When it comes to skincare as we age, there are a couple of aims that stay the same: looking youthful and having a healthy glow.
If you can achieve these two things, then you will be on your way to feeling confident within your own skin. As a 50 something, you may have tried a number of lotions and potions to combat those fine lines and dry skin.
However, now that you have decided to try The Ordinary, you may have noticed that the brand’s line has a huge collection. So, where do you start?
Fortunately, I have been there myself. While you might not know the difference between retinol and niacinamide right now, you will by the end of this article.
In fact, you will come to realize the importance of knowing what can benefit your skin’s needs in order to target issues.
So, if you have mature skin that you are hoping to make glow and look more youthful without resorting to something like Botox, then you have come to the right place.
While no product can work miracles by completely reversing how the skin looks, it can do wonders to your overall skin health.
Since using The Ordinary and creating a routine that works for me, I have been really happy with the results. So, let’s take a look at The Ordinary and how the products can help you to build an anti-aging skincare routine (see also ‘Nuface Or Myolift: Which Is The Best Anti-Aging Microcurrent‘) as an over 50.
Who Are The Ordinary?
The Ordinary is a skincare line created by the Canadian company DECEIM. The company is well-known for their innovative products that target different skin types and issues.
In fact, DECEIM have a number of different skin care lines that all use ingredients which are often science-led and proven to achieve results.
The Ordinary was created to be more affordable to those on a budget without ruining the overall quality of the ingredients. Each single product has a key focus area when it comes to the skin, making the products easy to research and buy.
However, like most products, no doubt you will have decided to ‘add to cart’ and then once it arrives at your door you have no idea what to do with them.
No worries though, as I have dissected some of the most common anti-aging products from The Ordinary line below, and also let you know how to use them to achieve the best results.
Before You Begin A New Skincare Routine
It is often tempting to buy a whole new set of skincare products and begin using them right away that evening. However, before you part ways with your money, think about what you want to target the most.
When we begin to think about the results we want to achieve with our skin, we can break down the ingredients that will do the job for us.
Fortunately, The Ordinary has made it super simple to buy its products. Each item is labeled with exactly what it is in it, what it targets, and how to use it.
To make this process even more simpler, I have put together a guide on what to use the products for when it comes to anti-aging.
Once you have read the guide, take a look at your skin and make a note of what concerns you would like to address. And then, once you have purchased the products, introduce each one over time.
This way, you can see what is working and what is not. If a product gives you an allergic reaction, or breaks you out with acne, then you will know which one was introduced when, and you can remove it from your skincare routine.
However, this does not mean waiting months to add in each ingredient, some may work best together (so add them at the same time), while with others you might want to wait a couple of weeks before introducing them to your skin.
For me, I found that introducing a product every couple of weeks and then waiting for at least two months gave me a good understanding on whether a product was working for me or not.
A Complete Guide On Using Ordinary Anti-Aging Skincare
Below you will find the different combinations and products that The Ordinary is known for when it comes to targeting skin over the age of 30.
Often having dry and dull mature skin will make it appear more wrinkled and older looking, so you will want to make sure that you keep your skin as hydrated as possible.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!
Removing Fine Lines
Fine lines are natural, and often appear around the eyes and mouth – usually places on the face where our skin creases when we move. As we age and we lose collagen, the fine lines appear.
However, they can be a nuisance to get rid of, so retinol is usually the best option. Nowadays retinoids are used by people who are in their late 20s and early 30s as a way to prevent fine lines from appearing. If only I had known!
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a retinol which has been created to minimize the effects often associated with using retinol: peeling and skin irritation.
It includes granactive which is an active compound imitation of vitamin A.
There is also the Retinol 0.2% in Squalene which is a little more forgiving on sensitive skin, and will help to keep the skin hydrated.
Removing Wrinkles And Fine Lines
If you are suffering with both wrinkles and fine lines, then you may want to give The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA a go.
Matrixyl is known as being a great anti-aging ingredient that can really benefit those who are over the age of 55 especially. It can help to stimulate new collagen production which will make the face fuller and elasticated, giving it a more youthful appearance.
Also, the added HA (hyaluronic acid) gives the skin some hydration which works well alongside the matrixyl to help the wrinkles and fine lines appear less deep.
While it is great for those who are older, it may be worth using in your 30s too. So if you have a daughter who is already concerned about her fine lines, perhaps suggest this ‘wonder’ product.
