The Ordinary skincare range is one of the very best available to Kiwis right now for two reasons:
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It's affordable while addressing a large range of skincare concerns.
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The diversity of the line makes it simple to build a routine that addresses your unique skin needs.
The key is to thoroughly understand what your skin needs and build a routine from The Ordinary skincare products. So today, we're taking you on a tour of the range. Sit tight for a guide that helps assess your own skin for concerns, then a list of the top The Ordinary skincare products to address the most common skincare concerns.
Let's get your skin healthy and happy!
Get to Know Your Skin
The Ordinary Skincare Range for Most Common Skincare Concerns
1. Congestion and excessive shine.
If you struggle with oily skin, visible pores, or frequent breakouts, the ordinary niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is likely going to be your new best friend. Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a powerhouse ingredient that wears many hats. Its primary job is to help regulate sebum production, which prevents that mid-day "oil slick" and helps keep pores from becoming clogged and stretched.
It’s the addition of zinc in this formula that really makes it sing, as zinc balances soothing properties for redness with calming inflammation. This serum is ideal for strengthening your skin barrier, especially if you’ve struggled with acne before.
On the whole, this is an excellent all-rounder that easily slots into most morning routines.
2. Ageing and fine lines.
Here in Aotearoa, we have plenty of sun and UV radiation to deal with. That creates a quicker loss of elasticity in the skin, creating fine lines and sun damage slightly faster. To address these concerns and manage the appearance of ageing (if it’s bothering you), retinol is the undisputed gold standard.
The Ordinary skincare range offers a variety of retinol strengths, which is very important because your skin needs to build up a resistance to this chemical. It is a powerful ingredient, most often prescribed, though beginners are welcome to start with the Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, which is designed to be highly effective but also very gentle on the skin.
The Ordinary developed this product to increase cell turnover in your facial skin, which actually makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. This is why it’s vital to only use this product in your nighttime routine, and always pair it with a high-quality SPF in the mornings.
3. Dehydrated skin and dry patches.
Any healthy skin barrier is undoubtedly well-hydrated. No matter your skin type, you need water to make it plump and healthy. Something from The Ordinary skincare range, like their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, is a serum that binds moisture to the skin (the serum itself can hold up to about 1,000 times its weight in water).
This serum uses three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to make sure the hydration penetrates all the way down into the skin, and is best applied to slightly damp skin. We recommend following it up with something like Natural Moisturising Factors + HA to seal in that hydration.
4. Uneven or dull skin.
If your main concern is dullness or an uneven skin tone (often caused by our intense NZ sun exposure), Vitamin C and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are your best tools. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralises free radicals and brightens dark spots. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% is a cult favourite for its high concentration, though it can feel a little tingly. That’s a sign that it’s working!
The beauty of The Ordinary skincare range as a whole is that you can be a bit of a chemist at home. That said, try to avoid mixing too many “actives” in one go (i.e. retinol and glycolic or salicylic acid) as this can overwhelm your skin barrier and create irritation, redness, or disrupt your skin barrier.
The key is to start slowly, build a routine over time, and always patch test products on your skin before putting them on your whole face! Trust us, it makes a big difference.
We know that the scientific names can be a touch intimidating, but the results from The Ordinary skincare range truly speak for themselves. Whether you are looking to clear up a stubborn patch of congestion with the ordinary niacinamide or want to invest in your future skin with a powerful retinol, we can guide you through this range in-store.
Build a routine your skin will love through Life Pharmacy.
Take a trip to your local Life Pharmacy to explore the entire range of The Ordinary skincare with help from our in-store experts! Find your local Life Pharmacy or browse the range online today.
