The Ordinary Pigmentation Routine

Pigmentation Regimen
Buy The Complete Regimen
  • Alpha Arbutin
  • Niacinamide
  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP)
  • Azelaic Acid
  • * you can add Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution before Azelaic Acid for added support.

Your Routine Will Look Like This

MorningCleanse | Alpha Arbutin | Niacinamide | MAP | SPF
EveningCleanse | Alpha Arbutin | Azelaic Acid

Deciem have put together this simple regimen comprising of just 4 products for The Ordinary Pigmentation Routine.

Please note that Deciem say that their products are not for Melasma and you should consult with a specialist. We have some great posts about melasma in the Deciem Chat Room and some members have found some products that have really helped but generally, the melasma gets worse once the summer is here.

ask Deciem for a regimen

I have melasma and used this routine when I first started using The Ordinary. It did help, but as many of you know, melasma will come back the minute the sun is shining. If you can, go and see a dermatologist. Invest in a really good suncream, a fabulous hat, and avoid direct sun.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin

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Alpha Arbutin is a water-based serum that helps fades dark spots and pigmentation. It can be used in the morning and evening by applying just a couple of drops to cleansed skin. Once you feel the Alpha Arbutin has been absorbed, apply Niacinamide followed by MAP.

  • Fades pigmentation
  • Dark Spots
  • When & How: Use AM & PM before oils / cream
  • No Conflicts

The Ordinary Niacinamide

Niacinamide

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Niacinamide is a water-based serum that regulates sebum and minimizes pores. It can be used in the morning and in the evening, although in this routine you would only use it once a day. Apply a few drops on top of the Alpha Arbutin and follow with MAP and your sun cream.

A common problem with Niacinamide is that people find it can foam a bit. Try using less product and patting the product on rather than rubbing it. Make sure your skin is cleansed really well with no residue from your cleanser.

  • Regulates sebum
  • Minimises Pores
  • When & How: AM & PM before creams and oils
  • Conflicts: Vitamin C 23%, 30%, Ethylated Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid & Alpha Arbutin and L-Ascorbic Acid Powder. You can use the 3 derivatives.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Magnesium Ascorbul Phosphate
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Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a great vitamin c to use, especially if you’re new to skincare because it doesn’t have any conflicts. It´s a lovely emulsion that is applied after your water-based products. It can be used in the morning and evening.

  • Brightens skin
  • Evens tone
  • Signs of aging
  • When & How: AM & PM after water solutions

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid
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Azelaic Acid is a fabulous emulsion product that brightens your skin and evens skin tone. It should preferably be used in the evening only as your final step in this routine.

  • Brightens
  • Evens skin tone
  • Texture Irregularities
  • When & How: Preferably PM after water solution
Pigmentation Routine

The Ordinary, Pigmentation & Melasma

Read all about The Ordinary, pigmentation and Melasma here. How to tell what sort of pigmentation you have, why it appears and the best products for it.

Read The Ordinary for Pigmentation & Melasma

The Ordinary & Deciem Skincare Routines