WE PROVIDE CONCRETE ANSWERS TO ALL THE QUESTIONS EVERYONE IS ASKING
Serum or no serum? Can you use your day cream on the eye area? Is vitamin C really compatible with the sun? Between contradictory advice on social media and persistent misconceptions, it's not always easy to find your way in your beauty routine.
We receive your questions, doubts, and concerns every day. This FAQ compiles answers to the most frequently asked questions about routines, active ingredients, anti-aging, and specific issues.
Here you'll find clear, actionable answers to build an effective beauty routine tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're new to natural beauty or looking to optimize your existing routine, these tips will help you make the right choices for your skin.
1. ON HER BEAUTY ROUTINE
CAN I USE MY DAY CREAM AS AN EYE CONTOUR CARE? DO WE REALLY NEED AN EYE CONTOUR CREAM?
Is skin the same on all areas of the body? The answer is no. The eye contour is the most delicate area of the face: it's the thinnest, the most used (blinking, screens, etc.), and to top it all off, it doesn't contain sebaceous glands to moisturize it. Consequently, it's the area that shows the first signs of aging. It's important to keep this area hydrated to prevent dryness. Some serums or creams that contain overly strong or concentrated active ingredients can damage it.
The eye contour area requires special attention with gentle yet hydrating products. I even recommend applying a serum first, then adding a cream or balm on top to prevent dehydration.
My skin absorbs everything I put on it. How can I moisturize it?
Start by drinking plenty of water, about 1.5 liters a day. This is the foundation of good skin hydration. Then, between each step of your routine, apply a hydrating toner. The different layers of skincare products will lock in moisture thanks to the toner. This is the "sandwich" technique. Finally, finish your routine by applying an oil to seal in moisture throughout the day or night. A collagen treatment will also help rehydrate and strengthen your skin from within.
DO I NEED TO USE A SERUM?
Serums are essential skincare products for addressing specific skin concerns. Their molecular weight allows them to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Serums have a targeted action: anti-wrinkle, anti-dark spot, anti-blemish, etc. They are always used under your day cream.
Day creams are designed to prevent dehydration and protect the skin throughout the day. So if you want to address a specific skin concern, a serum will provide the best solution.
WHEN SHOULD I ADD OIL TO MY BEAUTY ROUTINE?
I generally recommend applying oils in the evening because during the day they can dilute the SPF applied as a final step. In the evening, the oil allows the serum you apply underneath to be more effective because it's sealed under the occlusive oil.
2. ON SOLUTIONS TO SKIN PROBLEMS
SHOULD I USE MOISTURIZING CREAM EVEN IF I HAVE OILY OR BLEMISHED SKIN?
All skin types need hydration, even oily and blemish-prone skin. Day cream acts as a barrier against dehydration throughout the day. Skipping day cream if you have oily skin can cause your sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture. Opt for a light, non-comedogenic day cream.
In the evening, don't hesitate to apply an oil; on the contrary, it's recommended. Some oils are specifically formulated for oily skin to regulate sebum production. They are quickly absorbed and leave no greasy residue.
- Holi (Water) Cream - NATEUR AGENT
- Purifying Oil - GRESSA SKIN
HOW TO REMOVE STAINS?
Pigmentation spots are one of the most difficult problems to eliminate. You will need patience and the use of specific, appropriate skincare products.
First and foremost, if you haven't already done so, protect your skin! The primary cause of pigment spots is UV rays, which is why you should protect your skin with a UVA/UVB protection factor every day.
Use a vitamin C-based serum to protect your skin from free radicals and oxidative stress, along with targeted treatments that will penetrate deeply and act effectively.
Boost your skin's cell renewal by exfoliating about twice a week and using a retinol-based treatment the rest of the time. By encouraging cell renewal, you'll gradually fade existing dark spots and make way for new cells.
Finally, I recommend including a course of light therapy sessions in your routine, either at a salon or at home using our LED mask. Several studies have proven the effectiveness of LED photomodulation on cell regeneration. To treat pigmentation spots, we recommend near-infrared light, which penetrates deeply to stimulate skin regeneration and repair.
- Pa+G Concentrated Serum for Pigmentation Spots Papaya + Geranium - ODACITÉ
- Impeccable Skin - SUNTEGRITY
3. ON ANTI-AGING AND PREVENTION
HOW TO GET RID OF UNDER-EYE BAGS?
Under-eye bags are caused by an abnormal concentration of lymphatic fluid in this area and/or poor blood circulation. This is often due to an incorrect sleeping position. Ideally, you should sleep on your back, slightly elevated. In both cases, it's important to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation with massage. In the evening, before going to bed and after applying oil to your face, perform lymphatic drainage using a gua sha tool. The movement should be from the inside out, always finishing by draining the fluid from the neck towards the body's elimination organs. Upon waking, you can repeat the movements from the inside out of your face.
