oil build-up, detangle dead skin cells and exfoliant the skin to reveal healthier and brighter-looking skin beneath.
The Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner contains 10% glycolic acid to help minimize large-visible pores, target and gets rid of acne, decongest the pores of oil build-up, brightens the skin and tackle texture irregularities thereby improving skin texture and complexion. Read full review here.
This toner serves two purposes, it tones and exfoliates the skin.
How To Apply.
Saturate or wet your cotton pad with the glycolic formula and gently wipe it on your face and neck.
Do well to avoid your eye area. (You wouldn’t want an acid to get into your eyes).
Step 4: Hydrate.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
After cleansing, you need to hydrate your skin to replenish it of lost moisture and prep it for the application of other skincare topicals.
How To Apply.
After cleansing, while your skin is damp, apply 4-5 drops of hyaluronic acid serum, gently massage till fully absorbed.
Step 5: Treat.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Niacinamide not only helps minimize excess oil production, reduce large pores, improve skin barrier function, calms inflammation (redness) and enhance overall skin tone, it also helps build keratin which keeps your skin firm and healthy and also helps your skin grow ceramide (lipid) barrier, which in turn helps retain moisture.
How To Apply.
Apply 3-4 drops on your face, gently massage till fully absorbed.
Step 6: Moisturize.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
Then you seal in with a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated all night. You wouldn’t want to wake up with a dehydrated skin right? So do the needful.
How To Apply.
Squeeze out and apply a generous amount, massage till fully absorbs.
Step 7: Nourish & Hydrate.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.
Finish-off your evening skincare routine with an extra layer of hydration and nourishment to keep your skin hydrated and nourished all night.
Squalane is a plant derived or hydrogenated oil which is used in its pure form or in cosmetic formulations for moisturizing, hydrating and soothing the skin.
Traditionally, squalene (with an “e“) is derived from shark liver oil — yes, the shark you know (the ocean animal), it is also present in human skin, it is a lipid fat, that is naturally produced by the oil glands in our skin to hydrate and maintain the barrier of our skin. But because sourcing began endangering the shark species, plant derived version of squalene was discovered, which is squalane (with an “a“).
Squalane oil mimics our natural skin oil, which means when it’s applied on the skin, the skin recognizes it and takes it as its own, our skin understands and compliments it. So, if you’re scared or worried that squalane is going to break you out, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because that is never going to happen. Squalane oil is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is suitable for use on all skin types. It has excellent emollient properties, meaning it can keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
It exhibits excellent emollient potential and a great moisturizer as it easily absorbs and prevents water loss from the skin. One of the reasons why squalane is a great moisturizer and penetrates deep into the skin is because our skin recognizes it instantly and takes it in as one of its own.
How To Apply.
Apply 3-4 (or more) on your skin, gently massage till fully absorbed.
Weekend Skincare Routine.
Exfoliate.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%.
Lactic acid is an AHA extracted from lactose in milk, as a chemical exfoliant, it’s being used in many over-the-counter products to gently exfoliate the skin and address skin texture irregularities. Lactic acid gently sloughs off dead skin cells, fades hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other factors that contribute to a dull and uneven complexion.
It also reduces pore appearance and helps to keep the skin moisturized and feeling less dry because lactic acid acts as a humectant (especially on low concentration) to pull moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate the skin surface. Consider lactic acid a hydrating-chemical-exfoliator, that’s why it’s best recommended for individuals with dry and sensitive skin and also new acid users.
The Ordinary’s formula pairs 10% lactic acid, with hyaluronic acid for added skin surface hydration in combination with tasmanian pepperberry to help reduce irritation associated with acid use by curtailing redness, tightness and stings. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
Apply 3-4 drops of the product on a well cleansed skin, massage till fully absorbed. Then seal in with a moisturizer.
We advice you should apply lactic acid serum twice weekly, at night-time only, and it should be applied only on the days you won’t be applying The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
In Conclusion.
Here comes to the end of the list of best The Ordinary products for dry skin. The Ordinary brand has so many skincare topicals suitable for every skin type, so regardless your skin type, there must be something for you from The Ordinary brand.
Endeavor to consult your dermatologist before using a new skincare product to seek advice, and endeavor to do a patch test prior to commencing a new skincare product and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen daily before exploring your outdoor activities.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Can someone with dry and acne-prone skin use this skincare routine?
A: Yes, if you have dry and acne-prone skin, this skincare routine can definitely help relieve your skin of discomfort as the inclusion of niacinamide in this skincare routine can help with skin blemishes and acne. Niacinamide being an anti-inflammatory and pore purifier ingredient helps curtail acne. Since acne is an inflammatory condition, that inflammation often leads to numerous pimples with delayed healing and acne scarring. Niacinamide can reduce the overall inflammatory response.
Q: Is double-cleansing really necessary?
A: Although, double cleansing is not necessary for everyone. It depends primarily on your skin type and the type of makeup you wear. But certain skin types may find it to be more purposeful than others.
Take people with oily skin as an example. Two gentle formulas are generally a better way to combat excess oil than one strong formula that could leave skin feeling too dry.
On the other hand, if you have a dry skin, double-cleansing can also be beneficial too, as not only does the first oil-based cleanser breaks down make-up and sunscreen on your face, but also soothes and hydrates your dry skin in the process, while on the second-cleansing-phase using the water-based cleanser you get to adequately remove the makeup residue, oil and dirt.
However, if you think double-cleansing isn’t for you, then skip it and cleanse once instead using a water-based cleanser. But ensure you take-off your makeup first, using the appropriate makeup remover before cleansing your face.
Q: Can I get irritations while using any of these products?
A: Our skin is susceptible to irritations when we use products that it doesn’t like (or doesn’t suit it). Therefore, we have to always use products that are suitable to the skin and use them as directed by the producers. However should incase you notice quite some abnormalities on your skin while using any of these products, check to see if you’re doing something wrong, are you using too much? Is the product percentage (or concentration) too much for you, are you over-exfoliating?. Well, as far as you strictly followed the skincare-routine-guidelines mentioned above, you won’t have a problem with your skin, except you may be using a higher concentration or using too much amount.
If it’s a higher concentration, (example: Niacinamide 10%) you can find another brand of niacinamide with 2-5%. There has been cases of high concentration of niacinamide causing skin flushing, skin discomfort (tingling sensation) and redness. If you think you’re using a product too much, cut down to using it every-other-day or thrice weekly. You can as well buffer by applying a thick moisturizer first, before applying the product, or make a small mixture of the product and your moisturizer in the palm of your hand first, to dilute the product potency, before applying. That way you can reap the product’s benefits without irritation.
If you’ve done all these and irritations/breakouts still occurs, then stop all products application/usage, and start the routine all over, this time, start by introducing your skincare products to your skin one-by-one weekly. This will let you find out which product is really causing the breakouts or irritation, so you can single it out. Thank Goodness The Ordinary brand products contains one-active ingredient, this will make the fishing-out easier.
Also don’t forget to wear your sunscreen during the day. It’s very important.
Q: Can I use The Ordinary skincare products on a open cut?
A: No. Don’t use any skincare product on a broken skin such as open wound, little cut, abrasion or open acne wound (which was popped) allow these cuts to heal and close before applying any skincare treatment over it, else it will sting like hell which will cause serious discomfort. Trust me, your skin will hate you for it.
NEXT UP: The Ordinary Skincare Routine For Oily Skin.
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