facial care

Facial care

Skin type guide

Ingredient guide

Skin problems

The basics of facial care: Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect

"The choice of cleansers and moisturizers depends on your skin type.

"The choice of serums and skincare creams depends on your skin problems" Beauty Decoded

Facial Care: Complete Guide and Expert Advice for Radiant Skin

Facial care is an essential step in maintaining healthy skin, preventing skin aging, and achieving a radiant complexion. Adopting a care routine suited to your skin type helps protect the skin barrier and meet the specific needs of your face.

In this comprehensive guide, we present a professional action plan for taking care of your skin on a daily basis: gentle cleansing, effective moisturizing, daily sun protection, and targeted treatments (acne, wrinkles, dark spots, redness, blackheads). Follow our expert advice to develop a routine. facial care tailored to your needs, with product tips and a summary table of key ingredients to help you achieve healthy, radiant skin.

Facial cleansing: the essential first step

Visit facial cleansing is the basis of any successful skincare routine. It removes accumulated impurities (sebum, sweat, pollution, makeup) and prepares the skin for subsequent treatments. A well-cleansed face is less prone to imperfections and better absorbs the active ingredients in the products applied afterwards. Here's how to cleanse your skin optimally:

Clean your face twice a day. (in the morning to remove excess sebum produced overnight, and in the evening to rid the skin of impurities accumulated during the day). Avoid washing your face more often than necessary, as this may dry out your skin.’irritateor of the dehydrate.
Use a mild, soap-free cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Choose purifying gels or foams for oily or acne-prone skin, and cleansing milks or creams for dry or sensitive skin. A good cleanser removes dirt without irritating or drying out the skin.
Remove your makeup thoroughly. before cleansing if you use makeup or thick sunscreen. An oil-based makeup remover followed by a cleansing gel (technique of double cleaning) is ideal in the evening for maximum purity.
Rinse with lukewarm water rather than hot water, so as not to irritate the skin. Then dry by gently patting with a clean towel (reserved for the face) rather than rubbing.

For a detailed guide on best cleaning practices, See our How to cleanse facial skin. By following a rigorous but gentle skincare routine, you will prevent blemishes from appearing and prepare your skin perfectly for the rest of your facial care routine.

Facial hydration: nourish and protect the skin barrier

L'hydration is the key step in maintaining skin's suppleness and comfort. Well-hydrated skin properly fulfills its function as a barrier against external aggressions and regenerates more effectively. After cleansing, it is crucial to apply a moisturizer to replenish the protective hydrolipidic film.

Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. If your skin is dry, choose a rich cream containing nourishing oils and ceramides. For oily or combination skin, opt for a light, non-comedogenic fluid or gel (which does not clog pores).
Apply moisturizer morning and night. In the morning, a light moisturizer will help maintain hydration throughout the day (some include SPF to protect from the sun). In the evening, use a more nourishing cream or a hyaluronic acid moisturizing serum to repair and soothe the skin overnight.
Don't forget the eye area and neck : these areas also need hydration and are often more sensitive. Gently pat on a specific eye contour treatment to moisturize without irritating this fragile area, and extend your face cream down to your neck to prevent skin aging in this area.
Hydration does not always mean «fat.» Even acne-prone or oily skin needs water. Ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid attract water to the skin without weighing it down. On the contrary, dehydrated oily skin can produce even more sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture.

Proper daily hydration helps the skin better defend itself against external aggressors (cold, pollution, air conditioning) and appear plumper and more radiant. It is also essential for preventing the premature appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sun protection: your everyday anti-aging asset

Visit sun protection is often considered the best anti-aging tip by dermatologists. The sun's UV rays (UVA and UVB) are responsible for premature skin aging (wrinkles, brown spots, loss of elasticity) and can cause skin cancer. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine is therefore essential, even in the city and on cloudy days.

Apply sunscreen every morning. Apply to your face after your moisturizer and before your makeup. Choose a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 (50 if possible) with broad spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays). Reapply at midday if you are spending a long time outdoors.
Choose sunscreens formulated for the face. : they are often lighter and non-comedogenic, preventing the appearance of pimples or reactions on the delicate skin of the face.
Take the right steps in the sun : in addition to sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect sensitive areas (around the eyes). Reapply sunscreen every two hours during prolonged exposure, and avoid exposure during the hottest hours of the day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Daily sun protection not only preserves the skin's youthfulness, but also prevents the worsening of pigmentation problems (spots) and redness. It's a simple step that makes all the difference to the long-term health and appearance of your face.

