An Iconic Mask From The Ordinary May Lead To Softer Soles, According To TikTok
The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution was all over social media, with people boasting how brightened and smoothed their skin. Everyone was covering their faces with the red liquid that they joked was a blood mask. They claimed that it left instant results and a price that was less than $10 (via The Ordinary). How could anyone not at least try the product out for themselves?
When used correctly, the peeling solution erases acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, pores, and texture. However, this product doesn't work miracles for everyone. Some people felt burning instead of light tingles and were left with even more damage to their skin than they started with. Since it's such a strong chemical exfoliant, a lot can go wrong. No one wants to be left with a red and inflamed face. If you've already purchased the product and realized it doesn't work for you, you don't have to throw it in the garbage. Instead, Nikki of @uglyducklingskincare on TikTok recommends repurposing it on your feet to smooth away your calluses. That way, you can get your money's worth and use every drop of the peeling solution.
Is The Ordinary mask too strong for your face?
The Ordinary's peeling mask is one of the strongest chemical exfoliants that you can purchase over the counter. It's formulated with AHAs and BHAs, which are acids that dissolve dead skin cells. This product includes a mix of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids. When using a peel with such a high concentration of chemical exfoliants, you need to be careful and have experience working with the product. If not, you could easily disregard the burning sensation as it's proving that the mask is working, leave it on for too long, or use it too often.
The concentration of ingredients in this peeling mask can easily damage your skin, especially if it's already sensitive. Some people may want to use the peel since it's so popular without knowing it doesn't mix with the products already in their skincare routine. If you use prescription-strength retinol, you should never mix it with a chemical peel. You also want to avoid it if you apply vitamin C or other serums with acids in them. People with sensitive skin are also more likely to have adverse reactions from this product. Don't disregard broken skin either; using the peeling solution will only irritate your face more. Luckily, other areas of your body have thicker skin that can withstand how strong of an exfoliant this is, so you don't waste it.
How to use the mask on your feet
Using The Ordinary's AHA + BHA Peeling Solution as a foot mask is not very different from when you use it on your face, shows Nikki from @uglyducklingskincare on TikTok. As always, you should start by cleaning the area where you will apply it, in this case, your feet. Make sure they're completely dry once you're done. Now it's time to apply the peeling solution to the bottoms of your feet, paying extra attention to your heels and any calluses. You can use your hands or a brush if you want more of an even application. Just be sure never to touch the dropper to your skin because it can contaminate the rest of the product when you place it back into the bottle. This step is even more important if you ever use the peeling solution on your face again.
Leave the product on for about 10 minutes. If it starts to burn and feel painful, wash the mask off before the time is done. Since your feet just underwent a potent chemical exfoliation, you should clean them with a gentle soap formulated for sensitive skin. Then dry them off and apply Vaseline or a moisturizer you already own.