The keys to a successful daily skincare routine

We often ask ourselves, "What exactly is a skincare routine?", "Where do I start with my skincare routine?", "Is it the same in the morning and evening?" These are questions many of you ask every day. And we will try to answer them today!

What is a skincare routine? : This English term refers to all the products, treatments, or actions you use every day to pamper your skin!

Of course, we don't choose them randomly or because they are very popular. Everything you put on or do to your skin has an impact that can leave many difficult-to-repair consequences.

This is also why it is essential to determine your skin type before buying products that are not suitable for it! As a reminder, there are four skin types:

• Normal skin: nothing special to report, your skin is soft and radiant without too many imperfections.
• Dry skin: your skin is rather thin and dull throughout the day, feels tight, and some redness may appear.
• Oily skin: you notice many imperfections, your pores are dilated and have some blackheads. In addition, your face becomes shiny throughout the day.
• Combination skin: exhibiting the characteristics of oily skin, your skin will show the same peculiarities mainly on the T-zone. This zone extends from the forehead to the chin, passing through the nose.

If you cannot determine your skin type, you can simply perform a diagnostic that will indicate which products to use.

It is very common for your skin to change over time, but also with the seasons. This can lead to skin problems that should not be neglected. Your routine will therefore also need to adapt to these small changes.

That's why we're going to look together at all the possible steps of a daily skincare routine, both morning and evening! And yes, some steps differ depending on the time of day.

IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD YOU DO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?

1 - Cleansing:

For this step, there are two schools of thought.

The first advises washing your skin in the morning because cells regenerate at night and leave some dead cells on our epidermis. This also helps remove accumulated sebum and perspiration from our face.

Others, however, advise against this practice. Indeed, for some, this action implies a deep cleanse. However, the skin has not encountered as many impurities, pollution, or makeup as it might during the day. This step can therefore lead to a deterioration of your skin's hydrolipidic film. In the long run, this can cause dehydration, dry skin, or other skin problems.

So, it's up to you to decide! If your skin is fragile, dry, and lacks hydration, opt for one cleanse per day.

Be careful, oily skin does not mean it should be cleansed more; on the contrary, drastic sebum production can indicate a severe lack of hydration.

Regarding your evening routine: both schools agree! Cleansing your skin after a long day is essential. We recommend the double cleansing method.

2 - Toner:

The second step of a complete skincare routine is toner.

Toner, also called toning lotion or floral water, helps to tone your skin and tighten pores (this can vary depending on the active ingredients present in the product).

You might ask, why is this product placed as the second step? : Simply because once the cleanser is used, you will need to rinse your face with water. We all know that limescale is harmful to the skin. Toning lotion will therefore help to eliminate limescale residues present on your face, as well as makeup (if you haven't performed a double cleanse 😉) that can clog your pores.

How to apply a toner? : You can pour a few drops of your toner onto a reusable cotton pad and gently wipe it over your face. But you can also put a few drops of your toning lotion on the palms of your hands. The application will be done by gently pressing your palms against different areas of your face.

 

3 - Serum:

Incorporating a serum into your routine can be very useful when you need to address a particular skin problem (blemishes, spots, acne scars, dehydration, ...).

Indeed, serums are products very highly concentrated in one or a few active ingredients that can help your skin repair itself.

In addition, serum prepares your skin for the application of your cream. It can reinforce the action of the latter or provide another active ingredient.

However, if you want to combine several active ingredients at the same time, it is very important to find out about their possible or impossible combination. For example, retinol does not mix with vitamin C.

It is entirely possible to use two distinct serums: one in the morning and a second in the evening. However, it is sometimes preferable to concentrate on one serum at a time so that your skin gets the maximum benefit and it can truly have an effect on it. We also advise you to use only one serum in your routine and not to layer two.

 

4 - Eye contour:

The skin around your eyes is thinner, which is why it is preferable to use an eye cream or serum.

This hydrates your skin to reduce fine lines and brighten your gaze. If your product does not contain a roll-on, take a small amount of product on your ring finger. Then apply the product to the eyelids and under the eye. Then massage your eye contour from the inside out. Finally, gently tap, always in the same direction.

 

5 - Moisturizer:

This step, like cleansing, is essential.

Indeed, like your body, your skin needs to be hydrated. Again, it is possible to choose a day cream, to be used in the morning, and a night cream. Day cream provides protection and hydration for your skin throughout the day. While a night cream helps your body regenerate cells and gives you luminous and glowy skin upon waking.

 

6 - Lip balm:

Don't forget to moisturize your lips at least once a day. They tend to dry out very quickly. Lip balm is therefore intended to nourish and repair our lips. In addition, this balm acts as protection against external aggressions.

 

7 - Sun protection :

Again, this step should not be overlooked!

In winter as in summer, sun protection is essential. Indeed, the sun is a factor that very often leads to premature skin aging or the worsening of pigmentation spots related to acne, for example.

If you don't have any yet, but you have some imperfections, the sun's rays encourage them to leave many marks that are hard to get rid of.

We strongly recommend that you use sunscreen from January to October at least. To simplify your routine, it is entirely possible to use a day cream containing SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Of course, you don't need to use protection in the evening! 😉

 

And there you have it, you now have all the steps that can make up your skincare routine. Of course, you need to adapt it to your needs!

But every skincare routine must consist of at least cleansing, a moisturizer, and sun protection. So, you have no more excuses not to pamper your skin!

Be sure to pay attention to the composition of the products you choose. Indeed, a very long list does not mean that it contains many active ingredients that will therefore be beneficial for your skin. On the contrary, prefer natural products with a simple but effective composition.