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The Ordinary is a skincare brand that doesn’t focus on fancy packaging. The Ordinary skincare routine for oily skin is very affordable and you can find all of the products you need at Sephora.
If you have oily, acne prone skin you will want to check out these amazing products by The Ordinary for your perfect Oily skincare routine.
This routine is also extremely affordable because each of the products I mention from The Ordinary are less than $10!
I also give you options that The Ordinary doesn’t carry so if you already have these in your bathroom at home you only need to add a few skincare serums to your routine if you have oily skin and follow this guide.
Why is The Ordinary a Good Skincare Brand?
The Ordinary is often overlooked by the beauty industry because the packaging is “no-frills”.
Many people love skincare because of the fancy packaging because they think that the products will work better for their oily skin.
The Ordinary makes real products for real people with oily skin and other skin issues.
You can almost always find a dupe of a more expensive skin care product in The Ordinary skincare brand because they focus on true ingredients but at a fraction of the price.
It’s also a great brand for pre-teens or those just starting out with skincare because there are less fillers in the products.
I’ll suggest the best options for oily, acne-prone skin but of course this is all open to interpretation and just my opinion.
You can also incorporate other skincare products into this mix as well, you don’t only have to use products from The Ordinary.
Morning Skincare Routine with The Ordinary for Oily Skin
There are a few steps for a morning skincare routine with The Ordinary that will help your oily and acne-prone skin.
If there isn’t a product from The Ordinary that I would recommend I’ll give you other options for this oily skincare routine.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Since The Ordinary doesn’t have a cleanser at the moment, I will provide you with another recommendation.
For oily skin, you want to use a gel foaming cleanser that has a gentle PH balance. It is crucial that the cleanser you choose doesn’t strip your skin of oils even if you have oily skin.
Here are some of my favourite gel cleansers:
- Hexam by Vivier
- Gel Cleanser by Dermalogica
- Jelly Cleanser by Drunk Elephant
- Soy makeup removing face was by Fresh
Step 2: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Solution
The Ordinary is known for its serums that rival serums of luxury skincare brands. Niacinamide is a great replenishment for the vitamin B3 which helps with skin cell turnover and brightening of the skin.
The Niacinamide will also use the B3 vitamins to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier so that you prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
It also helps pores become smaller so that it will help control the sebum created by the extra oil to help control your acne.
The Zinc at 1% will help mattify your skin so that it can control oil and shine throughout the day.
Take 2 drops of this serum of this serum after cleansing the skin.
TIP: Make sure your skin is still damp so it can absorb the serum.
CAUTION: If you use a Vitamin C Serum DO NOT use a Niacinamide in the same application.
Step 3: Moisturizer
I always use a mositurizer after I apply a serum even if I’m going to apply sunscreen afterward.
I don’t love the moisturizer by The Ordinary so I’ll recommend some other moisturizers here.
You’re going to want to select a moisturizer that is water based so that you’re hydrating your skin throughout the day.
Here are my moisturizer recommendations for oily, acne-prone skin:
- CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- LaRoche Posay Effaclar Mat (Specifically formulated for oily skin)
- Tatcha The Water Cream (pore minifying moisturizer)
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Step 4: Sunscreen
Sunscreen should NEVER be skipped with any skincare routine. Whether you have oily or dry skin, sunscreen should always be a part of your skincare routine.
The Ordinary has its own sunscreen called: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 that contains Antioxidants (Shop on Amazon). I find that since it comes out white, it can leave a white cast on your skin. Also the SPF of 30 isn’t high enough for me, I prefer 50+.
This is why I use Anthelios by La Roche Posay because it contains an SPF of 50+ and goes on clear, while maintaining your skin’s glow.
Night Time Skincare Routine with The Ordinary for Oily Skin
You will be applying more serums and oils at night with this skincare routine.
This is because at night time, the products will have time to penetrate and provide benefits of each product deeper into the skin.
If you struggle with actually doing a night time skin routine then start it an hour earlier than your normal bed time.
Don’t forget to do your night time skincare routine every night because with oily and acne-prone skin you are more likely to break out if you skip it!
