Showing posts with label The Ordinary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Ordinary. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Exfoliation In Skincare

The Ordinary has a wealth of skincare information on its website, as well as, inexpensive skincare products to help fight acne and the effects of aging along with helpful tips on how to keep skin healthy. One of the things I neglect to do is exfoliate my skin. I rarely do so, but multiple dermatologists recommend it as having a beneficial role in our skincare routines. So let's discuss exfoliation in today's blog. My source of knowledge begins with The Ordinary:

"Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface layer of the skin. Physical exfoliation uses a product or tool to buff away dead skin cells," while "chemical exfoliation uses direct acids (AHAs and BHAs) which have the ability to weaken bonds between surface skin components, allowing the acids to slough away dead skin cells at the surface." Exfoliation helps to unclog pores, promote even tone and texture, and bring new skin cells to the surface.

AHAs are alpha hydroxy acids a/k/a fruit acids. BHAs are beta-hydroxy acids, which are also organic acids. Both act to dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the face. BHAs such as salicylic acid mildly loosen the glue that holds skin cells together. Salicylic acid is often in formulas targeting acne, rough, and bumpy skin.

Many dermatologists [like the creators of Doctorly] recommend chemical exfoliation over physical exfoliation because the tools we buy in retail shops are subpar to what dermatologists use in their offices, plus we lack the medical training to use them like doctors. Physical exfoliation can therefore do more damage to the skin, making chemical exfoliation safer, an awareness that may surprise you! Scrubbing gloves, cleansing brushes, exfoliation salts, and home microdermabrasion devices can be too abrasive harming instead of helping our skin, or in the case of devices just not strong enough to be effective. Also, the gloves and brushes might become a breeding ground for bacteria.

The Ordinary’s Direct Acid family offers both AHAs and BHAs of varying strengths and formats making it simple to find the right one for you. You will rarely find a cheaper, backed-by-science brand. Here are 5 choices:

1) Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution - An exfoliating toner for targeting dullness, texture, and signs of aging.

2) Latic Acid 5% + HA
A milder exfoliator that works to reveal smoother skin. (A stronger strength is available.)

3) Mandelic Acid 10% + HA - A leave-on serum that helps improve skin clarity, balance uneven skin tone, and correct skin texture gently yet effectively.

4) Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution - A gentler water-free solution for blemish-prone skin and uneven texture. (A stronger strength is available.)

5) AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution - An advanced-level exfoliating peel.

So now we know a bit more about the role of exfoliation in skincare, plus several types and strengths offered by a super affordable brand! The next step is to put our knowledge into practice.πŸ˜‰ Because readers, I'm not perfect either.


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Monday, March 14, 2022

The Ordinary: Haircare Rooted In Skincare



The Ordinary, famous for offering effective skincare based on science at fair and affordable prices, just launched new haircare products on March 8th that are also rooted in the science of skincare.

Introducing a trio of products led by science to gently cleanse, condition, and hydrate the scalp and hair. It makes perfect sense: After all the scalp is an area of the body consisting of skin with oil glands. The new hair products which are rooted in skincare include:

Sulphante 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair - It contains SLES-2, a milder sulfate formulated to be gentle on the scalp and clean the hair without color fade. Usually we think of sulfates as bad, but The Ordinary re-engineered the chemicals to make them mild and effective.

Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner - Lightly coats the hair strands for a soft, smooth effect that tames and conditions the hair without weighing it down.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Scalp -  A milky serum that includes hyaluronic acid and squalene (ingredients naturally produced within the skin) to hydrate and protect the scalp skin barrier. Massage a few drops into your scalp daily for treatment.

This trio of new products join a 4th older one:

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density - A concentrated peptide serum created to make hair look thicker, denser, fuller, and healthier.

These hair products come from a company committed to giving customers budget-friendly products with good, clean ingredients backed by science that truly work. One or more of them may be right for you!


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Thursday, February 4, 2021

Simplifying My Daily Skincare Routine

Photo: Good Housekeeping

Every year I re-access to try to do SOMETHING better. Tweak a practice to (1) improve or (2) make life easier. What comes to mind this year is simplifying my daily skincare routine, as well as, finding cheaper, cleaner, yet effective anti-aging potions. Over time the savings can really add up! Not only do I wish to spend less money, but less time in the bathroom!

