Your skin - it's the largest (and most complex) organ on your body. Constantly exposed to the world and its harsh elements, it's designed to quickly heal if cut. That said, your skin requires more physical energy to sustain than any other organ of your body. With varying textures (you'd never scrub your face with your elbow skin exfoliator!), it's a great indicator of overall health, just as our nails are, and as unique as a fingerprint.
We've already explored the Parisian signature lip look and the classic manicure style. Today, let's take a closer look at how to care for our skin - the français way...
There is a reason that la femme Parisienne is known the world over for her natural, glowing skin. Quite simply, she takes the time to care for it. It's the most important part of her self care ritual.
And it's easier thank you think, broken down (for daily care) into a few simple steps...
Steps:
Cleanse
Tone
Eye Care
Moisturize
We'll also look at other extra treats like masks, peels, patches, spa visits, etc.
Let's get into it!
Naturally, the most important step is to cleanse your skin - especially in the evening (removing all of your makeup).
While many swear by cleaners with the little pads (some included with the product, some not), there is also a simpler way (with no pads to dispose of) - the environment thanks you in advance...
These tips will give you a nice clean face without stripping your skin of it's essential and protective oils:
Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser.
Move in gentle circles to cleanse, don't force or scrub, as scrubbing irritates the skin.
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, clean towel.
You'll now use a toner to finish this process, by gently applying all over face.
Use the cleanser and methods that work for you. What works for friends (and celebrity influencers) may not work for you. I use and love this (non-sponsored) deliciously scented rose cleanser.
After the toner has absorbed, we'll address the eyes, as this delicate skin tends to attract age and give us away sooner than the rest of our lovely face.
After finding a product that works for you, here are the steps to follow here, gently...
Using your ring finger, take a pea-sized amount of product.
Gently tap small dots under your eyes, starting in the innermost corner of your eye and then moving outward
Pat the cream gently into your skin.
Wait a minute or two to allow the hydrating cream or oil fully absorb.
Apply the rest of your skin care products to finish your regime.
Now we're ready to moisturize the rest of our face. Remember, use what works for your skin in the formula that matches your skin's sensitivity. P'Niche loves Olay (non sponsored) and has used it for years!
1. Dab the cream onto your face in small dots, focusing on your dryer areas, such as the cheeks and forehead. Avoid areas that tend to get very oily, such as the creases to either side of your nostrils. If your skin is combination, you'll simply use less on those oily areas.
2. Gently massage the cream into your skin using small, upward, circular motions. Do not drag or tug drag downward on your skin. Remember to avoid your eye areas by about a half an inch as most creams are not for this delicate skin.
3. Once you have taken care of your face, you'll want to spread some cream on your neck and décolletage areas. These often forgotten about areas are delicate and age quickly and will be happy to receive some attention.
4. Allow the cream to absorb, dabbing off any excess with a tissue or washcloth before getting dressed.
It's not all about your facial care. While your face is the most visible part of your body, the entirety of you physique needs to be hydrated and cared for.
It's easy to do, and can be done once per week.
Much of it is factored on what product you use. If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions, for about 30 seconds. You will then rinse off the product with lukewarm water. (Do not use overly hot water on this newly exposed, delicate skin).
If you use a (non sponsored) exfoliation mitt, you'll use the same method, but no soap or additional product.
P'Niche tends to make her own exfoliating scrub for her personal spa days as below:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- few drops essential rose oil
- few drops essential lavender oil
Mix well and store in jar until use. It's organic, truly effective, and easy on your wallet!
There's no real rhyme or reason to applying cream to the rest of your body. Choose a cream that works for you and apply liberally.
Be as generous as needed (you might need more in winter) and allow to absorb before getting dressed. This should be part of your daily ritual of self care.
While we are on the topic, self care doesn't have to be just you! A Spa Party is a great way to include friends in your rituals, sharing tips and how-tos with each other, while bonding in your friendship. We'll discuss how to plan this type of gathering soon, so we hope you will subscribe to join us back here in the Parisian Niche.
Prefer to self care solo? Pas de problème! You can enhance your beauty ritual with lots of fun tools.
Quite popular right now is Gua Sha, which is a traditional Chinese healing method where a smooth-edged tool (typically jade or rose quartz and shown far right) is used to stroke your skin providing lymphatic draining.
Often, people think that the roller (tool on the left) is the Gua Sha tool but to clarify, the difference between rollers and Gua Sha tools is while both provide lymphatic drainage, the roller is a bit more gentle, while the Gua Sha crescent will show results much quicker. I find this (non sponsored) easy to follow along tutorial video helpful when I self-pamper.
Also popular for self care rituals are the prepackaged facial masks and under eye patches.
Single use facial masks are an inexpensive treatment offering many benefits, from minimizing pores to brightening dull skin and even reducing blemishes.
Single use under eye patches are designed to specifically target dark circles, crows feet, wrinkles, fine lines, as well as helping to reduce puffiness.
As with any skin care product, you will want to do your research in advance, ensuring that you check the sensitivity of your own skin as well as any allergens that might cause an adverse reaction.
It goes with our saying (but we'll say it anyway) - do apply sunscreen every day. Every Day.
P'Niche has experienced sun poisoning before (zero stars, do not recommend) and now I regularly use this non sponsored sunscreen (SPF 46) that my dermatologist recommended. I love it.
As we close out our skin care discussion, there are two *free items we can do regularly to keep us refreshed looking.
The first is hydration (and a lot of it). The Mayo Clinic notes that The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have recommended that daily water intake should be: 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water a day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) per day for women.
Secondly is rest. It's called beauty sleep for a reason! While it varies from person to person, the National Sleep Foundation guidelines states that adults require around 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night to function at their best.
You can rest well knowing that you have taken the very best care of your skin!
When I am lucky enough to be in Paris, I like to shop for skin care items at:
Citypharma
26, rue du Four, 75006
Métro: Saint-germain-des-prés (Line 4)
Note: there are typically lines and a crowd.
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
24, rue de Sèvres, 75007
Métro: Sèvres-Babylone (Lines 10, 12)
Note: Wonderful personalized attention
Oh My Cream (several locations)
104, rue du Bac, 75007
Métro: Rue du Bac (Line 12)
Note: All natural ingredients
Bioelixirs Paris
231 Rue St Honoré, 75001
Métro: Tuileries (Line 1)
Note: Founded on the philosophy that beauty is Natural
Joelle Ciocco
8, place de la Madeleine, 75008
Métro: Madeleine (Lines 8, 12, 14)
Madame Ciocco is an epidemiologist –expert of the skin - and a biochemist
Sephora (many locations)
72, ave. des Champs-Élysées, 75008
Métro: George V (Line 1)
Note: a total variety of products
Monoprix (many locations)
23, ave de l'Opéra, 75001
Métro: Pyramides (Lines 7, 14)
Note: a total variety of products
Not in Paris? Pas de problème! We like:
We'll address the absolute wonderland of products you can get the the French Pharmacies soon - get your "add to shopping list / cart" mindset ready! OK P'Nichers, what is your favorite skin car tip or product? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
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