skincare

Specific treatments for skin problems

Every skin is unique and may have specific concerns requiring special care. In addition to the basic steps (cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection), incorporate targeted treatments based on your needs: acne, signs of aging, pigmentation spots, diffuse redness, or blackheads. Here's how to adapt your facial skincare routine to these common issues:

Acne and blemishes

Skin types prone to acne-prone require special attention to reduce pimples, blackheads, and regulate excess sebum. In addition to gentle twice-daily cleansing and light moisturizing, apply specific acne treatments:

Choose «non-comedogenic» products to avoid clogging pores (cleansers, creams, makeup).
Use dermatological ingredients known to be effective against acne: salicylic acid (BHA) to deeply exfoliate pores, benzoyl peroxide for its antibacterial action, or low-dose retinol (vitamin A) to accelerate cell renewal and prevent blackheads.
In cases of severe inflammatory acne, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist. They will be able to prescribe more powerful treatments (topical or oral retinoids, antibiotics, etc.) to clear up the skin.
Avoid squeezing pimples to prevent aggravating inflammation and causing scarring. Instead, apply a drying treatment (containing sulfur or salicylic acid, for example) to blemishes at night.

By following these tips and with patience, even acne-prone skin can regain a better balance. To go further, see our guide dedicated to acne-prone skin to get more tips and targeted recommendations.

Wrinkles and skin aging

Over time, the skin produces less collagen and elastin, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. A good facial care Anti-aging aims to prevent and reduce these signs of aging using specific active ingredients:

Hydration and sun protection are your first line of defense against aging: well-hydrated skin shows fewer signs of aging, and sunscreen prevents up to 80% of premature aging caused by UV rays.
Key anti-aging ingredients : incorporate ingredients such as retinol (stimulates cell renewal and collagen production), vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening, useful against dark spots and dull complexion), AHA fruit acids (exfoliate the surface and stimulate renewal to smooth skin texture), hyaluronic acid (hydrates and plumps the skin), or niacinamide (vitamin B3, multi-functional, improves elasticity and evens out skin tone).
Targeted treatments You can use a night cream that is richer in repairing active ingredients and an eye cream to prevent fine lines in this fragile area from your thirties onwards. Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliator or acid peel to stimulate cell regeneration (on non-irritated skin).

In addition to cosmetic treatments, adopt a lifestyle that promotes youthful skin: a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, internal hydration (drinking enough water), regular sleep, and quitting smoking all help to keep skin looking young for longer.

To summarize the best anti-aging ingredients and how to use them, refer to the summary table below:

Anti-aging active ingredient	Key features	Directions for use
Retinol (vitamin A)	Stimulates cell renewal and collagen production. Reduces wrinkles and fine lines, refines skin texture.	Use in the evening, 1 to 3 times a week to start with. Begin with a low concentration and gradually increase. Always apply sunscreen the following morning.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	A powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. Brightens the complexion and reduces pigmentation spots, stimulates collagen synthesis.	Best used in the morning (serum before moisturizer). Ideal concentration: 10 to 20 %. Choose a stable formula and store it away from light to maintain its effectiveness.
Fruit acids (AHAs)	Exfoliate the skin's surface and promote the removal of dead skin cells. Improve skin radiance and texture, help reduce fine lines and dark spots.	Use once or twice a week in the evening (exfoliator or AHA serum) on clean skin. Avoid the eye area and apply sunscreen the next day, as the skin is more sensitive to UV rays.
Hyaluronic acid	Star moisturizer that attracts and retains water in the skin. Instantly plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.	Apply morning and/or evening (serum or cream). Suitable for all skin types. Apply to slightly damp skin, then use a cream on top to seal in moisture.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)	Strengthens the skin barrier and improves skin elasticity. Regulates sebum production, reduces enlarged pores and redness, and lightens dark spots.	Incorporate into your morning or evening routine using a skincare product (serum or cream) containing 5–10% niacinamide. Well tolerated even by sensitive skin. Do not apply at the same time as a pure vitamin C skincare product (use one in the morning and the other in the evening).

Example: An effective anti-aging evening routine could combine a vitamin C serum (one night) or retinol (another night) after cleansing, followed by a good moisturizer. Always adapt the frequency of use of these active ingredients to your skin's tolerance.

Finally, for even more convincing results, certain dermatological treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or LED light therapy can complement your anti-aging routine. See also our complete guide to anti-aging facial care to explore this topic further.

Pigmentation spots and uneven skin tone

Visit dark spots (or sun spots, melasma, post-acne hyperpigmentation) often reveal damage caused by sun exposure or aging. To restore a more even complexion:

Protect your skin from the sun every day (preferably with SPF 50 sunscreen), as exposure worsens existing spots and causes new ones to appear.
Use lightening treatments containing vitamin C, kojic acid, retinol, or arbutin, which help reduce the intensity of existing spots.
Superficial chemical peels based on AHAs or dermatological laser treatments can be considered to reduce stubborn spots, in addition to your cosmetic routine.

