The Ordinary has revolutionised skincare products as we know them. They’ve made things simpler and most importantly, way more accessible. Let’s face it, why should you have to pay bucket loads of money for good skin?
Everyone and their skin is different. I mean, that’s a given but this is why it’s important to educate yourself first before you rush out and buy the latest Instagram hype. I personally am a huge fan of using acids to exfoliate my skin, mostly because nothing else will actually work or even give half the results that acids do. I’ve got scarring/textured skin and so when I use more gentle exfoliating products, I see little to no results. When I found out about The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution I literally couldn’t get on to ASOS fast enough to get it delivered to me the very next day.
Let’s start at the beginning though, what is exactly is AHA and BHA?
Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) are water loving acid’s derived from natural substances i.e. fruit. AHA’s exfoliate the skin’s top surface which results in a brighter and more even appearance. You’ll notice products like Pixi Glow Tonic and Alpha H liquid gold state the (very small 5%) percentage of AHA that is in their products. This amount is fine for use every day/every other day for most people. Over time you’ll notice your skin brightening and skin tone evening out.
Beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) are oil loving acid’s. They’re amazing for those with oily or acne prone skin because they go a little bit further than just the surface, this means it’s fantastic at helping to clear pore congestion. BHA’s have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The most common AHA you’ll hear of in skincare is Glycolic acid and the most common BHA is Salicylic Acid.
Usually products don’t combine the two but there’s no reason why you can’t; so naturally, when I heard the AHA/BHA combination of 32% was available, I had to get my hands on some!
The peeling solution comes in a a dark glass bottle with a pipette attached. The pipette makes the product so easy to dispense and the dark bottle reminds me to keep the bottle out of sunlight. The first thing you notice is the dark red colour. It honestly looks like a bottle of blood and all of a sudden I wasn’t sure whether I was scared or excited!
My experience:
Since this is seriously strong stuff, it’s absolutely vital that you read and follow the instructions and who it’s recommended for. No one knows your skin as well as you do so please do not use this product if you have very sensitive skin, broken skin (i.e. scabs) or active acne.
If you’re new to acids, it’s recommended that you start off using this once a week. I’ve dabbled with them before but just as a precaution I thought I’d try it just the once.
The directions say that you should use it ideally in the evening on a clean and dry face. No moisture should be on your face. Apply a thin and even layer across your face using your fingertips, leaving it on no more than 10 minutes. Once you’re done, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
The consistency of The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is…different. At first, I was worried that if it was too runny, it would end up in my eyes or mouth but it’s neither runny nor thick. It pretty much stays in place when you use the dropper but as soon as you start spreading it out on to your skin, it moves around just fine.
I noticed straight away there was quite a sharp, fruity smell and then when I checked the box it said it had pepper berry in it (which I’m assuming is what it is!). Pepperberry is said to help reduce irritation associated with acid use.
I’m usually quite liberal with face mask time constraints but with this I watched the clock count down and was in the bathroom ready to wash it off by 9 minutes. The mask washes off really easily and leaves no red residue.
I noticed a very very slight tingle, almost stinging sensation but it was barely there when the mask was on but strangely once I washed it off the tingling/stinging feeling got slightly stronger. It wasn’t enough to worry me though.
Now for the good bit – guys, this product is beyond AMAZING. I’m not one to exaggerate when it comes to skincare because I’m pretty serious about it but this is SO good. My skin felt so softer straight after use and the annoying persistent clogged pores around my nose had completely cleared. Best of all though, my skin actually looked smoother. I thought perhaps I was being biased so the next morning I asked my sister gif she noticed a difference and her exact words were “your skin looks smoother”!! You don’t understand how this feels for a long time acne sufferer! Pure joy! My dull skin seemed to have been lifted and rejuvenated in 10 minutes.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is available on Asos (here) for just £6.50. You can’t really put a price on good skin but if you’re offering it to me for £6.50 then I’ll take it all!
Just a few more precautions when using this product: Don’t forget to use a good sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
What are your thoughts?