9-Step French Skincare Routine For Healthy Glowing Skin

woman glowing in a pose - French Skincare Routine

French skincare routines are renowned for their effectiveness and luxury, but finding the proper routine for your skin can be tricky with so many products. Whether you're struggling with dryness, oily skin, or fine lines, the right skincare products are essential to achieving a radiant and healthy complexion. 

This guide will explore the best skincare brands known for their enhanced products and help you establish the perfect French skincare routine to enhance your beauty using different beauty tips.

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Table Of Contents

Why Is French Skincare So Good?

woman in a towel - French Skincare Routine

French skincare follows a no-nonsense approach emphasizing simplicity. The French believe that a healthy lifestyle is essential for glowing skin. Using minimal products in an easy-to-remember routine is critical. This simplicity prevents skin damage from using too many products simultaneously. A French skincare routine typically involves three to five steps, making it easy to maintain.

Effectiveness of French Skincare Products

Thanks to extensive research and natural ingredients, French skincare products are renowned for their effectiveness. These formulas are scientifically tested and can be found in many pharmacies. Consumers can try products before purchasing them, ensuring they work well with their skin and routine. Timing is also crucial for some products, which are more effective when applied at night.

Addressing Skin Concerns with French Skincare

French skincare products efficiently address skin concerns, such as dryness and aging. Retinol, derived from Vitamin A, is a popular ingredient that targets congestion and acne and boosts cell production. Adding retinol to your routine can help slow down the aging process and improve your skin's overall health.

Good Ingredients in French Skincare

Many French skincare products contain natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and rose extracts, making them safe and beneficial for the skin. These ingredients are concentrated and skin-friendly, providing the best results in small amounts. Applying too many potent ingredients may lead to side effects like itchiness, underscoring the importance of using them in moderation.

Quality Over Quantity in French Skincare

French skincare products are meticulously researched and tested to ensure quality and effectiveness. French skincare emphasizes the routine rather than focusing on the number of products. Each product is thoughtfully crafted to deliver results, making French skincare the gold standard in beauty. The emphasis on quality ensures that each product you use contributes to a healthy and radiant complexion. 

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Which Skincare Is Better, Korean Or French?

korean woman in white attire - French Skincare Routine

The choice between French and Korean products can be quite a dilemma regarding skincare. Both skincare routines have pros and cons, depending on your skin type, concerns, and personal preferences. French skincare routines typically focus on clinical efficacy and gentle care. In contrast, Korean skincare routines are known for their natural ingredients and innovative solutions that cater to a wide range of skin needs. Both approaches value minimal use of makeup and emphasize achieving glowing skin through proper skincare techniques and strict regimens.

The difference between French and Korean skincare routines is the number of steps involved. French routines are more straightforward, with a 3 to 5-step regimen that includes a cleanser, toner, serum, cream, and sunscreen. On the other hand, Korean skincare routines are more elaborate, typically involving 6 to 12 steps. Korean women are known for their dedication to skincare, and their commitment to a multi-step routine has gained popularity worldwide.

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9-Step French Skincare Routine For Healthy Glowing Skin

woman looking surprised - French Skincare Routine

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2. Gentle Cleanse

French women start their morning skincare routines with a gentle cleanse. Avoid overly stripping cleansers, which can damage the skin’s protective barrier, and opt instead for a mild cleanser such as a low-foaming or cream cleanser. 

As cleansers have brief contact with the skin, products with a low-mid price range can be just as (if not more) effective as their pricier counterparts. For example, French pharmacy brands like La Roche-Posay are particularly beloved for their simplicity and efficacy, and they offer a wide range of formulas to suit different skin types and concerns.

3. Ice Therapy

One advice from mother to daughter is to ice your face first thing in the morning. The cold helps invigorate and tighten the skin, reducing puffiness and leaving your complexion awake and glowing. If you already own a specialized de-puffing tool, like a gua sha or jade roller, simply put it in the fridge/freezer, depending on the material, to elevate your morning routine. Alternatively, adopt a minimalist French approach and recharge your complexion with an invigorating ice bath or by delicately gliding an ice cube across the contours of your face.

