Complete facial guide: from beginner to expert in 10 minutes

To establish a routine of effective facial care, the first step is to identify the specific needs of our skin. Indeed, each skin type requires a personalized approach to maintain its natural balance. Our complete guide will tell you all about it!

Understanding your skin type

Our genetic makeup determines our skin type. Normal skin has a perfect balance, neither too oily nor too dry, with barely visible pores. On the other hand, dry skin is characterized by tightness and a feeling of discomfort, while oily skin manifests excess sebum and enlarged pores. Combination skin, on the other hand, combines these characteristics with an oily T-zone and drier cheeks.

The importance of daily cleaning

Daily cleansing is the foundation of healthy skin. During the night, our skin produces sebum and sweat. Therefore, a simple rinse with water is not enough to effectively eliminate these impurities. Morning cleansing prepares the skin to face external aggressions, while evening cleansing removes the accumulations of the day.

The essential steps of a basic routine

An effective basic routine includes three fundamental steps:

1. Cleaning : Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type, morning and evening
2. Toning : Apply lotion to balance skin pH and tighten pores
3. Hydration : Nourish the skin with a suitable cream to maintain its water balance

In particular, the application of products must follow a precise order to maximize their effectiveness.The treatments should be applied from the lightest to the richest. This approach allows for better absorption of the active ingredients and guarantees optimal protection of the skin.

Accurate analysis of our skin is the key to a successful skincare routine. In particular, around 50% of women and 40% of men report having sensitive skin, highlighting the importance of a proper diagnosis.

The different types of skin

Our genetic heritage mainly determines our skin type. In addition, external factors such as climate, pollution and stress can significantly change its condition. For example, normal skin has a perfect balance with barely visible pores, while dry skin shows tightness and flakes. Oily skin, on the other hand, is characterized by excess sebum and enlarged pores.

Recognizing the signs of imbalance

Signs of skin imbalance manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Noticeable symptoms include:

• Redness and tingling sensations
• Tightness and itching
• Excessive shine or marked dryness
• Enlarged pores or uneven skin texture

When to consult an expert

Consulting a dermatologist becomes necessary in several specific situations. In particular, people with blond hair or significant sun exposure should consult about once a year. In addition, the presence of numerous moles or a family history of dermatology requires regular monitoring. In the event of a sudden onset of symptoms such as unusual rashes, persistent itching or bleeding lesions, a rapid consultation is essential.

For an accurate diagnosis, dermatologists use advanced technologies such as the dermoscope, which allows visualizing the deep layers of the skin. This professional approach guarantees a complete and personalized analysis of the specific needs of our skin.

In the world of clean beauty, the judicious choice of essential products determines the effectiveness of our beauty routine. In particular, the careful selection of natural ingredients helps to maintain healthy and balanced skin.

Choosing a suitable facial serum

The serum, a real concentrate of active ingredients, quickly penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis. In addition, each skin type requires a specific serum. Thus, dehydrated skin will favor hyaluronic acid, while dull skin will benefit from vitamin C to regain its radiance. For oily skin, a serum containing salicylic acid will effectively regulate sebum production.

The ideal day cream

A high-performance day cream must not only moisturize but also protect the skin from external aggressions. Formulas enriched with plant active ingredients, such as wakame, stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The ideal texture penetrates instantly without leaving a shiny or sticky finish, while maintaining optimal hydration throughout the day.

Ingredients to favor and avoid

Essential natural ingredients include:

• Swiss Glacier Water : moisturizing and pure by its origin
• Calendula : soothing and suitable for all skin types
• The Edelweiss : highly anti-oxidant, recommended for anti-aging treatments

On the other hand, certain components should absolutely be banned from our cosmetics. Parabens and mineral oils can clog pores and disrupt skin balance. Phthalates, often hidden under the term "fragrance," are particularly harmful because they act as endocrine disruptors. In addition, sulfates, frequently present in foaming products, attack the skin barrier.

Professional application techniques transform simple products into true expert treatments. In particular, the 540-year-old traditional Japanese Kobido facial massage is one of the most sophisticated approaches.

Japanese Kobido facial massage

The Japanese Kobido massage is based on more than a thousand techniques divided into 48 distinct categories. In addition, this ancestral method skillfully combines percussion, pressure on the meridians and smoothing to rebalance the fluids and energies of the face. Indeed, practiced regularly, this massage stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation while promoting the production of collagen.

Hydrogel mask and its application

Using hydrogel masks has many benefits for your skin, including hydration and radiance. Here’s a look at the benefits and recommended frequency of use for glowing skin. To maximize the benefits of hydrogel masks, it’s generally recommended to use them once or twice a week. This frequency helps maintain optimal hydration levels while avoiding overburdening your skin

The correct order of application of products

The effectiveness of treatments depends greatly on their order of application. Thus, an optimal sequence includes:

• The cleanser to purify the skin
• The tonic lotion to balance
• The serum for its concentrated active ingredients
• Eye cream
• Moisturizer to seal in the benefits
  

Actions that optimize absorption

To maximize product absorption, movements must be precise and tailored. While light textures require gentle effleurages, richer creams require more forceful circular movements. Upward movements prevent the formation of fine lines. In addition, using tools such as Gua Sha or a jade roller can amplify the benefits of massage by promoting lymphatic drainage.

