The Ordinary has become one of the most popular and appreciated brands when it comes to different skincare products. The brand has an impressive line of products that target distinctive skin conditions. Most of these include formulas, tonics, and solutions that can be used to treat problems ranging from oily skin to hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.
After spending hundreds of dollars to mitigate frequent acne breakouts, treating the post-acne scars is another level struggle. Not only do you need a miracle product that is affordable, but also an effective skincare routine that can prevent acne flare-ups and breakouts in the future.
However, if there’s something that most beauty enthusiasts and skincare experts vouch for, it is The Ordinary Products for acne scars. Not to mention, they are cheaper than expensive treatments and easily blend with your skincare regime.
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List of best The Ordinary Products for Acne Scars
We have compiled a list of the best The Ordinary Products for Acne Scar treatment. Apart from lessening the look of acne scars, these products also offer several other benefits that are covered in this article.
1. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Ideal for: Hyperpigmentation
It is a water-free serum that fights the signs of aging and helps in improving overall skin tone. The 30% pure L-ascorbic acid in addition to the Hyaluronic Acid reduces the appearance of acne scarring, smoothens, and brightens the skin.
You can use it in the morning and evening, but it works best at night. Vitamin C is a good choice for treating mild hyperpigmentation, but it causes a tingling sensation for the first few weeks. In the case of persistent tingling, dilute it with your favorite face cream.
2. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Ideal for: Hyperpigmentation
It is a natural exfoliating solution that contains glycolic acid, amino acids, Tasmanian Pepperberry, ginseng, and aloe vera as its main ingredients. Apart from exfoliating, it boosts skin radiance and brightens a dull skin tone.
It is best to use the solution at night with a toner because the glycolic acid can increase the skin sensitivity to sun exposure. The solution is a leave on exfoliant that lifts off the dead skin layers and improves overall skin appearance.
The regular overnight use of this solution exhibits skin clarity by treating mild hyperpigmentation and minimizing acne scarring.
3. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Ha 2%
Ideal for: Uneven Skin Tone & Texture
The Lactic Acid solution works as a mild skin exfoliator. It diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and makes the skin look healthier by balancing uneven skin tone.
It works best at night like other mild exfoliants. It contains Tasmanian Pepperberry to reduce inflammation and sensitivity. If the tingling or burning occurs, you can dilute it with a soothing cream. It should be used once a day.
It wipes off dullness and improves skin radiance by treating skin tone, discoloration and mild hyperpigmentation.
4. The Ordinary Peeling Solution 30ml AHA 30% + BHA 2%
Ideal for: Uneven Skin Tone & Texture
It is a triple power exfoliation solution made with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid are AHAs that work on the outer layer of the skin to reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and balance uneven skin tone. Salicylic Acid is a BHA that penetrates the skin to clear out the debris and exfoliate the dead skin layer. It builds elastin and collagen and prevents breakouts. Together, the three key ingredients improve overall skin texture.
It must be applied at night to clean and dry skin. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. It should not be used more than twice a week. It is a peeling treatment for slightly pitted scars and mild hyperpigmentation.
5. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Ideal for: Redness and Discoloration
It is a high strength vitamin and mineral formula that reduces pore congestion and skin blemishes. It is a unique 10% Niacinamide formula with 1% zinc that clears out the pores and reduces oiliness.
It can be used in the morning and evening. Apply a few drops all over the face before using moisturizers or heavy creams. It should be used with Vitamin C as the two reduce the effectiveness.
The unique formula is a good treatment for mild hyperpigmentation and skin tone discoloration.
6. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Ideal for: Uneven Skin Tone
This product is a concentration of 10% Azelaic Acid that helps in reducing the appearance of blemishes, brighten the skin texture, and balance uneven skin tone. This multifunctional formula is a great addition to any skincare routine and possesses antioxidant properties.
It is a handy product that can be used in the morning or at night to promote healthy, beautiful skin.
Like many other acid solutions, it can increase sensitivity to the sun Therefore, using sunscreen is advisable. It is a lightweight cream formula that works on minimizing uneven skin tone or discoloration and mild hyperpigmentation.
How to use the acne scarring products for skincare regime?
Whether you are experiencing deep scars or reddish spots after severe hormonal or cystic acne, experimenting with products for post-acne scars gets exhausting. No matter how prestigious the brand is, all products take time to show results. Sometimes it takes around six months to get the desired skin texture. To make it worth your while, you can follow a simple yet effective acne scar treatment routine.
Take a look at the morning and evening skincare routine that includes The Ordinary Products for acne scars.
MORNING ROUTINE
Any morning skincare routine starts with gentle cleansing. After that, use the products as mentioned in the following order:
- Apply Hyaluronic acid 2% + b5 on damp skin. It hydrates and plumps the skin by drawing moisture from the surroundings.
- Apply a few drops of Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
- Use a moisturizer or cream followed by sunscreen because acids increase skin sensitivity.
Although the morning routine must be kept quick and simple, you can add more products from below if you have some time in hand.
- Apply pea’s size Azelaic Acid after the moisturizer.