While you can use this near the eyes, do be particularly careful if they are sensitive! I try not to use it too close to the thinner skin around the eye.
What does it include?
- Matrixyl
- Matrixyl Synthe’6
- Matrixyl 3000
Targeting Tired Eyes
Having puffy eyes not only makes you look tired, but sadly it is a common side effect of having mature skin. Puffy eyes were always something I struggled with, but using the Caffeine Solution 5 + EGCG has really improved the skin.
Known as a serum full of antioxidants, it can temporarily reduce the effects of puffy eyes and the hypopigmentation that comes along with it.
While it is not a permanent solution, it is a great option if you are not wanting to go down the cosmetic procedure route. Needles? No thank you!
The caffeine can also help with any under eye irritation too, and over time it will still help to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
It includes EGCG which is a natural ingredient derived from the leaves of green tea. This can help to reduce the photodamage that the sun does to the skin. Also, the product includes lactic acid which will lightly exfoliate the eye area.
For the best effect, use it in the morning to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes.
Fading Dark Spots
A lot of us have dark spots on our skin which show in the form sun damage, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. As our skin matures, often these dark spots become even more prominent.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a great option if you are looking to fade dark spots. Arbutin is generally used to brighten or whiten the skin, however, in this type of product it is not so strong it will do that.
Instead, the formula has been perfected to lighten dark spots only without ruining your overall skin tone. However, it still may not be suitable to use on darker skin tones.
Not only can you use this on dark spots, but it also works well on blotchy and red skin. If you have a complex that is looking a little red and uneven, then the alpha arbutin will help the skin to look more even in color.
Even so, do keep in mind that when it comes to a product like this, it will be different for everyone. It is best used as a way to remove redness from areas like the nose and cheeks, rather than trying to completely remove old dark spots.
I personally have only used it on an uneven complexion, and it has done the trick of correcting blotchy skin that only came about as I was heading into my 50th year.
It also will take at least 6 months for any results to be noticeable, so give it plenty of time to do its work. It does not need to be added to the whole face, just the redness or dark spots you would like to target.
The product also includes hyaluronic acid to make sure the area stays hydrated rather than becoming dry.
Just a note, if you want to try another way to remove uneven and a red skin tone, then try the Niacinamide 10% + Alfa Arbutin 2% for an even bigger boost.
Tighten The Skin And Make Pores Less Noticeable
Niacinamide is one of the most popular ingredients within skincare today. Why? Because it is a super ingredient that can help your skin to retain its moisture by building a lipid barrier (known as a ceramide).
This is beneficial for those with mature skin, as well as people who suffer with acne and eczema. It provides a strong barrier to the skin which can protect the overall function, meaning you can get rid of dry and irritated skin.
Often mature skin can look dry and old (I know, I have seen my own reflection) so adding in a product such as Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% can do wonders to skin that needs some extra oomph.
Not only that, niacinamide is basically vitamin B3 which can help to blur the appearance of pores making them look much smaller.
Zinc on the other hand can help to remove redness within the skin and help it to heal. Again, this is great for those with a specific skin issue like eczema, acne, or even rosacea.
So, what is the result of using this kind of product? Healthy, plump looking and even skin that is smooth and hydrated.
Apply it at night and make sure it has absorbed into the skin before moving onto your next step. However, do not add too much otherwise it will cause a pilling effect when it comes to applying something like moisturizer.
Nourishing The Skin
Sometimes you just need to nourish the skin. Often skin becomes dry, which is something I experience when the weather becomes colder.
During the winter especially, I like to nourish my skin with an oil to add hydration and some extra benefits. The 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil is what I usually reach for.
This is because it absorbs fast within the skin due to being a thinner oil, and one that you can apply onto the face without a greasy after feeling. You may also be surprised to hear that it is great for oily skin too, as it can help to stop excess sebum.
In fact, here is a tip for you: if you want less oily skin, hydrate it. Often skin that is crying out for hydration compensates by releasing more oil. Now you know!
Rosehip includes essential fatty acids which are known to help with reducing visible signs of aging. It also has vitamins A, C and E which can help to brighten and improve the skin’s overall health.
It also has a natural form of retin A which will improve the texture of your skin and has the possibility of treating skin conditions such as acne.
You will want to apply it after other serums due to it being a little more drying, and then moisturize afterwards to lock it all in.
