Ever since I was a pre-teen, acne has been a part of my daily life. I’ve spent so much time stressing over my skincare routine and covering it up with extra makeup. It’s amazing what a handful of blemishes can do to your confidence. I had hoped as I grew older my acne would disappear, but that hasn’t happened. I’ve tried every kind of medication, creams, alcoholic wipes – everything.
After turning 26 a month ago, I decided it was time to take my skincare more seriously, particularly in regards to anti-aging. You never can start too early. Afraid to commit to any serums or lotions that cost an arm and a leg in case they didn’t work, I ordered a few products from The Ordinary, and ended up stumbling upon a skincare routine that is already changing my skin after two weeks.
Take a look at the four products below that are giving me hope that someday I can go out without makeup and not feel self conscious (all for less than $30!!).
- Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion – I credit this product to the biggest changes in my skin. I put this on at night after washing my face and before any other products. It doesn’t have a sting or anything, and by morning I can see visible results. My skin is lighter and my blemishes aren’t nearly as red and angry. I picked a retinoid because I’ve heard how important it is to be using a retinol. I’ll be keeping this one on rotation for the long haul.
- Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% – I like this product because I can actually FEEL it working. I apply Vitamin C in the morning because I read you shouldn’t mix with a retinol. It leaves a tingling feeling on my face for a few minutes and can feel gritty for a little while. This is because it’s such a high concentration of Vitamin C. If you have the patience to wait for the grittiness to go away, I’d totally add this to your routine for its brightening and anti-aging effects. Otherwise, there are less potent versions on the site.
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – Don’t let the word acid in the name freak you out. This stuff is insanely moisturizing. I was nervous with all the new products I’d be trying that my skin might end up angry and dry. Thanks to HA, my skin feels soft and plump. I put this on after my retinoid in the evening and after my vitamin C in the morning. Then I put my regular moisturizer on top and am good to go.
- High-Adherence Silicone Primer – I’ve never been much of a primer user, despite all of the good things I always hear about it. It has just never seemed necessary to me. Until now. This stuff in combination with the other products in my morning routine creates the smoothest surface for my makeup. I’m totally hooked!
Have you tried any of the above in your skincare routine? I can’t believe I’ve gone this far without them. Let me know your favorite skincare products in the comments.
Xx, Kelsey
