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To be honest, dealing with oily skin can be annoying and frustrating. Not only will your face produce excess oil on a regular, but also vulnerable to acne breakouts due to pore clog or congestion in the pores. But you know what? That can only happen when your skin is not being taken care of, or managed well. That’s why we’ve taken the privilege to create a well detailed content on skincare routine for oily skin. But in this article, we shall lay guidelines on how to make a simple skincare routine using one of the best skincare brand in the world — The Ordinary.
Not only is The Ordinary skincare products effective, but also very pocket friendly which will be very favourable to those on budget. So we thought to ourselves, why don’t we write an article on the best The Ordinary products for oily skin, to keep the skin less oily, purify the skin pores, thereby lessen congestion for a healthier, brighter-looking, smooth and hydrated skin. That led us to come up with a well detailed guide, on creating a simple and budget-friendly skincare routine for oily skin using solely The Ordinary skincare products. Keep reading to learn more.
The Ordinary Products For Oily Skin — Morning (AM).
Step 1: Cleanse.
ZapZyt Acne Wash Cleanser.
In every skincare routine, first thing first — you cleanse, by using a skin suitable-facial cleanser to cleanse your face, thereby getting rid of dirt and oily in the pores and on skin surface, this is to prep your skin for topical application of other skincare products. Therefore, for this purpose, you need a gentle cleanser that won’t be too stripping on the skin, we recommend The ZapZyt Acne Wash Cleanser (you can as well use your favorite cleanser). You can also explore our best picks of mild glycolic acid cleansers.
ZapZyt Acne Wash Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid, in supplement with skin soothing and moisturizing ingredient to deeply but mildly cleanse and exfoliate your skin, without stripping-off your moisture barrier or making your skin overly dry. Read full review here.
How To Cleanse.
Squeeze out a reasonable amount of the facial cleanser, apply on your face, gently massage for 60 seconds, then wash off using a clean water. Pat your face with a clean towel (don’t rub), then move over to the next step of your skincare routine.
Step 2: Tone.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner 7%.
In a standard skincare routine, after cleansing comes toning. And this is where The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner comes in. Glycolic acid which is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) penetrates deeply into the pores (due to its small molecular size) to exfoliate the skin, loosen the gum that bonds dead skin cells together which not only purifies and unclog congested pores but shrink them to a smaller size, thereby minimizing future acne breakouts and promote smoother and glowing skin. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
After cleansing, pat your face with a clean towel, while your face is moist, saturate a cotton pad with your toner, and wipe it across your face.
Step 3: 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 brand 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 process. Read full review here.
The skin moisture barrier needs to be protected, therefore after using the glycolic acid toner, or a hydrating toner (which ever-one), go ahead to apply hyaluronic acid for skin surface hydration.
How To Apply.
Just after applying your facial toner, move ahead to apply 4-5 drops of hyaluronic acid serum while your skin is damp, massage until fully absorbed.
Step 4: Treat.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 and a water-soluble vitamin that 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 but mostly for individuals with oily skin. Individuals with oily skin are very much vulnerable to acne breakouts due to excessive oil (sebum) production which can lead to clogged pores, so to regulate oil production you have to incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine.
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 pore 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 5: Moisturize.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
No skincare routine is complete without a moisturizer. Infact, 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. All you need to do is bid for a moisture-rich moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Individuals with oily skin needs a lightweight moisturizer that won’t feel heavy on their skin, so as not to clog the vulnerable pores which can trigger acne-breakouts.
The Ordinary Moisturizing Factors + HA contains all that makes up a good moisturizer (humectants, emollients and occlusives) 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 Oily Skin — Evening (PM).
Step 1: Take Off Your Makeup.
This is a very vital approach 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 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 an 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 is a good one for oil cleansing as it contains squalane which is 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 recommend ZapZyt Acne Wash Cleanser or CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, as both contain Salicylic acid, a BHA, which not only exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, but also target and kill acne causing bacteria. ZapZyt Acne Wash Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid while CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser contains 0.5% salicylic acid. You can as well use your favorite cleanser.
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 cleanser.
Step 3: 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, pat your face with a clean towel, while your skin is damp, apply 4-5 drops of hyaluronic acid serum, gently massage till fully absorbed.
Step 4: Treat.
Under this step, you’ll be treating your skin with two ingredients, which are Niacinamide and Retinol.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Not only does niacinamide control excessive oil production, minimize large pores, improve skin barrier function and improve overall skin tone, it also helps reduces inflammation and improve skin barrier function which makes the skin receptive to retinol by stimulating the skin’s natural production of beneficial fatty acids and ceramides, which reinforces retinol’s ability to improve the look and feel of skin’s surface.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane.
