I have what they call sensitive skin. It reacts to anything and everything, and I get pigmentation out of thin air. From a sleepless night to one too many cups of coffee, I’m always on the verge of breaking out as well.
My skincare goals, therefore, have primarily been to keep the volcanic activity on my face in check. (Salicylic acid, yay!) So much so that I almost neglected the scattered pigmentation on my face.
But a few weeks ago I decided to do something about this pigmentation (which is a mix of acne blemishes, sun damage, and ill-advised waxing of the face).
I deep-dived into the research, zeroed in on a few key ingredients, and accordingly picked up a couple of products from The Ordinary, whom you can always trust, to kickstart this new regimen. (Just like The Ordinary, I like to keep things simple!)
Reducing pigmentation of any kind is a slow process, which is why I’m not posting before and after pictures just yet. I’m going to keep this newfound routine for at least two more months and then measure the difference.
But even in this short time I’ve already noticed a considerable brightening of my skin and improved skin texture.
For that reason alone I feel the following products from The Ordinary are worth a try.
- Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA (“targets uneven skin tone and dryness,” as per their website)
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (a “universal serum for blemish-prone skin that smooths, brightens, and supports,” claims the company)
- Salicylic Acid 2% (targets “Uneven Skin Tone, Signs of Congestion, Textural Irregularities, Dullness,” as per the website)
Here’s how I’m using The Ordinary
in my nighttime routine
- Cleanse with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Tone with I’m From Rice Toner
- After the toner has dried, apply Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA by The Ordinary
- Follow with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% by The Ordinary
- Then goes on Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution (twice a week*)
- Follow with Loreal Paris Revitalift Retinol Serum (on the same nights that I apply salicylic acid. Please note you should combine actives with retinol only if you have been a long-term user of retinol and your skin is adjusted enough to handle this combination.)
- Seal it all with Natural Moisturising Factors + HA by The Ordinary
(*The reason I’m applying salicylic acid only twice a week is because I feel I may have over-exfoliated in the past. Also, with summer bearing upon us in sunny Australia, less is better than more when it comes to exfoliation, I feel.)
How It’s Working
This is my exact nighttime routine, which has resulted in an overall brightened skin tone and improved texture over the course of just three weeks. I recommend this highly affordable routine to anyone who has similar skin to mine – oily with enlarged pores and acne-prone textured skin. Also highly sensitive and prone to pigmentation.
I’m not sure if these products alone will suffice for heavy pigmentation or that which is deep-seated. I have a lot of old pigmentation which is also rather stubborn.
I’m going to follow this routine for a few more months, and if by then I haven’t noticed a significant change in the lightening of blemishes, I’ll follow this blog post with an update.
But until then, for the benefits of brightened complexion, tightened skin, shrunken pores, and strengthened skin barrier, the above products will do just fine.
Disclaimer: I’m not a dermatologist and this is not professional advice. I only share what works for me in hopes that those with similar skin type may find that useful. For persistent issues or anything serious, always consult a doctor.