4. Face Mists

A refreshing face mist is a crucial step for optimal hydration, adored by the French. This step adds an extra layer of moisture and primes the skin, ensuring optimal absorption of subsequent products. French women carry their face mists in their handbags for an added spritz of hydration anytime, anywhere! Caudalie’s Eau de Beauté stands out as a cult favorite, renowned for its herbal properties that smooth fine lines, tighten pores, and enhance skin radiance. Additionally, thermal water sprays like those from Avène are loved for their ability to soothe and calm sensitive skin.

5. Serum

While your choice of serum will depend on your specific skincare goal, French serums tend to tackle the skin’s moisture levels and ability to fight stressors. Antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin C, ferulic acid, and resveratrol play a crucial role in French products, helping to protect your skin from damage caused by environmental factors like UV radiation, pollution, and smoking. Many serums also use humectants, like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin, which give the skin a plump and dewy appearance while being sensitive-skin safe.

6. Moisturizer

Next, it’s time to seal in all that hydration with a nourishing moisturizer. French skincare enthusiasts favor creams, balms, and oils enriched with natural ingredients to promote supple and smooth skin, so look out for products including shea butter or honey for drier skin types and calendula or rose flower for sensitive skin types.

7. SPF

Although the French are not sunbathing averse, they still understand the importance of daily sun protection. This is especially true for your face, where sun damage is quickly visible. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature aging.

8. Make-Up Removal

While the mantra is to keep the skin hydrated and safeguarded during the day, the evening routine is about purification and repair. To maintain a clear complexion, French women favor either oil-based cleansers or micellar water to remove makeup, followed up by a gentle cleanser to wash away any residue.

9. Retinol

Regarding evening serums, the French typically avoid topical solid treatments, such as exfoliating acids, since they can aggravate the skin barrier. Retinol is the exception to the rule. Recognized for its anti-aging benefits, retinol — and its derivatives, like retinal, stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and promote cell turnover, leaving you with a smoother and brighter complexion. 

However, slowly incorporate retinol into your nightly routine, starting with a pea-sized amount of a low-percentage formula to allow your skin to build tolerance. Apply a hydrating serum, moisturizer, and SPF the following day for maximum benefits.

Top 10 French Beauty Products

woman with a serum - French Skincare Routine

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50

This La Roche-Posay mineral sunscreen is a favorite due to its quick absorption and non-greasy finish. It contains titanium dioxide and zinc for adequate protection against harmful UV rays.

2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Formulated with glycerin, this La Roche-Posay cleanser is perfect for dry skin as it hydrates without causing oiliness. It also contains ceramides and niacinamide to repair and soothe the skin, making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin.

3. Bioderma – Sensibio – H2O Micellar Water

Sensibio H2O micellar water is a best-seller known for its gentle makeup removal and cleansing properties. It effectively eliminates impurities and makeup, leaving your skin clean and fresh without irritation.

4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep-Cleansing Foaming-Cream Cleanser

Ideal for oily skin, this La Roche-Posay cleanser contains salicylic and alpha-hydroxy acids that help reduce excess oil, unclog pores, and promote cellular turnover. It is an excellent choice for combating acne and maintaining clear skin.

5. Caudalie Detox Mask

The Caudalie detox mask is famous for clearing out pores and preventing breakouts without drying the skin. It offers a quick solution for congested pores and acne-prone skin.

6. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

Loved by makeup artists, this Embryolisse cream is gentle and suitable for all skin types. It features soy proteins that firm and tone the skin, leaving a soft finish that primes the skin for makeup application.

7. Caudalie Beauty Elixir

A versatile product, the Caudalie Beauty Elixir is used by many to set up, refresh the skin, and perform therapeutic rituals. Its multi-purpose nature makes it a staple in beauty routines.

8. Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Night Cream

The Vichy LiftActiv, Supreme night cream is an affordable firming option for sensitive skin. It contains vitamin C, glycerin, and rhamnose to nourish and firm the skin, reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture.

9. Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask

The Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask is perfect for achieving an instant glow before special events or makeup applications. It's volcanic rocks and alpha hydroxy fruit acids brighten the skin and refine its texture gently.

10. Erborian BB Cream

A holy grail product for everyday use, the Erborian BB Cream is a French skincare staple known for its Korean-inspired formulas. Offering a range of tinted products, cleansers, and masks, Erborian is a go-to brand for achieving flawless skin.

9 French Beauty Secrets You Must Know About

woman walking with a hat - French Skincare Routine

1. Use Actives That Work With—Not Against—Each Other

In France, the key to a successful skincare routine is harmonizing activities that complement each other. For instance, combining Vitamin C with SPF is a good mix, but avoid pairing retinol with Vitamin C to prevent irritation and inflammation. Similarly, using retinol and niacinamide together can nullify their effects, wasting expensive activities. A targeted skincare routine that avoids overloading the skin is ideal for delivering noticeable results effectively.

2. Skip Your Morning Cleanse

Contrary to the "squeaky clean" American skincare regime, French beauty advice suggests avoiding a morning cleanse. Instead, gently double cleanse at night and rinse your face with thermal water or a toning mist in the morning. This approach preserves the skin barrier, allowing the skin to naturally protect itself by reconstituting its flora. For daily use, thermal water and gentle flower-water toners are favored.

3. Apply Everything—Including Your Makeup—With Your Fingers

Massaging your face with your fingers during makeup application offers therapeutic benefits by reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing confidence. Facial massages are typical in France, with the healing power of touch being a prevalent method for maintaining glowing skin. The innovative waterless texture of skincare products in France, such as Le Balm, is ideal for massaging into the skin for instant soothing and regeneration.

4. Embrace Natural Remedies

In French pharmacy and skincare, science is paramount, but natural remedies are also highly regarded for their organic healing properties. Royal jelly, a nutrient-rich substance produced by worker honeybees, is famous for its immune-boosting qualities, antioxidant content, and wound-healing properties. French pharmacists also use natural remedies like plant cells for their skin-nourishing effects.

5. Reach for Mineral Sunscreen

French beauty experts advocate for mineral sunscreen over chemical formulas due to its superior protective qualities and reduced risk of skin irritation. Opting for 100% mineral filters, such as La-Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50, is highly recommended to safeguard the skin effectively. Hybrid formulas like Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, combining mineral and chemical ingredients, are also popular.

6. Decode Skin with Biomimetic Ingredients

Biomimetic skincare focuses on using ingredients that mimic those naturally produced by the skin, allowing for better penetration and effectiveness. Ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids are standout biomimetic components commonly found in skincare products. Skincare products use biomimetic ingredients to "speak the skin's language" and enhance natural biological processes for optimal results.

7. Consider an NAD+ Supplement

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) supplements are gaining popularity in skin care for their involvement in essential cellular processes like metabolism, energy production, and cellular repair. While NAD+ incorporation into cosmetics faces stability and skin penetration challenges, researchers are exploring ways to boost NAD+ levels through topical applications. Ingestible supplements like Elysium Basis NAD+ Supplement are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin as NAD+ levels decline with age.

8. Treat Skin Like Your “Favorite Silk”

French skincare emphasizes treating the skin delicately, akin to caring for a beloved silk garment. Gentle exfoliation techniques, avoiding physical exfoliants for the face, and using fine exfoliating powders for occasional use are recommended to maintain skin health. The focus is on preserving the skin's integrity by avoiding over-exfoliation, which can lead to sensitivity and inflammation.

9. Less is More

Keep your skincare routine simple and effective by minimizing the number of products and brands you use. Embrace multi-use skincare products and opt for a light-handed approach, as is customary in French beauty culture. Le Balm, for example, serves as a versatile solution for various skincare needs, functioning as a serum, moisturizer, eye cream, and ointment treatment. Simplifying your routine with fewer high-quality products can help achieve radiant, healthy skin effortlessly.

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