By now, you've probably all heard about The Ordinary brand. It's an inexpensive brand with active ingredients that have (some) science behind their products.
As I was searching for acid peelings suggestions, I was suggested this one by Maestra Parokeets. I mean, I had it on my wishlist for a while but never purchased it as I was scared of the high % of acids inside.
But after some thinking, I decided to take the jump and buy the peeling solution.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Okay, so what is it? Here's what DECIEM says about it:
With 30% Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (Glycolic/Lactic/Tartaric/Citric), 2% Beta Hydroxyl Acid (Salicylic Acid), Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer, Vitamin B5, Black Carrot and Tasmanian PepperberryAlpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin's topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use.This formula contains a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. This formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of hyaluronic acid for comfort, Vitamin B5 to assist healing and black carrot as an antioxidant.
Note: This formula contains a very high concentration of free acids. We recommend use only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation and your skin is not sensitive.
See, since I wasn't a very experienced acid peelings user, I was scared.
But I prepared heavy creams (with fatty acids and skin-repairing creams) to use after the peeling.
I was prepared. Or so I thought.
Well, the peeling itself scared me. I wasn't expecting it to be red. Vivid red. That's like my biggest fear - getting burned from a chemical peeling and the color reminded me exactly of that.
But did that stop me? Haha, of course not!
The official directions say:
Use ideally in the PM, no more frequently than twice per week. Clean face and wait for skin to dry. Do not use on wet skin. Apply evenly across face and neck using your fingertips. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off. This low-viscosity solution is intended to be used as a masque. Do not leave on for longer than 10 minutes. If persistent irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician. (Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward. Use only as directed. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.)
Next, I washed my face, waited for 20 minutes for it to be completely dry and went to "work".
I applied the mask and was shocked when I saw myself in the mirror. I looked like a cooked lobster!
The mask is actually red.
Doesn't it look terrible? :D
After the mask application, I waited for 7 minutes as I didn't know how my skin would react to it. I washed it off with lukewarm water and applied a hydrating toner Kikomatsumane ultra moist serum and the Stratia Liquid gold sample that I had.
After the initial application, I waited two weeks before using the mask again. In the time between the masking, I didn't use my The Ordinary 7% Glycolic acid toner as I feared it would be too much for my skin.
Now, that more than a month passed, I use it weekly. Every weekend I take those 10 minutes to use the mask. My skin looks clearer and has a nice glow to it.
Here's how my skin looks the next morning after using the peeling solution:
INCI INGREDIENTS:
Glycolic Acid, Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Potassium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
If you want to read more about the ingredients you can do it on Skincarisma.
+ works wonders for skin pigmentation and skin tone
+ helped clear up some of my skin impurities
+ inexpensive
+ you don't use a lot of it
+ scaring people around you is a great + (because it's red) :D
- strong % of acids and this can't be taken lightly
- YOU NEED TO USE SUNSCREEN if you are using this product.
I'm putting this here so more people notice this.
I am in love with the way it makes my skin look. My skin hasn't looked this good for ages and now I am very happy with it! Even if I eat yogurt daily my skin looks pretty damn good.
The peeling is easy to use, easy to wash off and it inexpensive. There are only great things I can say about it. BUT IF YOU PLAN ON USING IT, please research it beforehand! Overall, I don't have anything negative to say about this product. It's gentler than I thought it would be and my skin is absolutely loving it. And ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN. If you hate sunscreen (as I did) try the A'Pieu PURE BLOCK or some other Korean sunscreens as those are really easy to wear.
The band was purchased in 2017 by Estee Lauder which means it may grow quicker or it may also mean that there are bigger and more unpleasant changes to be seen.
Did you try anything from The Ordinary brand? What do you think?
For all my Slovenian readers, here's a video review of the mask.
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