Guide skincare - Facial care

Facial care routine - morning and evening according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders.

An effective routine follows a simple order. Morning: cleansing, lotion (optional), serum, eye contour (optional), moisturizer, then sunscreen - the essential step. Evening: double cleansing, lotion (optional), treatment serum, eye contour, moisturizing cream. Textures range from the most fluid to the thickest, and when you're just starting out, a minimalist three-step routine is best.

ApproachPhysician-independent method
PrincipleFrom fluid to thick texture
Key tipStart minimalist, stay constant

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Scan your products to visualize their suitability for your skin type and build a consistent routine step by step, based on INCI analysis.

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A method simple and effective

Creating your own routine isn't always easy: you need to avoid mixing certain active ingredients, know the right combinations to suit your skin type, choose products according to your skin type (dry, normal, combination or oily) and apply them in the right order. It may seem complicated at first, but the logic is always the same.

☀ Morning

The routine morning

Six steps in a complete version, to be adapted to your skin type and the time available. The sun care step is never optional.

Morning order

Clean, treat, protect

1

Cleaning - depends on skin type. Dry or normal skin without imperfections: a simple rinse with water preserves moisture and lipids. Combination and oily skin: a cleanser to eliminate sebum accumulated overnight.

2

Lotion (optional) - not mandatory. Korean lotions (rice, ginseng, tea) are complementary to serums and can improve hydration and the skin microbiome.

3

Serum - targets a specific problem: anti-aging, anti-imperfections or anti-spot (associations detailed below).

4

Eye contour (optional) - depending on the problem: puffiness, fine lines, dark or blue circles.

5

Moisturizing cream - optional for combination/oily skin, essential for dry skin. To be applied if skin becomes sensitive or drier in winter, or in the case of drying active ingredients.

6

Sun cream - the essential step for all skin types, even on overcast days and in winter. The best anti-aging gesture there is.

💡
Minimalist or complete? The full version has six steps. A minimalist routine boils down to three: cleansing, then a lotion or serum, and finally sunscreen. There's no right or wrong way - everyone does it according to their own feelings.
🌙 Evening

The routine evening

In the evening, cleanse thoroughly and repair. Start with a double cleansing and finish with a moisturizing cream, essential for the night.

Evening order

Cleanse, treat, repair

1

Double cleaning - recommended with water-resistant, makeup-resistant or pollution-resistant sunscreen. Start with a cleansing oil/balm (fat eliminates fat), then a gentle cleanser. Two gentle cleansers are better than one harsh one.

2

Lotion (optional) - as in the morning, according to preference.

3

Serum - depending on your problems. If it's a retinoid every other night, replace it with your morning serum on the other nights.

4

Eye contour (optional) - useful for moisturizing this delicate area.

5

Moisturizing cream - essential: it maintains hydration at night, promotes cell regeneration and radiance in the morning.

Adjusting your cleaner

Tightness after cleansing signals a cleanser that's too strong (risk of dehydration and sensitization); a dull complexion and the appearance of imperfections, on the other hand, signals a cleanser that's not effective enough. When starting out, always begin with a minimalist routine before adding steps.

Depending on your issues

Here are the active ingredient combinations to choose according to your concern. Never use them all at once: choose according to the cause of your problem.

01

Reduce blemishes

Azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, thiamidol, kojic acid, vitamin C, arbutin, retinol, niacinamide, licorice. The choice depends on the cause: post-acne, melasma or sun spots.

02

Reduce wrinkles

A serum with niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol or peptides. A lotion with anti-aging plant extracts can be added.

03

Imperfections

Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, zinc, niacinamide or retinol promote clearer, more balanced skin.

🔗
To find out more about each case : anti-spot treatment, anti-wrinkle treatment and anti-acne care.

When exfoliate in its routine

You can add an exfoliant from time to time. AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) can be used once or twice a week, preferably in the evening: they improve skin texture and texture. The classic mistake is to overdo it - the key to an effective routine is consistency, not frequency of exfoliation.

Salicylic acid exfoliants, limited to 2 % in cosmetics, are generally less irritating than glycolic or lactic acid and can be used more often. For full details, see the guide face scrub.

Build your routine on your skin profile.

The BeautyDecoded application lets you scan any cosmetic product to visualize its suitability for your skin type and needs, based on INCI analysis.

Application available on iOS and Android

Your questions about skincare routine

In what order should you apply your products?
From the most fluid to the thickest texture: cleansing, lotion, serum, eye contour, moisturizing cream, then sunscreen in the morning. In the evening, replace sunscreen with a night cream and start with a double cleansing.
How many steps to a good routine?
There is no ideal number. A minimalist three-step routine (cleansing, serum or lotion, sunscreen) is perfect for starters. A longer routine moisturizes better, but increases the risk of a reaction to an active ingredient.
Is sunscreen really essential in the morning?
Yes, it's the most important step in your morning routine, whatever your skin type or the weather. Daily sun protection is the best-documented anti-ageing measure, preventing blemishes and premature ageing.
Do I need to double-clean every night?
Double-cleaning is especially useful if you wear make-up, water-resistant sunscreen or live in a polluted environment. Otherwise, a mild, medium-strength cleanser is sufficient. The key is to adapt the cleanser to your skin's reactions.
Can you mix several active ingredients in one routine?
Yes, but cautiously and gradually. Certain combinations should be avoided on the same evening, notably retinol with exfoliating acids. Choose your active ingredients according to your problem rather than combining them all, and introduce one new active ingredient at a time.
Dr Sylvain DavidPlastic and aesthetic surgeon - Founder of BeautyDecoded

Information for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation and must be adapted to each individual. The compatibility scores generated by the application do not prejudge the individual tolerance of each skin type. In the event of pregnancy, skin pathology or doubt, dermatological advice is recommended. A tolerance test should be carried out before using the product for the first time.