there’s nothing ordinary about the ordinary
It might be too soon to write this review, given that the turnover rate for cells is a little over a month and I’ve only used this for two or three weeks now. However, the changes that my skin has gone through in just two weeks has been nothing short of ordinary.
For those that don’t know about this magical little potion, The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a 10 minute exfoliating facial with a pH of around 3.6. In other words, don’t leave it on for more than 10 minutes or it will give you a chemical burn. They say the color varies seasonally, which explains why the bottle depicted in this picture is a bright red but my solution is a deep deoxygenated blood-like color. In fact, I like to think I’m smearing the blood of my enemies every time I do the facial. Kidding, that’s just my dark humor talking. With 30% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic/Lactic/Tartaric/Citric) and 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid), it’s designed to exfoliate the skin’s topmost layer for a “brighter and more even appearance” (AHA) and exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion (BHA).
As for personal results, it’s been a ride. I have a combination of oily and dry skin, with the oily skin being primarily in my T-zone. I wouldn’t say I have sensitive skin but after using this product, I might start believing I do. The first application two weeks ago went smoothly. It didn’t burn and my skin felt and looked great afterwards. Fast forward a week later, the second application stung quite a bit and my skin appeared to be irritated. I had bumps on my cheeks which I usually only get when I am having an allergic reaction to something I ate. I got two pimples, but I sincerely believe it was hormonal since they appeared in my usual problem areas (forehead and near the nose). I went online and started researching the common side effects or reactions to the peeling solution and came across the term ‘purging.’ According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, the term ‘skin purging’ refers to a reaction to an active ingredient that is increasing skin cell turnover rate. To the best of my understanding, as the skin cell turnover speeds up, the skin sheds dead skin cells faster than normal and it also brings up all the dirty gunk that clogs pores.
For me, purging was having little pre-pimples all over my cheeks which I still have to this day (it’s been a week, for reference). However, after doing the facial again 2 days ago, it has gotten much better and my face is looking a lot better. It’s glowing aside from the two pimples that are quickly healing and the pre-pimples that are disappearing. Whether my skin is purging or it’s getting irritated every time I use it, I still don’t know since I have not hit a month of using the product. However, going off the basis that my skin looks really well right now, I’m going to assume that it’s purging. I’m excited to see how it looks once the month is over and will be deciding to continue using the facial once a week here on after.
Some additional details: I was originally using the Hylamide Low-Molecular HA serum and The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA moisturizer after the peeling solution. However, since I was not sure if I was having a reaction to the peeling solution or was purging, I stopped using both products and am now using my favorite moisturizer, Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin cream, after the chemical peel. I have seen a noticeable difference using Dr. Jart+ instead of The Ordinary’s moisturizer, so I might just stick to my trustworthy Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin cream.
I will be (hopefully) be posting a part 2 once the month is up or a little later with pictures. Stay tuned!
