The Ordinary Vitamin C 23% + HA Review

I've heard mixed reviews about this product. Some say its gritty and others say its too irritating (although it was reformulated at one point). That being said I've wanted to try it for a while in the hopes it would help my Hyper-pigmentation so thoughtfully left over by my acne. This formula has 23% ascorbic acid, one of the best forms of vitamin c for pigmentation issues but The Ordinary has a guide for their different forms of vitamin c, here. But another popular form is Ascorbyl Palmitate and is often found in cheaper products, especially moisturizers as its oil soluble and it's a good antioxidant but won't do much for pigmentation.

Ascorbic acid can also increase collagen production helping to with fine lines and protect against free radical damage. That being said ascorbic acid has a tendency to sting or be gritty as aforementioned. When left for long periods of time or in bad packaging it can easily oxidise so it's not something you want to keep in a stash and use only once in a while.

Oxidation is when it reacts with the air (acting as an antioxidant, losing electrons) which will cause the serum to change colour rendering it ineffective and some say it can be harmful. Its nothing to be worried about but if the serum changes colour its time to bin it.


Free From:
Water, Silicone, Oil, nuts and alcohol are listed on the product page. Although Deciem says "across all brands including The Ordinary, are free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, benzalkonium chloride, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, oxybenzone."

Ethics:
Don't test on animals or sell in China. Vegan.

Price:
£4.90 (12.17)

First Impressions
The product has slip and is smooth, it has a slight metallic smell. It does feel a bit greasy after applying but it's not too bad. The 2% Hyaluronic Acid defiantly helps to smooth out fine lines. I was very much expecting to have to deal with stinging and a gritty texture but luckily I had none of that. The serum has a low viscosity, meaning its quite liquid but is sold in a tube. They say they changed it from a bottle with a dropper to a tube after it was requested by customers but I don't feel like its thick enough for a tube, it can be quite clumsy to get some out so I'm not sure whether I like the packaging.

How I recommend using it:
It's somewhat thick and occlusive (sits on top of the skin). I would use it as a last step before moisturiser as it wouldn't be nice to layer under other serums.

Overall Opinion:
I don't like the texture that much with it being overly occlusive, instead, I am trying their Alpha Arbutin 2%. I might find a different use for this serum, maybe on my hands. I did try and use it under my eyes but it moved into them from rubbing quite quickly and caused a fair amount of stinging.


References

Humbert PG , et al. (n.d.). Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12823436

Oxidation of ascorbic acid. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://chemistry.oregonstate.edu/courses/ch130/old/VITCTEXT.htm

Vitamin C in dermatology. (2013, April). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/

Caring for Medicated skin

Be it prescription retinoid or an over the counter product, when things get serious and you need something medicated these products can often leave your skin feeling worse than before. The good thing is a lot of the side effects of topical drugs and active skincare products can be avoided.

Starting with cleanser you want something that isn't going to dry or irritate, the dermatologists favourite generally being Cetaphil. Whilst I used up a bottle of Cetaphil and found it to work fine I prefer something what is going to put something back into my skin, that's why I use the Cerave Hydrating cleanser. A favourite among skincare and acne forums this gentle cleansers cleans skin whilst putting ceramides and hylarunoic acid back in so keeping the skins barrier in tact. I do find this cleanser leaves a residue feeling, if you don't like that then they do produce a foaming version.

Following the theme I also like the Cerave facial night lotion, this light nighttime moisturiser contains many of the same skin barrier repairing ingrirdents as the cleanser with the much appreciated addition of niacinamide helping to calm the skin.

Other than that I continue to acid tone and use the same day products as I did before, avoid high fragrance products that I was fine with before prescription retinoids but now leave my skin very red. Make sure to start slowly with retinoids and medication, use them every other day at first, and to apply to dry skin.

November Favourites

So its basically Christmas. Only just over a month to go now so I'm kicking this favourites off with a festive start. Feel free to skip the first products if you're not ready or just hate Christmas.

The Bodyshop Spiced Apple and Frosted Berry Scent

 

The products pictured here are the spice apple and frosted berry hand creams (£4) and shower gels (£5) as well as the spiced apple body butter (£14). The spiced apple is a warm cinnamon apple scent and the frosted berry smells of sweet cranberries. If you get a chance to go to the body shop I really recommend testing them out.

I think I prefer the spiced apple in the night and frosted berry in the day, thats why I bought the body butter just in spiced apple because I feel that it would be too thick to use in the day. I like to apply something thing after I shower at night, although I think I might purchase the frosted berry lotion for the day.

Ive never been a big user of the body stuff from the body shop (I know, its the body shop) but I think I will defiantly be buying more.

