What are facial treatments
Facial treatments are the part of a skincare routine that go beyond basic cleansing and hydration: they are concentrated formulas designed to address a specific skin need, whether that's lack of firmness, deep dehydration, loss of radiance or the marks left by the passage of time. This category includes very different textures, from lightweight serums for daily use to intensive single-dose ampoules, as well as specific formulas for particular areas such as the eye contour or neck. What they all share is a high concentration of active ingredients and a texture designed to penetrate quickly and work in depth, unlike a conventional moisturiser.
The role of serum in the routine
Facial serum is usually the intermediate step between cleansing and moisturiser. Its fluid, almost watery texture allows the actives to reach deeper layers of the skin without leaving a greasy feel. It's chosen based on the goal: hydration with hyaluronic acid, radiance with vitamin C, firmness with peptides or oil control with niacinamide. It doesn't replace moisturiser, but rather prepares the skin for it and enhances its effect.
Ampoules and intensive treatments
Single-dose ampoules concentrate a very high dose of actives in a small format, designed for intensive treatments lasting a few days or weeks, or for specific moments when the skin needs an extra boost of radiance or hydration. Coming in individual doses ensures the product stays fresh and un-oxidised until the moment it's used.
How to choose facial treatments according to your skin
Before adding a new treatment, it's worth being clear about what your skin needs at that moment. Dry or dehydrated skin benefits from formulas with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, which retain water in the skin's surface layers. Oily skin or skin with enlarged pores tends to respond better to niacinamide, salicylic acid or zinc, which help regulate sebum without drying out the skin. For those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines, the go-to actives are retinol, peptides and antioxidants such as vitamin C or E. And for dark spots or uneven tone, brightening ingredients like kojic acid, niacinamide or tranexamic acid are the most common in formulations.
- Dry or dehydrated skin: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides.
- Oily or shiny skin: niacinamide, salicylic acid, zinc.
- Signs of ageing: retinol, peptides, vitamin C.
- Uneven tone: kojic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid.
Formats: serum, ampoule, treatment cream and eye cream
Not all facial treatments have the same texture or purpose. Serum is for continuous, daily use, and fits into your morning and evening routine. The ampoule offers a more targeted and intensive action, ideal for short-term cures or for boosting the skin before an event. Localised treatment creams, designed for areas such as the eye contour, neck or décolletage, have a richer texture because these areas tend to have less natural oil and need more nourishment. Knowing these differences helps you build a complete routine without unnecessarily duplicating active ingredients.
How to apply facial treatments in your routine
The order of application directly affects the treatment's effectiveness. After cleansing and toning, apply the serum to slightly damp skin, with light tapping motions that aid absorption, without rubbing. If you use an ampoule, it replaces or precedes the serum that day. Next, apply targeted treatments for specific areas, such as the eye contour, and finally the moisturiser, which seals in everything applied before. In the morning, always finish with sun protection, since many actives, such as retinol or vitamin C, increase the skin's sensitivity to light.
Common mistakes when using facial treatments
One of the most common mistakes is mixing too many powerful actives at once, which can irritate the skin instead of improving it. Introducing new treatments one at a time, a few days apart, allows you to see how your skin responds. Another common mistake is applying excessive amounts, thinking this will boost the effect: serums and ampoules are formulated to work with just a few drops. Consistency is also important, since visible results in firmness, radiance or texture usually take several weeks of continued use before they become clearly noticeable.