- Vitamin C can also be applied before moisturizer and sunscreen. Or, you can mix a few drops with moisturizer and leave for 15 minutes before applying SPF.
- Alpha arbutin 2% + HA.
Hydration is very important for every skincare regime. Hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, and oils can work wonders for post-acne scar treatment.
EVENING ROUTINE
For the evening regime, follow the following steps at least once a week after double cleansing and toning:
- Use an exfoliating solution. To start slow, you must begin with AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Apply it for two to three minutes. It takes time to build skin tolerance. So, use it every two weeks. Then, work your way up to leaving it for 9 to 10 minutes once a week. It is important to note that it takes a few months to get to the 10-minute mark.
You can also use other alternatives such as glycolic acid or lactic acid three to four times a week. However, they can cause over-exfoliation. Thus, using a mild exfoliating solution gradually is recommended.
- Apply Hyaluronic acid 2% + B5 on damp skin.
- Use Retinol three times a week to prevent pore clogging and improve the cell replacement rate.
- Finish it with a moisturizer. You can mix it with either of the two:
100% Plant-Derived Squalane or
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Oil – Rosehip oil is acne-prone skin-friendly and is loaded with moisturizing fatty acids that prevent dehydration.
When you are not using the AHA/BHA exfoliating mask. You can jump to the hyaluronic acid application followed by moisturizing cream + oil. This must be done three times a week.
The above-mentioned routine can also be helpful to combat other skin concerns as follows:
- Dehydrated skin
- Dull and dry skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Clogged pores
What makes The Ordinary Products reliable and better for individual and customized skincare routine?
There are several reasons to count on The Ordinary Products for acne scars and other skin related problems.
- All the products are vegan and cruelty-free.
- They are easily available, affordable yet effective, and avoid several irritating ingredients such as silicone, gluten, alcohol, nuts, and more.
- They are fragrance and essential oil-free.
- Each of the ingredients is available as separate products; thus, you can try them separately to see what works for you and whatnot.
Key ingredients for acne scarring
Niacinamide:
Provides a Hydration Boost
Niacinamide is a useful ingredient in treating hyperpigmentation when used in combination with other treatments or solutions. It is a water-soluble vitamin made from Vitamin B3 that is widely used to increase the hydration levels of the skin. It acts as a natural skin barrier and combats the signs of aging. Apart from that, it boosts the effectiveness of epidermal layers to mitigate the effects of the environment.
AHAs:
Exfoliating Away Dead Skin
Any skincare professional or expert can tell you that Alpha Hydroxy Acid or AHA is the most used ingredient for various skin treatments. It is the key ingredient in several formulations used for the skincare regime.
What makes the treatments including AHAs more reliable are the research-backed claims and tested products. One of the most popular AHA among beauty enthusiasts is glycolic acid.
AHAs help in skin exfoliation. They strip off the dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant, fresh layer from beneath. In addition to skin brightness, it provides firmness by retaining moisture.
Vitamin C:
Helps to Fade Hyperpigmentation(Redness and Discoloration)
Vitamin C is the key ingredient used in most skincare products in the form of ascorbic acid. Among the several benefits of a topical Vitamin C serum, those focused on improving skin health are: reducing the look of wrinkles and fine lines, brightening the overall skin tone and texture, and protecting the skin from environmental conditions.
While many people are aware of the benefits of incorporating Vitamin C in their diet, not many are familiar with the advantages of adding it to their skincare routine. This powerful antioxidant is known among beauty experts as the best way to boost skin radiance and reduce discoloration.
Vitamin C is highly unstable; it begins to break down when exposed to excessive light and air.
Azelaic Acid:
Helps PIH
Azelaic Acid is another useful antioxidant known for treating skin conditions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. It is a naturally occurring acid that boosts cell replacement rate while preventing the dead cells build up in the pores. Thus, preventing the reformation of pimples or acne.
It has the ability to reduce skin inflammation and combat post-acne concerns as it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-keratinizing properties.
Ideal for use in treatment regimen that includes topical retinoids and Glycolic acid because it is suitable for sensitive skin and for prone rosacea skin.
Retinoids:
Improving Cellular Turnover
Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A that aid in the production of unblemished and new skin cells. When applied directly, they can improve cell turnover. They are used as an ingredient in products for treating hyperpigmentation and comedonal acne by penetrating deep into the skin layers. Depending on the type of formulations, there are different types of retinoids available over the counter and after prescriptions for strong doses as recommended by the doctor.
It is better to use retinol in combination with a moisturizer that you use for your skin because it causes dryness and peeling. It prevents the clogging of pores; thus, it leaves no ground for acne reformation. It takes time to get used to retinol.
Final thoughts
There is no magic formula to treat acne-prone skin, let alone, make the post-acne scars disappear. But, The Ordinary Products for acne scars are tested and proven by thousands of people struggling with frequent acne.
Just like any other skincare treatment, it takes around four to six months to get rid of acne scars and get the desired facial tone and texture.
However, if you follow the instructions to use the products carefully and incorporate them into your skincare routine, you will definitely reach your goal.