Retinol is very beneficial for oily and acne prone skin as when applied to the skin, it stimulates cell turnover which plumps out skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, encourages new cells growth which in turn treats acne, unclog pores (allowing your pores to breath) and improves overall skin texture, with a youthful glow.
The Ordinary retinol serum combines retinol in squalane — which 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. Read full review here.
The combination of niacinamide and retinol will join forces to ensure your skin pores are decongested and purified while tackling superficial acne, minimize skin aging-signs and improve overall skin texture and complexion.
Keep in mind that while using niacinamide + retinol, this combination works great for a lot of people, but if you find that your skin becomes red, flaky or feels uncomfortable, you may need to decrease the frequency of application or move down to lower concentrations of the bio-active ingredients. For example, 1% retinol is considered high strength, so if you’re new to using it, begin with a more moderate strength, meaning retinol content below 0.5%.
How To Apply.
After applying 3-4 drops of the niacinamide serum and massaged till fully absorbed, wait for 2 minutes, then go ahead and apply the 3-4 drops of retinol serum.
Step 5: Moisturize.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
Then you seal in with a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated all night.
How To Apply.
Squeeze out and apply a generous amount, massage till fully absorbs.
Weekend Skincare Routine.
Exfoliating Facial Mask.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque.
This formula contains salicylic acid, a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and a lipid-loving-acid which not only penetrate deep into the pores to decongest it of impurities and also exfoliate away dead skin cells, but also targets and kills acne causing bacteria. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque contains 2% Salicylic Acid, Vegetable Charcoal, Amazonian Clays and Squalane to target lackluster tone, textural irregularities, enhance the appearance of smoothness and clarity, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and revealing more radiant skin beneath.
How To Apply.
Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser and allow skin to dry totally. Then go ahead to coat your face with The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque. Apply evenly across your face using fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Or
The Ordinary 30% AHA + 2% BHA Peeling Solution.
The Ordinary brand combines both AHA at 30% and BHA and 2% for optimum result.
These two components are used in The Ordinary peeling solution, to ensure both skin-surface and underneath exfoliation. As we all know, exfoliation is one of the keys to a successful skincare routine, the reason being that, oil-build up, grime and gunk congestion which includes dead skin cells will restrict your skincare topicals from penetrating deep into the skin dermis to establish their respective jobs. While you mildly exfoliate your skin using dead-skin-cells-sloughing ingredients, you clear the pores of nasty congestion, curtail acne breakouts and improve overall skin texture and complexion. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
Clean face and wait for skin to dry. Apply evenly across face and neck using fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for not more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Do not use on wet skin. We also recommend you do a patch test prior to application to test for allergy by applying the product as directed to a small area once a day for three days to test if you are sensitive to this product.
Keep in mind these product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. We strongly advice to use either one of the product at night-time only, and use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
In Conclusion.
Here comes to the end of the list of the best The Ordinary products for oily skin. The Ordinary skincare products are highly potent because they mostly contain one-active ingredient to tackle respective skincare concerns, which makes their products a good choice while creating a simple skincare routine to address skin care concerns. Ensure to do a patch test prior to application of any new skincare products and don’t forget to wear a sunscreen when exploring your outdoor activities.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Is this skincare routine also suitable for acne prone skin?
A: If you have an oily skin, then automatically you’re prone to acne. Therefore this skincare routine also applies to those with both oily and acne-prone skin — to purify and decongest the pores of congestion thereby getting rid of existing acne and preventing future occurrence, and also improve overall skin texture and complexion.
Q: Does The Ordinary skincare products contains fragrance.
A: All of The Ordinary skincare products are fragrance-free. So, if that’s your concern, then you have nothing to worry about.
Q: Can I use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque and The Ordinary 30% AHA + 2% BHA Peeling Solution in the same skincare routine?
A: No. Resist the urge of using both chemical exfoliators in your skincare routine as you may risk over-exfoliation your skin with can lead to nasty repercussions such as inflammatory-irritation.
Q: Can niacinamide and retinol be used together?
A: Yes, retinol and niacinamide can be used together and doing so puts skin on the fast track for impressive results. Many dermatologists recommend their combined use due to the way niacinamide keeps skin calm (as it enhance and repair skin barrier function) while retinol works its anti-aging-fighting job.
Q: Can I use The Ordinary skincare products on an 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.
Q: Is double-cleansing really necessary?
A: 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 worthwhile 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.
So, 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.
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: Must I use sunscreen from The Ordinary brand?
A: If you’re not fan of The Ordinary sunscreen, then you can opt for other wonderful sunscreens out there for adequate UV rays protection. Click here to see out picks sunscreen.
UP NEXT: Best The Ordinary Skincare Routine For Hyperpigmentation.
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