The Ordinary Pigmentation Routine
Deciem
- Alpha Arbutin (more molecules)
- Niacinamide (more molecules)
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C)
- Azelaic Acid (Direct Acids)
- * you can add Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution before Azelaic Acid for added support.
Your Pigmentation Routine Will Look Like This
| Morning | Cleanse | Alpha Arbutin | Niacinamide | MAP | SPF |
| Evening | Cleanse | Alpha Arbutin | Azelaic Acid |
Please note that Deciem says 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
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 it is at all possible for you, I highly recommend speaking to a dermatologist who can prescribe you mix of fabulous ingredients to really help the pigmentation. It´s really important to invest in a really good suncream, a fabulous hat and avoid direct sun.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin – Pigmentation Routine
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 you can apply Niacinamide followed by Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP).
- Fades pigmentation
- Dark Spots
- When: morning and evening
- Where: after cleansing as this is a water-based product but before oils/cream
- No Conflicts but this should not be mixed with Niacinamide powder if using due to the pH.
The Ordinary Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a water-based serum that regulates sebum and minimizes pores. Niacinamide can be used in the morning and in the evening, although in this routine Deciem recommend to use it once a day. Apply a few drops on top of the Alpha Arbutin and follow with Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) and your sun cream.
A common problem with Niacinamide is that people find it can get soapy when applying. Try using less product and patting the product on rather than rubbing it. Make sure your skin is cleansed really well with no residue left from your cleanser. Niacinamide is now available in powder form.
- Regulates sebum
- Minimises Pores
- When: Use morning and evening.
- Where: This is water-based so apply this after cleansing and 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.
- Niacinamide is available in 30ml and 60ml
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a great vitamin c to use, especially if you’re new to skincare because it doesn’t have any conflicts.
- Brightens skin
- Evens tone
- Signs of aging
- When: Can be used in the morning and in the evening.
- Where: This would be used after water-based solutions.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid is a fabulous emulsion product that brightens your skin and evens skin tone.
- Brightens
- Evens skin tone
- Texture Irregularities
- When: Ideally, this should be used in the evening.
- Where: This would come towards the end of your routine after water-based products. Some people apply this before moisturiser and some apply after.
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.
The Ordinary & Deciem Skincare Routines
- General Signs of Ageing Regimen
- The Ordinary Pigmentation Regimen
- Dehydration Regimen
- Look of Blemishes & Congestion
- Textural Irregularities Regimen
- The Ordinary Rosacea Regimen
- Oily Skin Regimen
- Sensitive Skin Routine
- Personalized routines in the Facebook Group, NIOD & Hylamide routines
- The Ordinary Skincare Routines
- Personalized Ordinary Routines
- How to layer The Ordinary
- Find your skin type
The Ordinary, Pigmentation & Melasma
Read more about pigmentation and melasma and the best The Ordinary & Deciem products to use. If you do have melasma, it would be best to speak to a dermatologist if it is at all possible.
