Let’s talk about a fan favorite from The Ordinary: the Peeling Solution.
This product is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with acne scars, as it can help to exfoliate the skin and fade discoloration.
But how do you use it correctly? And what results can you expect?
That’s what we’ll be talking about in this blog post: The Ordinary peeling solution acne scars.
Acne is common and so are acne scars.
If you’ve ever had chronic acne or persistent acne then chances are you have some acne scars.
Acne scars can appear as dark spots, uneven texture, or indentations on the skin.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available to diminish their appearance.
Among these options, The Ordinary Peeling Solution stands out as an affordable and highly effective choice.
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What is The Ordinary Peeling Solution?
The Ordinary Peeling Solution is a 10-minute facial mask that exfoliates the skin with a high concentration of acids.
It has a red color and a thin consistency that spreads easily on the skin.
It comes in a 30 ml dropper bottle and as of this writing costs $9.50 USD on The Ordinary website.
But what makes this product so special?
Well, it’s the ingredients.
This peeling solution contains a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that work together to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath.
AHAs also help to fade hyperpigmentation, while BHAs unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Here are the main ingredients of The Ordinary Peeling Solution and their benefits:
Glycolic Acid: The most common AHA that penetrates deeply into the skin and improves skin texture, tone, and clarity.
It also stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
Lactic Acid: An AHA that gently exfoliates the skin and boosts hydration. It also helps to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
Tartaric Acid: An AHA that balances the pH of the formula and enhances the effects of other acids.
It also has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage.
Citric Acid: An AHA that brightens the skin and provides antioxidant benefits.
It also helps to regulate sebum production and prevent acne.
Salicylic Acid: The only BHA that penetrates into the pores and dissolves oil, dirt, and bacteria.
It also helps reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne, as well as smooth out rough texture, and improve the appearance of scars.
Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, plumping and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
It also helps to soothe and heal the skin after exfoliation.
Vitamin B5: A vitamin that soothes and heals the skin, as well as supports the skin barrier function. It also helps to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and keep the skin hydrated.
Black Carrot Extract: A natural source of antioxidants that protects the skin from free radical damage.
It also gives the product its red color.
Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract: A botanical ingredient that reduces irritation and inflammation caused by acid use.
It also has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties that prevent infections.
As you can see, this peel is packed with powerful ingredients.
But how do you use it? And what results can you expect?
How to Use The Ordinary Peeling Solution for Acne Scars
The Ordinary Peeling Solution is a powerful product that can transform your skin in minutes but it’s not for the faint of heart.
It’s packed with acids that can exfoliate the skin and fade acne scars like no other. But it can also cause irritation, dryness, or damage if used incorrectly.
So how do you use it safely and effectively for acne scars?
Here are some steps to follow:
Step #1
Before using the peel for the first time, make sure to patch-test it on a small area of your skin.
If you experience severe burning, itching, or redness, discontinue use immediately.
Please note that this product isn’t suitable for sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin.
Step #2
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Don’t use any other products before applying the peeling solution.
You want to avoid any potential interactions or irritations with other ingredients.
Step #3
Apply a thin layer of the peeling solution evenly over your face and neck, avoiding your eye area, lips, and any broken or irritated skin.
To spread the product, you can use your fingers or a cotton pad.
Remember, a little goes a long way, so there’s no need to use too much.
Step #4
Leave the peeling solution on for no longer than 10 minutes.
You might experience a slight tingling or stinging sensation, but that’s completely normal.
However, if you feel any unbearable discomfort, wash it off immediately with cold water.
This product is very strong and can cause damage if left on for too long.
Step #5
After applying the peeling solution, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Gently pat your face dry instead of rubbing or scrubbing your skin.
It’s important to be gentle to avoid any further irritation.
Step #6
After rinsing, follow up with a hydrating serum or moisturizer.
To further soothe your skin and prevent breakouts, you may want to consider using products like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Step #7
Make sure you’re using sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sun damage.