The Ordinary

I was quite excited when I heard about this new brand from Deciem. The premise is cheap skincare, mostly serums, priced around their active ingredients.

Advanced Retinoid 2% (£8)

This is a light, milky serum this applies nicely. Its a mixture of retinoids which are meant to give better results than retinol with less irritation. Ive been using it a while, over a month, and I haven't really seen drastic results although I have been using it not stop without irritation. I think I'm going to try the 1% retinol and if I seen no difference between the two I'll probably stick with this one.

I'd recommend this for anyone but defiantly for young people, below 25 who can't afford a fancier retinol as this will most likely do them well at preventing ageing without breaking the bank. 

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% (£5)
The function of this serum might not be as obvious as the retinoid as much like most of the Ordinary range, you've probably never heard of the two main ingredients. This is a serum aimed at people with oily skin, large pores and acne. Zinc PCA works to reduce oil production and at 1% its at the right concentration to see results. Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory that also reduces pore size as well as helping overall skin health.

This serum is thick but provides a nice base for anything you put over it. My skin definitely feels less oily after using it every morning although I think I'm going to start using it at night as aswell. I'd recommend this to anyone with oily skin and enlarged pores.

June Favourites

As it is the start of summer my skincare has been focused on light textures, sun protection, and hydration. I really recommend looking after your skin in the summer as heightened levels od UV can lead to darkening of acne scars and accelerating the look of ageing.

Skin

Body Shop skin defence £16

When I saw this was going to be released it was around the time I was looking for a new moisturiser, especially one with a high SPF. Initially, my thought was either an SPF from a french brand or the Body Shop vitamin C moisturiser but when this came out I couldn't resist.

It has a light texture which Is great for summer as I find mattifying can be too dry and other moisturisers too thick. This essence that turns to a water provides a light texture and doesn't leave a white cast. It's SPF 50 pa++++ whilst also containing anti oxidants such as vitamin-C which provides a good all round protection. I recommend to anyone looking for a new SPF this summer: this is your match!

Superdrug Clearly Youthful Cream Cleanser and Serums

I first tried this range a while back when I bought the night serum and although I liked it I didn't really use it much until recently. After that, I used the cream cleanser, which if you've seen my review you probably know I liked it and I've been using it a lot, most nights in fact.

After liking the cleanser I decided to go back to the night serum but also try the day serum. The night serum boasts 2% salicylic acid, lactic acid, and tetra peptide. It does talk of other ingredients but most of that didn't really interest me. The day serum has less salicylic acid but has mattifying and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. I've really come on board and introduced these serums into my daily routine and have seen a difference in my acne.

I recommend this range for anyone with acne or people below the age of 25 concerned about ageing
.

Sure Max Protection

I find a lot of deodorants irritate my skin but recently I've found the perfect remedy: dimethicone. Found in many skincare products and my under arms have been much less itchy with the added bonus of being an anti-perspiring and barely scented.

Plants and Fashion

An obvious pairing I swear.

Recently my favourite colour is khaki. I try and stay away from just buying clothes in one colour and try to get variation but I admit I've been buying rather a lot of khaki. This shirt is from Asos as I found it in the sale. The sale didn't have many other things I like but I am quite picky, Id rather buy very little then a lot that I don't wear or wear because I bought it even though I don't actually like it. The top was from topman, I decide Id go for this summery yellow as it thought It was a happy colour and went with a lot that I already own.

The plants are all from Tesco, ranging from £3 to £4 which is a bargain for succulents. It's nice to see succulents so available as I used to only be able to find them at Wilko and select garden centres. One tip with the aloe is to take out the baby plants and plant them in smaller plants else it will getter proper crowded. The smallest plant does not have a drain hole so I've been watering it really carefully. If you find you over water plants Id suggests you stay away from that one. Recently I've noticed they've changed the pots... which is rude.

Books

Stephen King: Finders keepers

I've read a couple Stephen King books before. His latest books are always easy to find at supermarket book sections so they're almost always an impulse buy, unregretfully. His books for me are always an easy read as they're interesting and unlike many books I find I can't often get the plot halfway through which makes them so exciting. Finders keepers is no exception. It's an immersive tale of a boy who finds a hidden stash of money and when the owner comes looking for it, it all kicks off. Really worth a read whether you're new to reading or not.

Caitlin Moran: Moranifesto

Caitlin Moran is funny and interesting and such a great writer. She writes for the Time's magazine but If you don't what to buy that then this will be a great read. It's a collection of all her brilliant articles from the last few years, ranging from funny to inspiring to serious to introspective to funny again. I couldn't read it faster. It covers topics such as life, politics, and popular culture. She,s someone I aspire to be and write like.

That's it for my June favourites. For July and august I'm sure to be basking in the sun (protected) and relaxing.

