The best French skincare tips were previously known only by French women. Luckily, thanks to modern-day communication (like Instagram), we can all learn from the French via the internet! The secret is out. French womens’ strategy for gorgeous, healthy skin is using natural ingredients, taking care of their skin regularly, and protecting it from the sun.
Here are 17 French skincare tips that will give you the best skin of your life:
1. Use a gentle cleanser
Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. There are lots of great French face washes for each skin type or concern.
A lot of French women prefer to use micellar water as their cleanser at night. Micellar water is made up of tiny balls of oil (micelles) that lift dirt, makeup, and other impurities from the skin without harsh rubbing. Remove makeup thoroughly each evening.
2. Don’t forget to exfoliate
Exfoliating is important to French skincare because it helps to slough off dead skin cells and reveals new, fresh skin. But be careful not to overdo it – exfoliating too often can actually damage your skin. Stick to exfoliating just once or twice a week. The gommage technique practiced by Parisians will leave you with ultra-smooth skin for weeks. We recommend the La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub to remove dead skin.
3. Tone your skin
Toning is another important step in French skincare. French toners help to restore the skin’s pH balance and prep the skin for moisture. Choose a toner that is alcohol-free and suited for your skin type. The Rehydrating Comforting Toner by Lancôme is a bestseller.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
French women are all about hydration – both inside and out. They make sure to drink plenty of water every day, and they also use products that help to hydrate their skin. A good rule of thumb is to apply a hydrating product within three minutes of cleansing, while your skin is still damp.
5. Use a serum
Serums are concentrated doses of active ingredients that can help to address specific skin concerns. French women often use powerful French serums that contain hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate their skin. Depending on your needs, there are dozens of different serums that can treat every skincare concern.
6. Don’t forget your eye cream
The delicate skin around your eyes needs special care. French women make sure to apply an eye cream every day to keep the area hydrated and free of fine lines and wrinkles.
7. Apply a face mask
Face masks are a great way to give your skin a boost of hydration or other nutrients. French women often use clay masks to detoxify their skin or hydrating masks for an extra dose of moisture. If you feel like you don’t have time, try to do a face mask while you shower and cleanse the rest of your body. French influencer and model Gabrielle Caunesil swears by the Avène Soothing Radiance Mask.
8. Use sunscreen every day!
Sunscreen is a must in French skincare. French women make sure to apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. A reliable French face sunscreen is the La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60.
9. Don’t smoke
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. It accelerates the aging process and can cause various skin problems, from fine lines and wrinkles to sagging skin. If you smoke, French skincare advice would be to quit.
10. Eat healthily
What you eat has a direct impact on your skin. French women typically eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein. This type of diet provides the skin with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and glow from within.
11. Get enough sleep
Sleep is important for overall health, and that includes the health of your skin. When you don’t get enough sleep, it shows on your skin in the form of dark circles, puffiness, and a dull complexion. French women make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep every night.
12. Limit alcohol intake
Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry, lackluster skin. It can also make existing skin problems worse. French women typically limit their alcohol intake to one or two glasses per week.
13. Manage stress
Stress can take a toll on your skin, causing breakouts, dullness, and premature aging. French women make sure to manage their stress levels by getting regular exercise, spending time in nature, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
14. Don’t neglect your neck and chest
Your neck and chest are often exposed to the sun, so they can show signs of aging before the rest of your skin. French women make sure to apply sunscreen to these areas and use other anti-aging products specifically designed for the neck and chest. The Clarins Extra-Firming Neck and Décolleté cream is a good product to start with.
15. Use natural products
French women typically prefer to use natural and organic skincare products. This is because natural ingredients are gentler on the skin and cause fewer side effects. Caudalie was one of the first brands to really pioneer the natural skincare movement in France.
16. Visit a dermatologist
If you have any concerns about your skin, it’s important to visit a dermatologist. French women typically visit a dermatologist at least once a year for a skin checkup.
17. Be patient
Good skincare takes time, so be patient. French women typically don’t see results from their skincare routine until they’ve been using it for at least six weeks. So, stick with it and don’t give up!
If you follow these French skincare tips, you’ll be on your way to having the best skin of your life!
