With the rising popularity of k-pop and k-dramas, Korean beauty products and glass skin have also come into the spotlight. Moreover, if you are a beauty enthusiast, you must know that the best beauty products come from Korea. Korean beauty products have taken the world by storm, and for apparent reasons, many of us are trying to achieve that Korean glass skin. And to help you achieve your goal, we bring you the 10 step Korean skin care routine.
The Korean 10-step Skin care Routine does not only focus on the latest skincare trends and purchasing the best products. It is important to have a basic understanding of your skin, such as your skin type. This will allow you to address your skin concerns and guide you in using the right products. The most important thing is to enjoy taking care of your skin. Here’s a simplified guide to the Korean 10-Step Skin care Routine.
Oil-Based Cleansers
A liquid or balm-form oil-based cleanser can be used to remove oil-based impurities such as makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. This is the first part of the Double Cleanse. Koreans prefer an oil-based cleanser over makeup removers. This is because oil-based cleansers won’t dry your skin and help to maintain your skin’s health and balance your sebum production. Use a gentle, circular motion to clean your face. Rinse off with warm water.
Water-based Cleansers
The second step of the Double cleanse- with foam/cream cleansing agent is next. Use gentle circular motions to remove any remaining dirt and sweat from your skin. Choose a water-based cleanser that is gentle, hydrating, and low in pH to remove any oil-based residue. Combining the two steps thoroughly cleanse the skin.
Exfoliators
The next step in this skincare regimen is exfoliation, which immediately gives you results such as baby-soft, smooth skin. You should be aware of two types of exfoliators: physical and chemical. A physical exfoliator is a textured tool that sloughs away the topmost layer of skin; examples include sugar scrubs, cleansing towels, and peeling gels, among many others.
On the other hand, chemical exfoliators primarily consist of acids such as AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. The word ‘acid’ might seem intimidating, but we promise they are very effective too! A chemical exfoliator helps slough away your dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover and rejuvenation. A chemical exfoliator not only works on the skin barrier but also sinks into the deeper layers of your skin.
Toners
After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a toner to your skin. This will help to restore pH levels, moisturize, and allow other products to be absorbed more easily into the skin. Use a cotton pad or fingers to apply the cream. You could also try the 7-Skin method for plump, dewy, glowy skin.
Essence
Essences are the core of Korean skincare. They are watery liquids that are infused with amazing ingredients and instantly absorb into your skin. Make sure you choose the right essence for your skin. Then, use your hands to mix it up and rub your neck and face with your fingertips.
Serums
Serums are concentrated in active ingredients that effectively target and treat skin issues such as dark spots, wrinkles, pigmentation, and dullness. An ampoule is a more concentrated version of a serum.
Sheet Mask
Two main functions of sheet masks are to hydrate your skin and create a protective barrier that allows you to use other products to revive it. The mask protects the essence from evaporating and allows the product to penetrate your skin. The sheet masks provide skin with a huge dose of moisture and clarify its marks, giving it the glow it needs.
Eye cream
Eye creams have active ingredients that target sensitive areas and provide a moisturizing, sealing effect. K-Beauty recommends applying the cream before your moisturizer to protect the delicate eye area.
Moisturizing
Koreans swear by Moisturizing; it gives skin the moisture it needs. Moisturizers should be introduced to the skin almost last, after other products such as essences, serums, and oils, because many moisturizers contain occlusives. These ingredients create a hydrophobic film (seal) on the skin’s surface by forming a thin layer of oil that prevents water from evaporating.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for every day, no matter how far you’re going. Two minerals are found in mineral sunscreens, or physical sunscreens: zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen has more minerals and works differently. While mineral sunscreens block UV rays from the skin, chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, preventing further damage.
- Do you have to follow the entire 10-step Korean skin care routine?
You can choose which steps you want to use based on the skin compatibility and your lifestyle. You can mix and match products and adjust the steps to suit your skin, weather, hormones and lifestyle.
- Do I need to use only Korean products?
Again, not necessarily. Pick a Korean mask sheet to help your skin get a boost of nutrients or if you think your current moisturiser is not working. One thing we advise is that you do a patch test on your skin when introducing a new product in your regimen to prevent irritation or breakouts. Give yourself two weeks to a month to see the best result before jumping to conclusions about any product.
- Why is Korean skin so flawless?
Since ancient times, Koreans have only used natural, harsh-free ingredients for their skincare routines: green tea, “snail slime”, bamboo extracts, propolis, and honey are just some examples of the elements they used and have passed through generations.