Ancient beauty rituals remind us that skin has not always needed modern products to shine. In particular, these age-old practices offer natural and effective solutions for maintaining healthy skin.

Natural alternatives to conventional products

Natural ingredients are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish the skin without harsh chemicals. In fact, arnica, skullcap, bisabolol, mallow, have remarkable antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Others Rarer natural ingredients must be recreated by biotechnology to be used in cosmetic facial care.

Ancestral beauty rituals

Ayurvedic rituals, which originated in India, begin with a gentle cleansing with natural ingredients like honey or herbal powders. The Egyptian oil cleansing ritual, which is particularly effective, uses a combination of natural oils, including castor and jojoba oil. These ancient practices often incorporate meditation and deep breathing techniques, reducing stress and promoting glowing skin.

These rituals, passed down from generation to generation, have been refined and perfected over the centuries. Their longevity is a testament to their effectiveness in maintaining healthy, radiant skin, while respecting the natural balance of our body.

The scientific approach anti-aging care is based on powerful and clinically proven active ingredientsIn particular, from the age of 40, the epidermis requires particular reinforcement of its youth capital.

Essential anti-aging active ingredients

Retinol, derived from vitamin A, stimulates cell renewal and encourages collagen production. However, it can cause undesirable side effects if not properly controlled in the formula.

In addition, vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, combats dull complexions and pigment spots. Hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, retains up to 1000 times its weight in water, providing optimal hydration.

Amino acids, peptides and many other active ingredients derived from biotechnology are highly sought after in facial care for their anti-oxidant effect and thus allow the treatment to be as effective as possible, particularly in the case of repeated and rigorous use of day and night creams.

Face serums being more concentrated, they can boost the treatment for a more visible effect and with more tangible results in the long term.

Optimal product combinations

The synergy between the active ingredients amplifies their effectiveness. Thus, the combination of 15% pure vitamin C with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid reduces oxidative damage by up to 41%. For a complete action, the Double Serum combined with Multi-Active creams offers a real rejuvenating cure.

Recommended frequency of use

Introducing active ingredients requires a gradual approach. For retinol, it is recommended to start with one to two weekly applications. Vitamin C serums can be used daily, their effectiveness remaining for 72 hours after absorption. For normal to dry skin, the serum can be applied morning and evening, while oily skin will prefer nighttime use.

Sun protection becomes essential, especially when using retinol which sensitizes the skin to UV rays. In addition, the use of a corrective serum enriched with highly concentrated hyaluronic acid (like those of L'ALPAGE Suisse) can improve skin radiance by 10% and visibly fill fine lines by 15-20% after 8-12 weeks.

Our skin changes with the seasons, requiring constant adjustments in our facial care. In particular, the climate and temperature variations significantly affect skin balance.

Specific care for winter

In winter, the skin experiences an increase in dryness and sensitivity, accompanied by a weakened skin barrier. In addition, the cold outside combined with indoor heating causes increased dehydration. To counteract these effects, it is recommended to opt for richer and more nourishing textures. Key active ingredients include:

• Avocado and jojoba oil
• Shea butter
• Hyaluronic acid
• Vitamins C, E and B5

Sun protection and summer hydration

In summer, the heat increases sebum production and dehydration of the epidermis. Therefore, it is best to use light, non-greasy textures. Daily sun protection becomes essential, even during light to moderate exposure. Indeed, UV rays are the main cause of skin damage.

Seasonal transitions

September and October are the ideal time to incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine. While winter requires extra hydration, summer requires lighter formulas. For an effective transition, it is advisable to gradually adapt the textures and frequency of application of your skincare products. Most professionals recommend twice-daily hydration, particularly reinforced during the winter period.

Seasonal adaptation of care must take into account the specific needs of each skin type. Combination and oily skin may require mattifying products in summer, while dry skin will need increased protection in winter.

Facial care is more than just a daily routine. Certainly, our journey through the different facets of skin care shows us the importance of a personalized and thoughtful approach.

Swiss excellence, combined with proven professional techniques, offers us effective solutions for every skin type. In particular, the combination of natural active ingredients and scientific innovations allows us to obtain visible and lasting results.

The key to radiant skin lies in constantly adapting our skincare. Indeed, whether it is seasonal changes or natural aging, our skin requires special attention and regular adjustments. Ancestral rituals, combined with modern advances in cosmetics, allow us to maintain healthy skin all year round.

Finally, let's remember that authentic beauty comes from well-cared for and respected skin. An adapted routine, carefully chosen products and precise gestures are the pillars of healthy, glowing skin.