Acne, aging and dry skin are amongst some of the most common skincare concerns. Women can spend an average of $300 on skin care per month, purchasing and trying a chest full of products claiming miracle results.
The Ordinary, a Toronto based skin care brand, reforms skin care to revolve around the keyword, “minimalism”. Stripping key beauty ingredients from other mixes that contributes to a higher price tag, this brand gives you the “chemicals” in their purest, isolated forms at affordable prices. The products which comes in its bare minimum forms also allow users to mix and match ingredients to formulate a personalized skincare routine targeted at what your skin really needs.
Let’s explore some of the extraordinary ingredients which addresses key skin concerns.
Retinol
Retinol has been known and proven as an extraordinary ingredient for its anti-aging properties and skin-restoring abilities. When retinol and other retinoids come into contact with the skin, the body converts it into retinoic acid which will increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin production. This results in multiple benefits for the skin - minimizing fine lines, unevenness, dullness, acne, hyperpigmentation and even helps with unclogging congested pores!
If there’s one thing to fault this ingredient for, it would be how it makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. It is best to avoid using products containing retinol when skin will be exposed to the sun. The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, a solution that combines Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and pure Retinol in a protective capsule system which help improve the appearance of ageing and acne-prone skin.
Caffeine & Green Tea
Very few relate Caffeine as a skin care ingredient and recognize it more as a necessary perk-me-up in the mornings. It’s interesting to know that caffeine can also be used in skincare to improve bloatedness and is said to also have antioxidant properties. Caffeine, when applied to the skin helps to improve redness and aids in circulation.
Also, Green Tea is known as a good skin care ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its calming effect works great to reduce redness on the skin and help fight signs of aging. Research has also shown that EGCG extracts (from Green Tea) can help the skin form barriers against negative environmental factors such as micro dust and pollution.
The 5% Caffeine Solution + EGCG from The Ordinary is a lightweight serum which is a perfect blend of the benefits of caffeine and green tea. It rapidly absorbs into the delicate eye contour to help reduce the appearance of discolouration and alleviate symptoms of fatigue and stress and your skin will feel refreshed and lifted with enhanced hydration and a more even tone.
Hyaluronic Acid
Apart from anti-oxidants, key hydrating ingredients are also necessary to keep skin hydrated and nourished. Hyaluronic Acid is known as the best humectant as it attracts 1000 times its weight of water particles. For Singapore’s weather, Hyaluronic Acid works even better because the humidity helps the ingredient “pull” the water particles from the air and sustain the moisture on your skin. Hyaluronic Acid is also present in the dermis layer of our skin so that even when it is applied topically, the skin is less prone to irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula from The Ordinary is a synergising low, medium and high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid; an oil-free treatment that penetrates into the skin's deeper layers to deliver intense, long-lasting hydration. The added Vitamin B5 component also enhances the serum’s effectiveness to leave skin smooth, plump and youthful-looking.
Tip: Use Hyaluronic Acid at the last step of your skincare regime as it will form a barrier on your skin that helps to wrap and contain the rest of the applied layers of skincare products.
According to the TheOrdinary.com, the rule of thumb is to use only three serums and one strong active at any one time of your skin regime. Look at your skin problems and find the right ingredients that will target your problem areas. Introduce different products slowly into your regime and apply produces in order of their texture - start with the lighter ones and end off with the thick products.
