Understanding your skin's needs can be a challenge, especially with the multitude of products and advice available. In this FAQ, we answer your 12 most frequently asked questions about skincare with practical, natural, and sustainable solutions. Whether you're looking for a simple routine, tips for sensitive skin, or eco-friendly practices, discover clear answers to enhance your skin.
Your frequently asked questions about skincare
1. What is the best routine for my skin?
Answer : An effective routine is simple and tailored to your skin type (sensitive, oily, dry, combination). It includes three key steps: cleanse to remove impurities and sebum, moisturize to strengthen the skin barrier, and protect with SPF in the morning. For oily skin, opt for lightweight textures (gels, fluids). Dry skin prefers rich creams, while sensitive skin requires high-tolerance formulas. Add gentle exfoliation once or twice a week for optimal radiance. A minimalist routine, aligned with skinimalism , maximizes results without overloading.
2. How often should I exfoliate?
Answer : Exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week to remove dead skin cells without irritation. Over-exfoliation (more than 3 times a week) damages the skin barrier, causing redness, dryness, or sensitivity. For gentle exfoliation, HYLÉRIA 'sLa Manière Douce , with its eco-friendly perlite and organic thyme extract (vitamins A, B, C, E, and K), purifies without harming even sensitive skin. Massage for 1 to 2 minutes onto damp skin, then rinse. See "Mistakes to Avoid in Your Daily Skincare Routine" for other pitfalls to avoid.
3. How to soothe sensitive or irritated skin?
Answer : Opt for formulas free of alcohol, synthetic fragrances, or harsh sulfates. Look for soothing ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, or centella asiatica. HYLÉRIA 's L'Art du Portrait , with its organic witch hazel hydrosol (polyphenols) and organic camelina oil (vitamins A and E), reduces redness and strengthens the skin barrier. Apply morning and evening, and avoid abrasive scrubs. A patch test on a small area (e.g., wrist) before use is recommended.
4. Are natural products just as effective?
Answer : Yes, well-formulated natural products rival synthetic cosmetics. Organic active ingredients, such as antioxidants (vitamin C, polyphenols) or plant oils (camelina, argan, jojoba), hydrate, regenerate, and protect without irritating. Unlike silicones or parabens, they respect both the skin and the environment. Certifications like Cosmos Organic guarantee their quality. HYLÉRIA products, for example, offer proven results: 95% of users report brighter skin after 28 days. Learn more about the power of natural active ingredients in "The 5 Essential Natural Ingredients for Radiant Skin."
5. Why should I incorporate facial massage into my routine?
Answer : Facial massage stimulates circulation, tones tissues, reduces puffiness, and improves the absorption of active ingredients, all while providing a moment of relaxation. Practice 2 to 3 times a week for 5 minutes after your cream, such as HYLÉRIA 's L'Art du Portrait , rich in prickly pear pulp (antioxidants). Try it:
- Massage with the fingers : Smoothing from the chin towards the ears (10 times).
- Massage with a Gua sha : Slide from the corner of the mouth towards the ear (8 times per side).
Discover other simple steps in our article How to Integrate Facial Massage into Your Beauty Routine .
These small gestures, central to slow beauty , boost radiance and soothe the mind.
6. How do I know if a product is suitable for my skin?
Answer : A suitable product will not cause any unpleasant sensations, tightness, redness, or blemishes. Test it on a small area (e.g., the inside of your wrist or behind your ear) for 48 hours before full use. If after 2 to 3 weeks your skin appears dull, irritated, or prone to breakouts, it may be unsuitable. Consult a dermatologist to identify your skin type (oily, dry, combination) and choose formulas that meet its needs, ideally without irritants such as denatured alcohol.
7. Is SPF necessary every day?
Answer : Yes, an SPF 20-30 is crucial daily, even on cloudy days or indoors, because UVA rays penetrate windows and accelerate aging. Apply it as the last step in the morning, after your moisturizer. For oily skin, opt for non-comedogenic gel textures. Antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C) in some creams enhance protection. Learn more about routines in Slow Beauty: How to adopt a conscious skincare ritual with HYLÉRIA Paris.
8. How do I recycle my cosmetic packaging?
Answer : Recycling reduces environmental impact. Empty the bottles (without rinsing, unless there is sticky residue) and sort them according to local guidelines: glass in the glass recycling bin, plastic and metal in the yellow bin (AGEC law in France). HYLÉRIA refillable bottles, handcrafted by Waltersperger glass artisans, are designed to be treasured. However, if you wish to dispose of them or if they are damaged, place them in the glass recycling bin (without their lids, which go in the yellow bin). FSC-certified paper sleeves go in the yellow bin. More information can be found in " How to Recycle Your Cosmetic Packaging : An Eco-Friendly Guide."
9. How to treat blackheads without damaging the skin?
Answer : Blackheads, caused by excess sebum and clogged pores, require gentle cleansing and regular exfoliation. Avoid squeezing them, as this can cause inflammation or scarring. Use a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week, such as Hyléria 's La Manière Douce , with its eco-friendly perlite that absorbs impurities and unclogs pores. A cleanser containing salicylic acid (0.5-2%) can help, followed by a light moisturizer to prevent overproduction of sebum. Consult a dermatologist if the blemishes are numerous or persistent.
10. In what order should I apply my skincare products?
Answer : Apply your products from lightest to thickest to optimize their absorption.
- Cleanser : To remove impurities and sebum.
- Serums : Concentrated formulas to target specific needs (hydration, radiance).
- Moisturizing cream : To seal in moisture.
- SPF : In the morning, as the final step.
In the evening, replace the SPF with a richer cream if needed. Wait 1 to 2 minutes between each step to allow absorption. A well-organized routine maximizes effectiveness, as explained in Why HYLÉRIA products are also suitable for men .
11. Do I need a different routine in the evening?
Answer : Yes, your evening routine can differ to promote skin regeneration while you sleep. Cleanse to remove makeup, pollution, and accumulated sebum. Apply a serum or cream with regenerative ingredients (e.g., retinol, vitamin C) to stimulate cell renewal. A richer cream can replace the light fluid you use in the morning, especially for dry skin. Avoid products containing SPF in your evening routine, as sunscreens unnecessarily overload the skin. A suitable routine supports nighttime repair.
12. How does stress affect my skin and what can I do about it?
Answer : Stress increases cortisol, which stimulates sebum production, worsens acne, and weakens the skin barrier, causing redness or dryness. It can also slow down wound healing. To counteract these effects:
- Gentle routine : Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer with soothing active ingredients (e.g., chamomile, centella asiatica).
- Facial massage : Practice 2 to 3 minutes of massage with a cream to relax muscles and soothe the mind.
- Well-being : Don't neglect your sleep and diet, which contribute to your mood and stress levels. Also try incorporating practices like meditation or yoga to reduce cortisol, or using soothing essential oil blends to relax and improve sleep onset and quality of sleep.
A slow beauty approach, with mindful actions, helps manage stress. More in Slow beauty: how to adopt a mindful skincare ritual with HYLÉRIA Paris.
We hope these answers will guide you towards a suitable, natural, and sustainable skincare routine! Designed to make you feel good, HYLÉRIA skincare offers unique solutions and simple steps to enhance your skin while preserving nature and traditional skills.