You probably have heard about the famous French Biologique Recherche spa known for their cult-favorite P50 Lotion, (aka Jesus in a Bottle). If not, we’re glad to be the first to introduce you to this global brand, and today, we’re doing a special post on our visit to the science-first spa in Paris, France.
What is Biologique Recherche?
Biologique Recherche is a Paris-based spa with its own eponymous line of products. It’s a family-owned business and was founded by the Allouche family. It started out as an R&D (research and development) center that focused on product formulations that were science and medically validated and evolved into what it is today - a world renown spa with a line of products that have high concentrations of actives, no artificial fragrances and respect the structure of active ingredients.
“Jesus in a Bottle”? That’s a big claim. Is it really that good?
Their P50 Lotion is Biologique Recherche’s hero product. It was a totally new product category when it came out because it’s an exfoliating toner. Before, toners were toners and exfoliators were exfoliators but BR combined the two functions. P50 is infamous because it smells (and not in a good way). This is a result of no added fragrances and the lactic acid, vitamins, niacinamide that help your skin glow and look “fetuslike”.
The facial at Biologique Recherche
Every newcome visit at Biologique Recherche starts with a skin assessment. They use a machine with various analyzers that read your skin health based on hydration, skin barrier, elasticity, discoloration and sebum levels. This takes about 20 minutes.
Next you go into your facial session for an hour where they customize the products they apply based on your skin assessment. It starts with a thorough deep cleanse. As our aesthetician Denise said, good cleansing is paramount.
Then, she proceeded with some facial massage. Biologique Recherche’s facial massages are famous and some women prefer them over Botox! Finally, she finished with an application of various products that were customized based on the prior assessment.
Skincare tips from Biologique Recherche
We peppered our aesthetician, Denise, with questions about skincare throughout our treatment and here are some tips you might find useful:
- When applying toner, don’t rub your cotton pad soaked in toner all over your face. Rather, pat the cotton pad so that you create less friction and pull. It also helps your skin absorb the toner better
- When you wash your face, use cold water. Cold water is more soothing and calming especially for those with sensitive, irritable skin. Try to stay away from hot water as it ca increase blood flow and redness.
For acne related problems, here are Denise’s recommendations:
- Don’t overclean. She said that many people with acne feel that their skin is unclean and assume their acne is a symptom of dirty skin. As a result, they tend to overclean and scrub and exfoliate too much to the point where they’re stripping their skin dry. This actually can exacerbate acne breakouts. While it is important to cleanse your skin every night, you must be gentle. Hero tip: Try starting out with an oil-based cleanser to remove your makeup and then follow up with a gentle regular cleanser.
- Be targeted in your pimple treatments. Denise says that when using acne treatment products, they should be applied in a targeted manner and not all over the face. Acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be harsh especially in higher concentrations. Therefore, it’s important to apply them only to affected areas. She loved the idea of Mighty Patch, as it helps treat pimples in a very targeted way and without harsh, drying ingredients.
- Seek out professional treatments. Her last piece of advice is to seek out professional facial treatments from time to time. Despite good at-home solutions, sometimes you just need the pro-level tools and treatments that only professionals can give you. While good habits will help prevent and maintain, sometimes spa and facial treatments can really jumpstart the rejuvenation of your skin.
Did you enjoy this visit of Biologique Recherche? Do you want us visit other spas? Tell us below in the comments.
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