OMG, look at this YouTuber's daily routine and long list of beauty elixirs! I don't intend to be unkind because if we met, I'd like the Vlogger for her generous spirit in sharing what she does based upon her research. She genuinely means well. I decided not to subscribe to her channel or link her to THE SHAVVY SHOPPER's sidebar because at the end of the day, her routine is excessive according to my own research. It adds up to washing lots of  money and time down the drain. Time one can never get back!

Dermatologists agree: Only two skincare products make a difference: (a) Retin-A (by prescription) or Retinol (its over the counter derivative). Both work well when used consistently; and (b) Vitamin C.

For the care of my face, I've reduced the steps to 3 twice a day: Wash. Treat. Moisturize ... and my products to 3 for the day; and 3 at night. Here is my winter 2021 skincare regime:

I. For My Morning Face Routine, I use: 

1) SheaMoisture Soap - Since the shower water rinses my face so thoroughly I use this moisturizing soap from face to toe. It rinses clean and doesn't dry your skin.

2) Next apply Vitamin C Serum - In addition to ArtNaturals and Tree of Life, I'm also using up The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%. All 3 brands are effective, so you can switch them, always buying the best priced one.

2-a) Peptide Serum - Right now I'm using up what I already own, alternating between Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum, and The Ordinary Buffet. (I can stop step #2-a once I use up these serums. They add moisture and beneficial anti-oxidants to the skin, however Vitamin C (an antioxidant) and Retinol are the only serums dermatologists say are essential. There are no reasons based on science to layer other peptides with antioxidants over Vitamin C say the skin doctors. It's money washed down the drain. So until future research changes this advice ... you can skip layering additional skin treatments on and go directly to step #3
Reapply SPF 15 more often than SPF 30

3) Olay Complete Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 15/30 - In winter I need a light daytime moisturizer and use sun protection all year round. SPF 15/30 is the anti-aging elixir here! Olay is cheap, lightweight and non-greasy. Choose the sensitive skin formula that uses minerals, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as sunscreen. Avoid the sunscreen chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene or ecamsule. Another good brand is CVS's Moisturizing Facial Lotion with SPF 15/30 so you can buy the cheaper one as they go on sale. But you must read the labels like a hawk as one formula of the 2 brands has the chemicals, while another formula uses the minerals as sun protection. -- yes, it's a pain! 
II. For My Nightime Face Routine, I use:

1) Noxema Cleansing Cream - Discovered at 14 years old, it cleans and moisturizes my face simultaneously.

2) Next apply Retinol Serum - Excellent low cost brands include Tree of LifeArtNaturals; and The Ordinary, with proven ingredients based on science and costing under $10. 

Great beauty brands, one American, one Korean.

3) Follow with Retinol Night Moisturizing Cream - I like the feel of a moisturizing night cream to prevent dry skin especially in winter, and my non-scientist mother says I must wear one to keep those wrinkles away! (They find us while we sleep, evil things!!) Right now I alternate between Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Cream and Azure Hemp & Retinol Sleep Mask. In fact, you can use the Neutrogena Repid Winkle Repair Night Cream solo without a Retinol serum underneath it. I can't verify how much Retinol the Azure night cream has, so I do use Retinol serum underneath it to be sure. Your skin knows, so if the combo seems too strong ... adjust.


III. My Morning Body Routine is reduced to one item: Cooking oil.

Immediately after my shower I slather coconut oil all over my skin to lock in the water from my shower. For simplicity I only buy one coconut oil that can be used for both cooking and  body oil. But as it turns out, I don't cook with coconut oil often, so I'm thinking of making life even easier by switching to Extra Virgin Olive Oil as my after bath moisturizer, which is equally beneficial. Saves time, space and money!

I keep a refillable container in my bathroom to pour cooking-turned-bath oil into it. Hey if I ever get locked in my bathroom, I'll have sustenance to keep me alive until I'm free. Just slide some eggs and bread under the door, please.πŸ˜‹

IV. Extras I need in winter: Body lotion which I use as hand/skin cream as needed. Petroleum jelly/lip balm.

At 1st glance it may still seem like lots of products, but look again, I reduced skincare to 3 steps: Wash, treat and moisturize - with a single product under each step. Giving you a few brands of equivalent quality and price lets you buy the better deals. 

We love old standbys; bargain beauty; and keeping it simple!


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Tuesday, October 20, 2020

What Beauty Buys Am I Using Right Now?


