One thing beauty mavens are obsessed with is a better skincare routine to be the best version of themselves inside and out. And how to start improving the outer facade? By focusing first on the body’s biggest organ: the skin. With all the Kdramas we’ve watched, we now develop a Korean skincare routine to achieve that flawless clear skin.
While we’re living in 2018 with our primary skincare steps, Koreans live in 3018 with their meticulous but rewarding skincare routine. Haven’t you ever wondered why their skin looks so dewy and picture-perfect? Intrigued? Korean skincare routine consists of ten steps (yes, you read that right: ten). Luckily for you, however, you do not need to do all of them daily and night. Here are some beauty tips on what skincare products to use and how often you should do them:
1. Oil Cleanser or Makeup Remover
Recommended Product:Rice Water Cleansing Light Oil
The Face Shop’s Rice Water Cleansing Light Oil is enriched with jojoba oil.
Image: The Face Shop website
The first of two cleaners in this Korean skincare routine, the oil cleanser doesn’t only get rid of oil-based products from the skin, such as sunblock, but also serves as a makeup remover to get rid of every speck of cosmetics on your skin, thus leaving you with a clean, fresh face. Use this skin care product daily, but only at night.
Tony Moly Clean Dew Foam Cleanser comes in five variants for you to choose from: Acerola, Lemon, Red Grapefruit, Aloe, and Blueberry.
Image: Piece of Beaute Instagram page
After cleaning your face the first time in your skincare routine, you’ll have to do it again, but this time with the foam cleanser. This skin care product helps to eliminate any trace of grime and dirt left on your face that wasn’t taken out by the oil cleanser. Use daily, but only at night.
This skin care product is primarily used to clear out clogged pores and remove dead skin cells; an exfoliator or facial scrub is said to make your skin look as good as new. This skin care product should be used twice or thrice a week for normal and combination skin and once a week for sensitive skin. However, it is not recommended to do this skincare routine every day, especially if you have irritable or sensitive skin.
Whatever time of day it may be, your skin needs some hydration. The following Korean skincare routine is the toner, which addresses that and also balances your skin’s pH levels, coats it with minerals and nutrients, and gets rid of the last traces of oil and dirt that the two cleaners didn’t remove. Use this skin care product daily, both in the daytime and at night.
Essences are what separate the Korean skincare routine from the others.
Image: Missha US website
This step is what separates the Korean skincare routine from other practices. Being the most essential step, the essence helps aid skin repair and cell turnover and is said to do wonders in making your skin smoother and brighter. Simply put some of the product in your hand or cotton pad. You must apply it all over your face and neck evenly. Use this skin care product daily, both in the daytime and at night.
6. Serum and Ampoule
Recommended Product:Yuja Water C Whitening Ampoule
The serums depend on the user’s skin type and skin needs.
Image: Skinfood US website
These skin care products are considered more concentrated versions of essences; their only difference is that an ampoule has increased concentrations of its active ingredients compared to serum. In this step, personalization is crucial. It all depends on what skin conditions you want to help target to get rid of pigmentation, discoloration, big pores, and the like. The serum can be used daily—in the daytime and at night. The ampoule is generally recommended to go before the serum, and since it has higher concentrations, it is recommended to be used only when your skin needs a boost.
The sheet mask you will use on your face depends on your skin type.
Image: Innisfree’s website
Next on your Korean skincare routine is the sheet mask, which consists of a sheet that is saturated with nutrients to nourish your skin. The type of sheet mask depends on your skin type and needs. There are masks for various purposes, such as hydration, whitening, and pore-control. Depending on your skin demands, this skincare routine can be every day or twice a week for fifteen to twenty minutes at night.
The skin around your eyes should never be taken for granted.
Image: Laneige website
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and the most susceptible to damage and aging. Eye creams can help prevent (or aid) skin puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. This skincare routine can help hydrate and protect the skin under the eyes from harsh external factors.
This skincare product can be used daily—in the daytime and at night.
Moisturizer makes sure your skin is well-hydrated.
Image: Korea /USA Skincare & Kosmetik’s Instagram
Hydration is the key variable achieving dewy, glowing skin. It is needed from all the deep cleansing and exfoliating during the early stages of this routine. Besides moisturizing, moisturizers also contain anti-aging ingredients. Use this skin care product daily—in the daytime and at night.
Sunblock protects you from the harsh rays of the sun.
Image: Etude House
The last step in your Korean skincare routine is sunscreen or sunblock. Sun protection is an essential habit, no matter your age or gender. The harsh UV rays of the sun could cause significant damage to your skin, and you won’t know or feel it immediately. SPF prevents premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer in the long run. Use sunblock daily during the day.
This skincare routine may seem taxing, but as they say, beauty does not come at a low (and easy) price. And the end results (you having flawless skin) will be more than worth the effort. What other skincare routines are you currently crazy about? Share them with us!
Looking for more skincare tips? Make sure to visitYoorekka Magazineto find more!
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on January 18, 2020.
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About Eunice Sheene Fulgencio
Eunice knew that she’d be writing for the rest of her life from a very young age. Naturally introverted, she is selective with how she uses her time and who she spends it with. Has a penchant for sweet treats, sentimental proses, and online personality quizzes. A true-blue INFJ.
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