The Ordinary: help me not buy everything

I just discovered The Ordinary and everything is like $6. My brain says "it's $6, buy it". My other brain says "you don't know what half of these do".

I have combination skin, some old acne marks and a few fine lines starting around my eyes (I'm 34, it's fine, I'm FINE). What should I actually get? There are like 30 products.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc for the marks and the oil, and a hyaluronic acid serum for hydration. Start with those two and stop there for a month.

Do NOT start everything at once. If you start 5 things and break out, you'll never know which one did it. One new product every 2 weeks.

@Rubypixie the voice of reason. I have 9 things in my cart. taking out 7

the names are so confusing. 'Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5'. 'Buffet'. 'AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution'. it reads like a chemistry exam

Be careful with the red peeling solution. It's strong. 10 minutes max, and never when your skin is already irritated. I left it on too long once and my face was bright red for 2 days.

@ravenjinx the red peel horror stories on reddit are legendary

Got the niacinamide and the hyaluronic acid. Total: $13. It's been 3 weeks and my skin is less oily in the afternoons. Marks are the same, but I'm told that takes longer. The peeling solution is on my "later, maybe" list.

@kitstorm $13 for a whole new routine is the best part