Plumping The Skin And Keeping It Healthy
If you are looking for a serum-based product to target overall skin health of the face, then the ‘Buffet’ +Copper Peptides 1% is the option for you.
The serum is full of ingredients that work together to help plump the skin by helping to build up the skin’s natural collagen. It also keeps the skin hydrated with a youthful appearance, and can even repair skin damage.
It includes a number of skin boosting amino acids alongside some probiotics which have been fermented to make them extra powerful. It also includes Matrixyl, which you may have seen near the start of this guide.
If you are looking for an all-rounder which will both hydrate, plump the skin, repair the skin damaged by UV, remove wrinkles and fine lines, and be easily applied, then the ‘buffet’ is a great choice.
If you just want to target dryness and wrinkles, then choose the Matrixyl.
The ‘buffet’ can be applied both in the morning or evening, and should be applied after cleansing but before heavier products such as a moisturizer.
What does it include?
- Fermented probiotics
- Matrixyl Synthe’6
- Matrixyl 3000
- 11 amino acids
- Hyaluronic acid
Exfoliating The Skin
Let’s talk about exfoliation. Gone are the days of physical exfoliants being number one – they can cause microtears in the skin – and welcome chemical exfoliants instead.
Because they can be irritating on skin that is either sensitive, or not used to chemical exfoliants yet, you will want to try the Lactic Acid 10% + HA.
Not only is it very hydrating due to including hyaluronic acid, but it also includes lactic acid which gently removes dead skin cells off the top layer of the skin to reveal newer, smoother skin.
It can help to reduce dry skin, post-acne pigmentation, and reveal a wonderful glow to the skin.
Use it only a couple of times a week at night once you have used a serum, but before an oil.
Supporting The Skin’s Barrier
If you feel like your skin barrier needs some help, especially if it is extra dry, or if you have been overloading your skin with too many acids, then you can use something like the Amino Acids + B5 to repair damaged skin.
Not only that, it is super hydrating and can help to smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to trapping the water within the skin. For this reason, you will want to apply it on post-cleansed skin that is still damp.
Apply a moisturizer after to seal in the moisture. Over time you will notice that your skin becomes more supple and smooth.
Before I move onto the next product, let’s talk about the main ingredient within this product: vitamin B5.
Vitamin B5 is a very hydrating and clever vitamin because it can actually absorb the moisture in the air and trap it within the skin. It is also quite similar to hyaluronic acid because of its hydrating qualities.
However, vitamin B5 can also help the growth of cells which is a bonus when it comes to anti-aging skincare and healing the skin.
Brightening The Skin
You may have heard of vitamin C when it comes to your skincare routine, but what does it exactly do?
L-ascorbic acid is the most common type of vitamin C in skin care products, and is the one that has the highest potency. If used in the morning (there is no point using it in the evening), it will brighten the skin to make it look glow-y.
Not only that, it will lighten your skin to achieve this glowing effect, and reduce hyperpigmentation, and help your skin to look a lot more youthful and bright. Vitamin C can also help to reduce the effects of the environment, especially when teamed up with SPF.
In fact, SPF is a great way to keep your skin looking useful as it can help to prevent the effects of UVB and UVA rays from the sun. I wear it every day, especially since I am using potent skin care products like the ones listed in this article.
However, do avoid using it alongside the likes of acids, retinol, and niacinamide. It may cause your skin barrier to become damaged and sore.
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% is a double whammy for mature skin. Not only does it have a high strength vitamin C, but the arbutin will help to fade pigmentation and dark spots faster.
How To Layer Ordinary Skin Care Products Morning And Evening?
- Cleanse the skin (double cleanse if removing makeup or SPF in the evening).
- Add a toner or a mist, though this is optional.
- Use an acid, serum, or retinol (with the latter being evening only).
- Use an oil. Choose one that will benefit your skin issue.
- Moisturize to lock everything in.
- Add SPF in the morning once your routine has been completed.
- Follow this up with make-up if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Skin care does not have to be difficult, even when we get to our 50’s.
While we might have some skin concerns which we did not have in our 40’s, using the right products can help to reduce areas on our face that we wish to make less noticeable.
Hopefully my The Ordinary Anti-Aging skin care guide has helped you to figure out a good routine when it comes to both your morning and night routine.
Just remember that skin care ingredients will take at least 4 weeks to show that they are working, as that is how long the skin cycle takes to shed old cells.
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