The extra touch: Apply Saint Jane's eye contour cream for a de-puffed and ultra-hydrated eye contour.
WHEN TO START ANTIGE?
The best advice I can give you is to start preventing the effects of aging as early as 25. Daily sun protection is, of course, the best form of prevention, but I also recommend starting to take collagen supplements from age 25, as collagen production begins to decline at this age. I also advise starting to apply an antioxidant treatment rich in vitamin C before sunscreen in your morning routine. You can also start using an eye cream, as this is the most delicate area of the face, the only one that doesn't contain sebaceous glands to naturally moisturize it. This is where the first wrinkles appear. From age 30, I recommend gradually introducing retinol into your evening routine.
- Sea Vitamin C Serum - MARA
- Radiance Serum SPF30 - SuperNatural Radiance - RMS BEAUTY
- Marine Collagen Beauty Blend - KIKI HEALTH
4. ON ASSETS AND THEIR USE
DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY ROUTINE REGULARLY?
I recommend adjusting your routine with each change of season because the weather affects skin quality. For example, in summer, skin is naturally more hydrated. You can switch to lighter, more fluid textures. But skin thrives on a consistent routine. Skincare products can have an immediate impact on your skin's quality, but for full results, I recommend giving your products time to work for at least four to six weeks, the time it takes for cell renewal. And as I often say: If it ain't broke, don't fix it, so if your skin is happy and healthy with your routine, don't try to change it. However, your skin concerns, or even your skin type, change over time. You can therefore introduce new active ingredients accordingly.
In short, you don't necessarily have to change your entire routine regularly, but rather adapt it according to the season or your needs. However, be wary of the latest viral beauty trends, as they may not be suitable for your skin type or may interact negatively with the active ingredients you already use, potentially damaging your skin barrier.
WHAT IS THE BEST ACTIVE INGREDIENT TO USE IN THE EVENING?
For years I've been recommending alternating retinol, exfoliating acids, and a repairing balm in the evening. This technique is now known as Skin Cycling . This evening routine method involves rotating your skincare routine every three nights, alternating the use of active ingredients with skin-repairing products. The effectiveness of each treatment is then multiplied.
HERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS:
Day 1: Exfoliation
This step will prepare your skin to receive the treatments in the coming days. A neutral base, free of impurities and dead cells, leaves your skin healthy and ready to function naturally. The appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines will be improved, and your skin will be retexturized.
Day 2: Retinol
Retinol is THE best anti-aging active ingredient on the market. It boosts your skin's cell renewal and collagen production. It's the essential ingredient to include in your routine.
Day 3: Repairing Balm
On the third day, you'll need to focus on deeply hydrating your skin. Applying a balm will pamper your skin and encourage it to renew itself without the need for active ingredients.
See the file: SKIN CYCLING
IS VITAMIN C PHOTOSENSITIVE?
Vitamin C does not make your skin sensitive to the sun's UV rays. Unlike other active ingredients such as retinol or BHAs, vitamin C does not make you more vulnerable to sun damage or cause your skin to burn more quickly. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it prevents damage caused by free radicals that lead to premature skin aging and protects it throughout the day. This is why vitamin C is the best active ingredient to use every morning. In contrast, it is recommended to apply retinol and BHAs in the evening.
5. ON HYGIENE AND THE BODY
DO ORGANIC DEODORANTS REALLY PROTECT AGAINST ODORS ALL DAY LONG?
A natural and organic deodorant won't stop you from sweating because it doesn't contain antiperspirants or aluminum salts, which are harmful to your health. Sweating is a natural phenomenon, and blocking it could be dangerous, as the body needs to eliminate toxins. Sweat itself is odorless; it's the multiplication of bacteria that causes unpleasant smells. That's why natural and organic deodorants contain antibacterial ingredients that prevent bacteria from multiplying, as well as essential oils to mask any unpleasant odors and natural powders (clay, baking soda) to absorb moisture. I've been using SOAPWALLA Organic Cream Deodorant for over 15 years, and it's still infallible. I'm sure I'm well protected all day long! For me, it's the best deodorant in the world!
SHOULD THE SKIN ON THE NECK AND DÉCOLLETÉ BE TREATED LIKE THE SKIN ON THE FACE?
Absolutely! The neck and décolletage are often the forgotten areas of our beauty routine, yet they are the ones that most betray our age. The skin in these areas is just as thin and fragile as that of the face, but it contains fewer sebaceous glands and is constantly exposed to UV rays, friction from clothing, and repetitive movements.
Consider that your face ends at your chest. All the steps you take on your face should be extended down to your décolletage: cleansing, toning, serum, moisturizer, and especially sunscreen. This area is particularly prone to age spots, horizontal wrinkles, and sagging skin.