Clearly Youthful AHA/BHA exfoliating cream cleanser

Why It interested me?
I originally saw this on Instagram and very quickly decided I needed it and I've liked other products in the range before such as the night serum. At the time when I saw this product I was looking for some new cream cleansers and the idea of a nonphysical exfoliating cleanser excited me.

How I used it?
The directions recommend using a cotton wool pad and sweeping it over your face. Don't listen to that as washing with water is important for exfoliation. I used warm water and a muslin cloth. Unlike a physical exfoliator, I think you could use this as often as you like just use it a bit less if your skin gets irritated or you're using other AHA's (you're probably fine with BHA's).

What did I like?
As I said before it is a nonphysical or nonmechanical exfoliator meaning it uses acids instead of grains, charcoal or plastic beads... which I much prefer as they give a much better and nondamaging exfoliation. The BHA is great for acne and blackheads and the AHA (lactic acid) is good for evening skin tone.

What I disliked?
It can be slightly irritating if you have already irritated skin but if you have sensitive skin and this is the only AHA/BHA you use it shouldn't be a problem.

Who's it for?
Anyone. The Clearly Youthful is for people looking for clear skin and anti-aging but many of the active ingredients they used can help many skin type. If you have sensitive skin and you're looking for an AHA or BHA then this wouldn't be a bad choice.

Where can I get it?
Superdrug £3.69
http://www.superdrug.com/Skincare-Offers/Superdrug-Clearly-Youthful-Cream-Cleanse-150ml/p/296601

L'oreal Extraordinary Clay

What is it?
This is a range of hair care products aimed at oily hair.

Why it interested me?
When is saw the range I was excited as it was aimed at people with oily hair which for me is a constant struggle. The majority of shampoos and conditioners aimed at oily hair are over stripping then not very conditioning leaving dry hair. What most interested me was the hair mask.

What did I enjoy?
The shampoo is nonstripping meaning it makes the hair feel clean rather than dry but I don't find it suitable for everyday use so it was a definite joy to use. Likewise, the conditioner leaves the hair feeling smooth and manageable without making it more greasy and it's not thick so you don't need much.

What was the mask like?
The mask is thick resembling nothing I've used before but the most precise way to describe it is similar to a thick cream cheese yet creamier . The smell isn't the nicest and is slightly offensive but it doesn't bother me too much. You apply it the same you would apply hair dye to roots by sections and It only needs to be left in for 5 minutes although I didn't find that leaving it in for any longer had any adverse effect. It was easily rinsed out by warm water in the shower.

Was my hair any less oily?
I didn't feel that the hair mask was especially helpful. I didn't feel that it left my scalp noticeably less greasy and to pay for something extra alongside my usual shampoo and con I expect to be wowed. It's good for hair that hasn't been washed in a while and I will probably use it at least weekly but like almost all masks I'll presumably forget about it and chuck it away when I'm cleaning out. The shampoo and conditioner are some of my favourites and would defiantly recommend.

Would I repurchase the range?
Most likely yes although I will probably omit the mask.

What is comedogenic? What actually clogs pores?

Comedogenic or Non-comedogenic are often used to described moisturisers that block or don't block pores. Saying that it doesn't have to be proven thus could be put on any product regardless. The misconception is that all oils block or clog pores... which they don't, in fact there is no point for going oil free as oil does have many benefits.

What does block pores?

The main things I'd recormend avoiding are butters such as shea, cocoa, seed and parkii butter in moisturisers, but if you have dry skin these are generally fine in cleansers most of the time. Avoid using body or hand creams on your face as they contain things like la
nolin which is great for the body but will definitely break you out.

For a longer list check this out: http://www.acne.org/comedogenic-list.html although but it isn't always accurate.

Print it out or keep it on your phone so you can quickly check ingredients when you're out shopping.

Also use this search for ingredients: http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary as its much more accurate.

If in doubt just google it as some ingredients have multiple names.

Easy way to avoid pore blocking ingredients? Use a facial oil.

Here's an example of one I like to use:

Waitrose Pure Facial Oil £3

Its first ingredient is isopropyl myristate and if you read the acne.org list above your'll probably thinking its comedogenic. The problem with that is its based on evidence of animal testing which its all that accurate for humans[1] and I find its fine. The second ingredient is almond oil: this is great if you're suffering with breaking to avoid scarring as it helps the skin to heal [2]. The rest of the ingredients are great emollients that leave your skin hydrated.

A few drops of a facial oil is best for use as a night moisturiser as they do leave your facing looking shiny. This facial oil is great as it's cheap yet more than worth it as I feel its more affective and less blocking than most night creams. It's great for sensitive skin or alongside drying ore irritating products and its easy to use for a quick facial massage.