The keys to a successful daily skincare routine

We often wonder, “But what is a skincare routine?”, “Where should you start your skincare routine?”, “Is it the same in the morning and at night?” These are questions that many of you ask yourselves 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, you don’t choose them at random or just because they are highly 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 purchasing products that may not be suitable for it! As a reminder, there are four skin types:

• Normal skin: nothing in particular to report, your skin is soft and radiant with few imperfections.
• Dry skin: your skin is rather thin and matte throughout the day, feels tight, and some redness may appear.
• Oily skin: you notice many imperfections, your pores are enlarged and there are some blackheads. Additionally, your face becomes shinier as the day goes on.
• Combination skin: Sharing the characteristics of oily skin, your skin will show the same features mainly on the T-zone. This area runs from the forehead to the chin, passing through the nose.

If you are unable to determine your skin type, you can simply perform a diagnosis that will tell you which products to use.

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

This is why we will go through all the possible steps of a daily skincare routine together, whether it is your morning or evening routine! Yes, a few 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 recommends washing your skin in the morning since cells regenerate at night and leave some dead cells on our epidermis. This also helps remove the sebum accumulated on our face as well as sweat.

Others, however, advise against this practice. Indeed, for some, this action involves a deep cleansing. However, the skin has not encountered as many impurities, pollution, or makeup as it does 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 weakened, dry, and lacks hydration, opt for one cleansing per day.

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

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

2 - The toner:

The second step of a complete skincare routine is the toner.

The toner, also called tonic lotion or floral water, helps tone your skin and tighten the pores (this may vary depending on the active ingredients in the product).

You may ask, why place this product as the second step?: Well, quite 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. The toner will therefore help eliminate limescale residues present on your face, as well as makeup (if you have not done a double cleansing 😉) which 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 toner into your palms. Apply by gently pressing your palms against the different areas of your face.

 

3 - The serum:

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

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

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

However, if you wish to combine several active ingredients at the same time, it is very important to find out whether they can be combined or not. For example, retinol should not be mixed with vitamin C.

It is entirely possible to use two different serums: one in the morning and another in the evening. However, it is sometimes preferable to focus on one serum at a time so that your skin can derive the maximum benefit and it can truly have an effect. We also recommend using only one serum in your routine and not layering two. 

 

4 - The eye contour:

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

This will hydrate your skin to reduce fine lines and brighten your eyes. When your product does not have a roll-on, take a small amount of product with your ring finger. Then apply the product to the eyelids and under the eye. Next, massage your eye contours from the inside out. Finally, gently tap, always in the same direction.

 

5 - The moisturizing cream:

This step is, just like cleansing, essential.

Indeed, just 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. The day cream guarantees protection and hydration for your skin throughout the day. Meanwhile, a night cream helps your body regenerate cells and gives you radiant and glowing skin as soon as you wake up.

 

6 - The lip balm:

Don't forget to moisturize your lips at least once a day.These tend to dry out very quickly. The lip balm is therefore intended to nourish and repair our lips . Moreover, this balm also serves as protection against external aggressions.

 

7 - Sun protection:

Again, this step should not be overlooked!

Whether in winter or 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 these to leave many marks that are hard to get rid of.

We strongly recommend using sunscreen from January until at least October. To simplify your routine, it is entirely possible to use a day cream containing SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Of course, you do not 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, it should be adapted according to your needs!

But every skincare routine must include at least cleansing, a moisturizing cream, 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 be beneficial for your skin.On the contrary, opt for natural products with a simple yet effective composition.