The ordinary

[cpestrada12]

I have been hearing a lot of great things about the ordinary. And at the price point I really want to try some things from the brand, but have no clue where to start. Based on my skin type/issues I’m wondering if anyone have any suggestions? I have sensitive acne prone skin. I am mostly dry with an oily t zone. I am on retin-a for acne and am looking to get rid of acne scars and redness. I know Sephora doesn’t carry their whole collection so it can be something that isn’t sold through here. Thank you

[cpestrada12]

I read that you are not supposed to use products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid while using retin-a. But my doctor also prescribed me a morning cream called erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide topical gel. Does this mean you just can’t use them at the same time, like layered on top of it or you can’t use it at all?

[greeneyedgirl107]

@cpestrada12 I might get a second opinion if I were you (are you being managed by a derm or an GP?).  I've read that Retin-A de-activates benzoyl peroxide, so I don't use them at the same time.  Erythromycin is an antibiotic, and I haven't read a lot about antibiotics being particularly good for fighting acne.  I'm not an MD, but I've found that Retin-A is great to use in the evening, and then benzoyl peroxide is good for spot treatments in the a.m.

[VK92]

I recently purchased The Ordinary's vitamin C in silicone suspension. I got it off Amazon, and the price was almost the same as seen on the Sephora site. It does sting initially but goes away with use. It's been about a week since I started using it and I haven't seen any dramatic changes yet but it does leave the skin feeling smooth. Maybe another week of use will make a difference. 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@cpestrada12 I rec reading the reviews on beautypedia.com and seeing what products are effective/appropriate for your skin type.  🙂

[Llamamama2]

Hi @cpestrada12. I am on Tretinoin as well and use several of TO products. I like The Niacinamide plus Zinc, which I use at night layered over the Tretinoin. I also use their moisturizer plus HA. And I use their buffet plus copper (you can order this particular product through their website) and rose hip oil (at night). I just ordered one of their Vitamin C solutions plus vitamin F, so I can’t speak to that yet. But other posters are right that vitamin C helps a great deal on reducing marks and brightening the complexion. Since you are on Retin-A, I would probably start off with a Vitamin C formula that’s not as intense, so as not to irritate your face. I just got a Dr. script for Finacea, which is azaleic acid, so if you want to try Azaleic acid, TO makes a formula of that as well. TO website is really great for emailing any questions that you may have about layering products and possible interactions. From what I read, you are not supposed to mix the Niacinamide with Vitamin C or the Vitamin C with Tretinoin. Good luck!

[TrysBeautyItems]

Finacea, is expensive - at least in the US - found an alternative to try, hence my comment to OP, instead of filling script.

[TrysBeautyItems]

Haven't used The Ordinary's azelaic acid, but theirs is silicone heavy, if an issue. For more product and a few bucks more than Ordinary's, Melazepam Cream, Pure Formulas sells, silicone free. Not a creamy cream, so I spread a thin layer on.

[howconnie]

I have old scars from a bus accident. The 20 vitamin c with HA is the one I use. No silicone in this one. The Ameliac acid did nothing for my discoloration so I suspect it would take a prescription dose of that to work for me. I’ve used the aha 30% and it seemed milder than FAB 2% aha pads so I wonder what Are proportions used to arrive at that number.

[HarlemJPN]

Good point about the silicone. The Ordinary uses silicone in quite a few of their formulations. 

[HarlemJPN]

I have combo acne-prone skin and I’m also on tretinoin. 

I love The Ordinary’s azaleic acid! Helps with redness for me and also helps keep acne at bay. I haven’t had any issues using it with tretinoin, but I’ve been on tretinoin since God was a child at this point so my skin is pretty tough. 

Acne scars are tougher to tackle outside of a dermatologist’s office. OTC cosmetic products won’t do a whole lot for scarring. Tretinoin will over time, but it takes quite a bit of time. AHAs and salicylic acid can do something by stimulating collagen and pushing up scars to some degree. From The Ordinary, you could try the AHA 30%/BHA 2% peeling solution. It is pretty hard core, especially when you’re on Rx tretinoin. 

Vitamin c can be helpful in reducing dark marks/PIH and in reducing redness. Try different vitamin c formulations from The O to see which you prefer. I like the 30% in silicone. 

Good luck!