Step 1: Squalane Cleanser
This oily skincare routine is going to include double cleansing. I love double cleansing because you need to remove the dirt and oil from your face and then you actually need to clean it. That’s all that double cleansing really means!
The Squalane cleanser from The Ordinary is perfect for removing makeup and dirt from the skin. All you have to do is warm it between your hands for about 30 seconds so it warms up the product. This is part of the double cleansing routine to first melt away the dirt before actually cleansing the skin.
TIP: You will apply this to DRY skin, do not wet your skin for this first step in the night time routine.
What are the benefits of Squalane?
The benefits of squalane is that it mimics your skin’s natural oils. It also acts as an armor or antioxidants against outside carcinogens. Since much of our natural moisture is made in our teenage years, older skin requires a boost of moisture from outstide sources.
Step 2: Cleanse the skin
Use the cleanser that you would have already used in your morning routine. This is the double cleanse part – you removed the makeup with the Squalane and now you are actually cleansing the skin removing dirt and oil from pores.
Step 3: Exfoliate (3x a week ONLY) with the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
I’m a fan of exfoliating but careful to NOT overdo it and don’t do it every night. Exfoliate 3 times a week only or you will aggravate your skin and cause breakouts.
If you have acne prone skin you likely have used or heard of Salicylic Acid.
The Oridinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% is on the higher side so it will be strong but it will also be pure.
Salicylic acid helps with oil congestion so you’ll want to ensure to use this to maintain clear pores.
All you have to do is apply 2 drops of the solution after your skin is dried from the double cleansing.
You can also use this as a spot treatment if you have breakouts on alternate days.
Lactic Acid or Salicylic Acid
Similar to Salicylic Acid, lactic acid by The Ordinary is another exfoliant that will help reduce oils. Lactic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid that gives a smoother complexion.
If you suffer from dull skin (who doesn’t?) and white heads, lactic acid will be the better option.
There are two levels of products offered by The Ordinary: 5% or 10%.
If you are just starting out with a night time skincare routine I suggest going with the 5% level because that will help your skin get used to the product.
You may be wondering what the difference is between lactic and salicylic acid? Read the box below which should explain what the unique difference is of the two serums.
What is the difference between Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid?
The difference between lactic and salicylic acid is that Salicylic Acid is a BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) which means it penetrates deeper into the pores. Lactic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid and that means it breaks down dead skin cells on the surface, which is great for healing acne.
Here are three careful tips on how to use lactic acid safely:
- You cannot use Lactic and Salicylic Acid at the same time as they will irritate your skin.
- Don’t use salicylic acid with Niacinamide serums (you can do so in the morning but not in the same application for example at night).
- Don’t use lactic acid in addition with vitamin C at the same time.
If you are going to use an acid, be sure to wear a sunscreen every single day and do not skip or else you can end up with extreme sun damage.
Step 5: Marine Hyaluronics
On non exfoliation days, you can use The Ordinary’s Marine Hyaluronics after you cleanse your skin. If you do exfoliate, apply them after your exfoliating acid.
If you’re wondering what a Marine Hyaluronic is, these are hydrating serums consisting of ingredients found in plant based materials such as marine based bacteria and algae.
You don’t need to use the Marine Hyaluronic if you feel that it you are overwhelmed by your night time routine but it is good in the winter for an added burst of hydration.
Step 6: Moisturize
Before we go to bed it is important to ensure our skin is naturally moisturized. The Ordinary has some great moisturizers that ensure our skin is encapsulated with the right amino acids, glycerin and hyaluronics.
You can also use any other regular moisturizer you have: with or without SPF since this is a night time routine.
Before you go, let’s do a recap of The Ordinary Skincare for Oily Skin routine:
Morning Routine
- Cleanse
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen/SPF
Night Time Routine
- Cleanse (Squalane)
- Cleanse (Regular Cleanser)
- Exfoliate (3x a week only): Lactic or Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid
- Marine Hyaluronics
- Moisturizer (Natural Factors)
If you would like to shop the entire post for this Ordinary Skincare Routine for Oily Skin, click on the images under each heading.
xo,
Beauty Reviews Daily Blog