Over time I've tried to switch over to more natural or organic beauty products. I use the word "natural" skeptically. We must always read labels and research commodities carefully to make sure the word isn't just a marketing gimmack but truly reflects purer ingredients in the ointments we rub into our skin.

Another aim is to spend less money on the personal care items we use daily. If quality is nearly the same with similar results, cheaper is always better! Over time the savings really add up!  And it goes without saying, we want to focus on products that really work because they have the science behind them! Let's also strive to not layer on too many elixirs, another way of washing cash down the drain. The goal of keeping beauty routines simple to save time and get out of the bathroom faster is smart also!

Here are personal care items I'm using right now that meet the criteria: 

For the Face --

Day

1) The Ordinary Buffet - a mix of effective anti-aging peptides. 

2) The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% - a high potency antioxidant and skin brightener. 

3) Walgreens Baby Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen - the #1 preventer of aging skin you can buy.

Night

4) Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream With Retinol Fragrance-Free

5) Azure Hemp & Retinol Sleep Mask - This I alternate with #4 whenever my face feels dry.

For the Body --

1) BuyBuy Baby Powder with pure cornstarch - A generic bath powder from Bed, Bath & Beyond. The cornstarch replaces talc because in the USA, you can't buy talc anymore. Since the pandemic, I apply baby powder on my face under my mask because I'm not wearing makeup. (Tinted face powder tints my mask which looks ugly!)

2) Puritan's Pride Coconut Oil - I use it after a shower to lock in moisture! The company makes coconut oil for the body, but I buy the food-grade coconut oil -- one oil to use in both the kitchen and bathroom. Done!

3) Botanical + Herbal Help Body Lotion - Containing tea tree and verbena oils, I use it as a hand or body cream. It's from T.J. Maxx and I buy their ever-changing array of lotions from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Korea, and exotic California.πŸ™‚

For the Hair --

SheaMoisture and RenpureπŸ’•πŸ’₯ all the way! I switch up the formulas regularly. Right now I'm using ...

1) Repure Extra Strength Coconut Cream Shampoo

2) SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo

3) SheaMoisture Kukui Nut & Grapeseed Oils Conditioner

4) SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Conditioner

Both brands are from long-time manufacturers of good, clean, organic ingredients for the hair at drugstore prices.

So these are the beauty buys in my bathroom right now. Simple, clean, inexpensive and they work! ✔✔✔✔


Wednesday, January 3, 2018

The Ordinary Skincare Is Extraordinary

In looking for photos, I stumbled upon the BeautyFrenyBlog, so you can also read what another blogger has to say about the line.
As THE SAVVY SHOPPER, I'm always in search of the best skincare (that works according to science) for less. The more choices, the better for consumers. 

In my ongoing research, I've hit upon another excellent skincare line, called The Ordinary, a brand from parent company Deciem. Their beauty team specializes in chemistry and biochemistry to make effective skin products, with a focus on the latest innovations and keeping prices affordable. 

Moreover, the skincare is free of the usual undesirable suspects, such as "parabens, sulfates, mineral oil,  methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, benzalkonium chloride, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, oxybenzone." 

The line is sold in Europe, Canada, and on Amazon, as well as, various online retailers like ASOS.  There are several Deciem brick-and-mortar stores here in Manhattan including: (1) 611 Madison Avenue; (2) 194 Columbus Avenue; and (3) 26 Prince Street. No animal testing is involved in developing the products.
Here's a cheat sheet of best serums compiled by YouTube's Cassandra Bankson linked here. (Updated Jan. 12, 2023) 
By taking the time to read about the treatments via the Ordinary website, you can figure out what your skin needs and build your custom skincare routine. But instead of paying $40+ for designer brands, you pay $10-$20 or less and receive six times the amount. Is that not savvy shopping?

Here are two products from The Ordinary I recommend starting with: 
1) Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane - Fights multiple signs of aging with quicker cell turnover without irritating the skin.
2) Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - Hyaluronic acid attracts up to 1,000 times its weight in water and helps the skin retain moisture. Vitamine B5 supports the formula.

Add other skin care essentials as needed, including direct acids, antioxidants, and sunscreen. The offerings include a face foundation in 12 shades with sunscreen as an ingredient.

Customers and their walletsπŸ’Έ loveπŸ’˜ The Ordinary beauty! So popular, distributors have difficulty keeping the brand in stock.


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The Best Anti-Aging Face Products For Less