Becoming More Intentional with my Skin (and Time): A facial and a Q&A with Dany Diop in Amsterdam

I stopped in to visit one of the best skin care specialists I’ve met, for a check up on my skin and to get a revamp on my beauty routine with Biologique Recherche

 

It’s been 2.5 years since I last visited Dany, here in Amsterdam, and a lot has changed since then. Like a lot. I am now a mother of two, the world is still going through a global pandemic, travel has been put on a bit of a hold, but the biggest change - I am now so intentional with my time. 

Truth be told, I thought the pandemic would make me more sociable. That I would come out of the rolling lockdowns like some sort of social butterfly, eager to do anything and say yes to all, but for now the opposite is happening and it’s okay. I have found a lot of peace from staying put for long periods of time and appreciating the city we live in more. I stopped taking visits with family for granted (we couldn't see them for almost 2 years thanks to covid) and I have learned to take the time to see what's actually around me. I’ve slowed down a bit…and I like it. 

So like everything else in my world, I have become much more intentional with my skincare. I really am trying to focus on what works for me and not just what's the new hottest beauty product or trend. And like always, I am trying to simplify the beauty products I own and only keep what truly works and what I actually use (you know you have a dreaded beauty drawer filled with stuff you haven't seen in years too).  So as soon as things started opening up a bit, I got in to go see Dany, to help revive my skin and help get me back on track with products I actually need. 

 
 

Dany’s shop is the only place in Amsterdam (and I think the Netherlands) that sells Biologique Rechere (my go to brand to get my skin in check), and other fabulous brands like Augustinus Bader and Julia T. Hunter. Elixirs and serums aside, Dany offers one of the most valuable services, he does the most marvelous facials https://www.nodestinations.com/blog/dany-diop-amsterdam-skin-care-biologique-recherche  . Now these aren't just facials you can choose from a menu, no, they are highly customized, intense sessions to combat any skin issues you might be having. But unlike the last time I visited, my skin had changed once again - thanks hormones, baby #2, aging and just the stress of life. I came in with what I felt was aggravated, tired and dry skin and the hope that Dany could give me some advice. 

My trip to Dany’s included a lot of insightful chit chat, a facial that burned at times (my skins way of reacting to products - it was was good thing), a recommendation for the right algae I should start cooking with (this man is full of useful knowledge), and of course his thoughts on what products I should start and quit using. My facial was actually a lot more technical than I could ever explain, so I’ll let Dany do some talking now! 

 
 

Can you explain a little bit about the treatments you used on me?

Yes, I gave you a treatment called "Soin Magistral." After the deep cleansing and the face muscles activate massage, I first applied an acid free exfoliator. Then I applied a MD Niacinamide (Vit B) for its redensifying, regenerating, and brightening and oxygenating function ( you felt the heat). After I applied Ultimate Preparation which is a MD Retinol that I activate with a 15%  MD Salicylic extract - that was the very active kind of paste that made you think that it was burning. This targets sun damage, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, stimulates collagen and fibroblast, creates good blood circulation in the epidermis, brightens and makes skin nutrition 1000 times better. Then I did the lifting massage with amino acids and ended it all with the fabulous Remodelling Face machine of Biologique Recherche!

What are some of your favorite new Biologique Rechere products? 

My favorite new product of Biologique Recherche is Creme ADN Métamorphique, truly a kind of cream that everybody should have. Moisturizing, Restructuring, strengthening, firming and brightening!

Starting price points for your facials?

Starting price points for my treatment is €230 

What is the most important step in a skin care routine?

I truly believe that there are two most important steps in skincare routine: A very good evening cleansing and Sun Protection every day, for your whole life. If you really need only one let me know:-)

If you could only use 1 Biologique Recherche product, what would it be?

The only product I could not live with is P50 Lotion. I can't imagine life without

Best way to protect your skin in winter?

Best way to protect your skin during winter is to use an Epidermal Repair serum. The product to end all products!

 

Some of my new favorites!

 

As I age, I’m learning that you really do get what you pay for when it comes to skincare. My drugstore finds, just dont always cut it and sometimes I need a little extra “something” to give me the glow I’m always after. I might have left Dany’s with a lot more product than I expected, but they are products that are very specific to me and will help me age gracefully :)

PS: If you live in Amsterdam or are just visiting, I highly recommend booking a facial with Dany…just make sure you do it well in advance, he books up!