Patience is key: spots often take several weeks to fade. Even out your complexion by moisturizing well and using a daily anti-spot treatment if necessary (specific serum or cream).

Diffuse redness and sensitivity

Skin that shows rashes (cheeks that blush easily, visible small blood vessels, chronic irritation) should be treated gently. This redness may be related to hypersensitivity or rosacea. Tips for soothing redness:

Simplify your routine and avoid products that are too harsh or heavily scented. Choose formulas for sensitive skin that are free from alcohol and irritating ingredients.
Use soothing skincare products rich in anti-inflammatory and repairing active ingredients: allantoin, madecassoside, centella asiatica, calendula, bisabolol, etc., which calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier.
Protect your skin from the sun, as UV rays aggravate redness and rosacea.
If the redness persists (flushing, marked rosacea), a dermatologist may recommend vascular laser treatments or medicated creams (such as brimonidine) to reduce the redness.

With a minimalist and soothing routine, you can significantly reduce the appearance of redness and discomfort in reactive skin.

Blackheads and enlarged pores

Visit blackheads appear when pores become clogged with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells that oxidize when exposed to air. They mainly affect the T-zone (nose, forehead, chin) and combination to oily skin types. To refine skin texture and reduce visible pores:

Maintain a good twice-daily cleansing routine to prevent sebum from building up in your pores. Thorough cleansing in the evening is crucial, followed by a purifying toner if your skin can tolerate it.
Once or twice a week, use a gentle chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid or a purifying clay mask to deeply cleanse your pores.
Apply a serum or cream containing niacinamide: this ingredient helps regulate sebum production and tighten pores over the long term.
Avoid squeezing your blackheads yourself, as this may cause lesions or scars. If necessary, have them removed by a beautician during a facial treatment at a salon.

With regular use, these steps will gradually reduce the appearance of blackheads and refine your pores, leaving your skin smoother and your complexion clearer.

Choosing the right products for your skincare routine

Given the multitude of cosmetic products available, it is important to select appropriate care to your skin and your goals. An effective routine doesn't necessarily require 10 products: the key is to cover the basics (cleansing, moisturizing, protection) and possibly add one or two targeted treatments depending on your specific concerns. Here are the basic products to consider for your daily routine:

Gentle facial cleanser – Essential morning and evening to cleanse the skin. Choose a sulfate-free, pH-neutral cleanser to avoid damaging the skin. Example: purifying gel for oily skin, soothing cleansing milk for dry skin.
Effective makeup remover – If you wear makeup or sunscreen, make sure to remove it every evening (using oil or micellar water followed by rinsing) for thorough cleansing.
Moisturizing cream – Tailored to your skin type, this is the basic daily skincare product for maintaining hydration and strengthening the skin barrier. Use a lighter version in the morning and a richer one in the evening if needed.
Face sun protection – In cream or fluid gel form, to be applied every morning. Some day creams already include SPF, otherwise add a specific sunscreen.
Targeted serum (optional) – A serum concentrated in active ingredients can boost your routine by addressing a specific need: for example, vitamin C serum in the morning for radiance, salicylic acid serum for pores, or retinol in the evening for anti-aging. Introduce it gradually and use only one at a time if you are using several (for example, vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening).
Gentle exfoliant (weekly) – Enzymatic scrub or acid exfoliating mask, to be used once a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent pores from becoming clogged. Essential for reviving the complexion's radiance, but avoid using too often as this may cause irritation.
Face mask (weekly) – In addition, a treatment mask can be used occasionally: a purifying clay mask if you have oily skin, or a moisturizing mask if your skin is dehydrated, for example.

When composing your facial care routine By using high-quality products regularly, you will gradually see improvements in the texture, radiance, and overall health of your skin. Remember that consistency and patience are key: results often take several weeks to appear.

Taking care of your face is a daily investment in the beauty and health of your skin. By adopting a structured routine that includes gentle cleansing, appropriate moisturizing, and rigorous sun protection, you provide your skin with the essential elements it needs.

You can then customize your facial care with targeted treatments (acne, anti-aging, anti-dark spots, etc.) and choose appropriate products that maximize the benefits for your skin.

Remember that beautiful skin also reflects a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet, proper internal hydration, sleep, and stress management will help improve the results of your skincare routine. By following these tips regularly, your face will glow with health, and you'll have everything you need to preserve your skin's radiance and youthfulness in the long term.

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