Koreans have always been known for their glass skin and impeccable skin care. Created with the Korean beauty philosophy in mind, skincare products that they use have quickly found their way to people worldwide. Today, K-beauty is the epitome of youthful look and skincare goals, which is why we’ve decided to let you in on the 10 steps every Korean has in their beauty routine, making sure they keep a flawless complexion and wrinkle-free skin.
Begin with an oil cleanser
One of the most important aspects of Korean skincare is washing the face. The first two steps of the skincare routine revolve around face washing. You should start with an oil cleanser that will remove all the impurities without drying out the skin. Don’t worry if your skin is oily. Contrary to popular belief, you’ll get rid of all the oil-based impurities such as PSF, sebum and pollution by washing your face with an oil cleanser. Once that’s done, you should proceed to the next step.
Proceed with a foam cleanser
Once you’ve cleared out all the oil-based impurities, it’s time to use a water-based cleanser. A foaming cleanser will help you remove all the accumulated sweat and dirt from your pores, leaving your skin clean and ready for exfoliation, which comes right after a thorough wash. If you want to make the washing as thorough as possible, feel free to use a face brush and move it in circular motions.
Apply serum
We all tend to have problems with acne, wrinkles, dark spots and pigmentation. That’s why the Koreans use serum religiously as a part of their skincare regimen. As a slightly more concentrated version of the essence, a serum will help smooth the wrinkles, treat pigmentation and dark spots, leaving your skin plump, soft and radiant. Did we mention serums will also improve the overall health of your skin? The skin will absorb all the hydration it needs following a long day’s work.
Exfoliate thoroughly
Exfoliation is paramount. Sloughing off dead skin cells will prepare the skin to absorb all the nutrients from toners, moisturizers and serums, by revealing a fresh layer of skin. On top of that, your make-up will always look fresh if you exfoliate regularly. Make sure you use a gentle face scrub for your skin type and use it in moderation to prevent causing damage to your skin.
Bring in the essence
One of the fundamental steps of the K-beauty skincare routine is applying the essence to your skin to hydrate the complexion. Thanks to the emulsion, you’ll slowly start to build the richness and sheen you’re going for in the final result of the skincare regimen. Some of the benefits it offers include soothed skin accompanied by healing properties. Aside from being chock-full of hydrating ingredients, the essence helps speed up cell turnover too.
Tone it deeply
In case any dirt is still stuck in your pores, a toner will help remove it. On top of that, you’ll balance your skin’s pH levels as well. Thanks to the innovative korean beauty skincare products such as toners, your skin will be soothed, moisturized and ready to absorb all the nourishing ingredients from the masks, essences, and serums that follow.
A sheet mask for hydration
Nothing feels better than a little bit of pampering with a soothing sheet mask, doesn’t it? If you’ve been using it seldomly up to now, it’s time you make this sheet of serum-soaked paper an essential part of your skincare regimen. If Koreans are doing it, you know it must be necessary. Choose a sheet mask for your skin type and leave it on for 20 minutes. Dab the serum that sticks to your face after you remove the sheet, and you’ll notice how incredibly hydrated your skin has become.
The eye cream comes next
Eyes are the windows to the soul, and the Koreans know how to nurture the skin around the eyes well. That’s the area on your face that will show signs of ageing first, so make sure you are proactive in your skin regimen and prevent the fine lines on time. Successfully avoid facing puffiness, dark circles or crow’s feet by applying eye creams after you’re done with your sheet mask. A pea-sized drop is all you need to apply to the undereye area and gently tap. Use eye cream regularly before any signs of premature ageing show up, and you’ll see a marked difference in how old you look. The skin around the eyes dries out easily, so consider layering your eye cream in cold months more often to offer the skin an added layer of protection.
Add moisturizer
You’re probably wondering why you need a moisturizer after you’ve already applied the essence, serums, a sheet mask and eye cream. The answer is simple – a moisturizer will help you lock in all the previous layers and create a barrier. A light, lotion-based moisturizer is perfect for oily skin types. Dry skin can often feel irritated after applying a moisturizer, so make sure you go with a heavy cream-based moisturizer to soothe the irritation. A small amount of the moisturizer will be enough to lock in moisture. Rub it gently into your skin and massage it in circular motions for 10-15 minutes.
SPF to complete the circle
Last but not least comes the SPF cream. We all know how much damage the UV rays can cause to our skin. Unlike many others, the Koreans do something about it and apply sunblock regularly. Whether they’re going to the beach or they’re running errands, slathering on the SPF comes as second nature to them. A nighttime moisturizer can accompany the SPF and make sure all the skin-loving ingredients are locked in safely.
Nobody has as dedicated a sin regimen as the Koreans do. We can certainly learn so much from them and make our skin rejuvenated and flawless. Reconsider your skincare choices, and feel free to include some, if not, all of the ten steps that we’ve gone through today into your skincare.