Acids can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so it’s important to take precautions.
And, try to avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week after using the peeling solution.
You wouldn’t want to negate the benefits of the peel by exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.
Remember to use this product sparingly and only once or twice a week at most.
You should also monitor your skin’s reaction and adjust the frequency and duration of use accordingly.
What Results Can You Expect from The Ordinary Peeling Solution for Acne Scars?
Jere are some of the benefits you can expect from using this product:
- It can exfoliate the skin and remove the dead skin cells that make your scars look dull and uneven
- It can lighten the dark spots and hyperpigmentation that are caused by acne
- It can reduce the inflammation and redness that are associated with acne
- It can unclog the pores and prevent new breakouts from forming
- It can stimulate collagen production and improve the skin elasticity
Sounds amazing, right?
Just keep in mind that results may vary depending on your skin type, condition, and frequency of use.
Some people may see noticeable results after one use, while others may need several weeks or months of consistent use to see significant improvement.
This peel is likely more suitable for mild to moderate acne scars, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE).
These are the dark or red marks that remain after acne has healed. They’re not permanent and can fade over time with proper care.
It may not be very effective for severe or deep acne scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars.
These types of scars are caused by damage to the skin’s collagen and elastin, resulting in indentations or depressions.
They are more difficult to treat and may require professional procedures such as lasers, micro-needling, or fillers.
So, how do you know if The Ordinary Peeling Solution is working for your acne scars?
You can track your progress by taking before and after photos of your skin.
You can also look for signs of improvement such as:
- Smoother and softer skin texture
- Brighter and more even skin tone
- Less visible dark spots and redness
- Fewer breakouts and blemishes
Of course, you should also listen to your skin and pay attention to how it feels.
If you experience any adverse reactions, such as excessive dryness, peeling, irritation, or sensitivity, it’s recommended that you stop using the product or reduce the frequency and duration of use.
If you have any questions or concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dermatologist.
FAQ
How often should I use The Ordinary Peeling Solution for acne scars?
The Ordinary says you should use the peeling solution no more than twice a week, preferably at night.
But you should also listen to your skin and see how it reacts.
You may want to start with once a week or less, and slowly increase the frequency as your skin gets used to it.
Don’t use the peeling solution more than the recommended amount, as this can harm your skin.
Can I use The Ordinary Peeling Solution with other products?
The Ordinary warns you not to use the peeling solution with other strong acids, retinoids, vitamin C, or peptides, as this can cause too much exfoliation, irritation, or pH imbalance.
You should also avoid using physical scrubs or exfoliants on the same day as the peeling solution.
However you can save should use gentle and hydrating products before or after the peeling solution, such as cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and most importantly sunscreens.
Can I use The Ordinary Peeling Solution if I have active acne?
The Ordinary doesn’t recommend using the peeling solution if you have active acne, as this can make your condition worse and cause more inflammation and scarring.
You should wait until your acne is healed before using the peeling solution.
However, if you have a few isolated pimples, you can apply the peeling solution around them and avoid direct contact.
Is The Ordinary Peeling Solution safe for all skin types and tones?
Yes, The Ordinary Peeling Solution is suitable for most skin types and tones, excluding very sensitive, dry, or compromised skin.
If you have conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or dermatitis, it’s recommended to consult your doctor before using the peeling solution.
And, if you have darker skin be cautious with this chemical peel because incorrect or excessive use can potentially lead to hyperpigmentation.
Final thoughts
The Ordinary Peeling Solution is a great product that can help you fade your acne scars by exfoliating your skin and brightening discoloration.
But it’s not a miracle worker and it may not work for everyone.
If you do decide to try it, use it with caution and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any trouble.
You should also be patient and consistent with your skincare routine to see the most improvement.
If you find this helpful, please share it with your friends and family who might benefit from it as well.
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Have you tried The Ordinary Peeling Solution for acne scars? What was your experience like?
