An Asian-inspired beauty routine

Skin care is almost sacred in Asia. It’s all part of a meticulous routine, with precise steps to achieve the ideal of luminous, clear, even-textured skin. Today, Standards invites you to discover the secrets of these skincare routines.

Layering to multiply the benefits of products

The key principle of all Asian skincare routines is layering, which consists of applying several layers of skincare products on top of each other to add the virtues of each product. Once you’ve adopted this technique into your routine, you won’t be able to do without it!

The essential double cleaning

Every skincare routine begins with effective cleansing. In the evening, opt for double cleansing, i.e. cleansing in two stages with two different products. First, apply the cleansing oil of your choice to your face in circular movements. This will gently cleanse your skin of impurities accumulated during the day. This fine layer of oil will make the next step less aggressive for the skin: cleansing with a soap, gel or cleansing foam.

This double cleansing is recommended even if you don’t need to remove your make-up, and it’s welcome even for oily skin, as the oil doesn’t stay on the skin, so there’s no risk of a greasy effect!

Rigorous exfoliation

The next step is not daily, but it’s crucial. The ultimate skin ideal is a clear, even and spotless complexion. To achieve this, rigorous exfoliation is another essential step. Exfoliation is recommended once or twice a week, depending on skin type and sensitivity. Using circular movements, exfoliation allows dead skin cells to be eliminated and skin cell renewal to begin.

Steam baths

Like exfoliation, steam baths open the skin’s pores and are another way of preparing it for optimal absorption of the products that follow. Simply fill a bowl with boiling water, place your face on top and cover yourself with a towel to retain the heat. Appliances are also available that make the process easier by sending hot steam directly onto your face.

Hydration on hydration

Layering continues with the moisturizing step. After cleansing and perhaps exfoliating, depending on the day of the week, you’ll need to apply your toner using absorbent cotton or your hands, as you prefer.

An optional step: the petrol stage, which acts as a “pre-care” to optimize absorption of the products that follow.

Next comes the serum, chosen according to your skin’s concerns (hydration, pigmentation spots, wrinkles, etc.).

Next, apply a treatment oil to the entire face, followed by an eye contour cream to be applied gently with your ring fingers.

The final step in this layering is a good moisturizing cream applied generously all over the face.

At this stage, you’re probably frightened by the amount of product or the greasy look of your face after applying all those layers, but when you see the results the next morning, you’ll be convinced!

Facial massage

What could be better than a facial massage to finalize the routine and help all the products to penetrate? This is an optional but very pleasant step, which can be performed either simply with the hands, or with a roll-on or Gua Sha, using movements starting from the inside and working outwards. The idea is to stretch the face and facilitate blood circulation. Be careful to remain delicate on certain fragile areas, such as under the eyes.

It’s up to you to try out this Asian-inspired routine and keep your favourite techniques!