Korean skincare routines are taking the world by storm. They are one of the hottest, most in-demand beauty regimes out there.
Let’s dig deeper into this wondrous world of healthy and glowing skincare with this step-by-step Korean skincare routine.
If you’ve heard anything about this nation’s skincare routines, they likely follow some pretty rare practices involving tree sap, bubbling black mud baths, or unpronounceable ingredients like snail slime and elm water. Nonetheless, here are 10 Korean body care routines that you could follow to achieve healthier skin:
Oil Based Cleanser:
The use of an oil-based cleanser in Korean skincare routines is pretty unique. You may know that the Koreans begin with an oil-based formula but they also follow it up with a water-based cleanser However, before opting for two cleansers (double cleansing), consult your dermatologist for guidance.
The best time to cleanse your face with an oil cleanser is usually after you’re home, at the end of the day. Apply it after your skin and massage gently in small circles on the face. You don't have to scrub hard, just go over the face until it's clean.
Water Based Cleanser:
Once finished with oil-cleansing, you should wash your face with a water-based cleanser. Using it will leave your skin feeling clean and not oily so the next few products that you apply will be able to do their job efficiently.
Be careful not to overwash using these products. The rule of thumb is to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and at night before sleeping. There's no need to use them more than that!
Exfoliation:
Once or twice a week, you should exfoliate your face to get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores. This will help to prevent acne breakouts, improve skin tone and make it smooth.
If you’re looking for something more than just an over-the-counter exfoliating lotion, you should look into getting a facial from a professional.
This step is not necessary if your skin is healthy and you don't have acne already. However, if you do have acne or problematic skin, this step may help to clear it up quicker.
An organic soap is the easiest way to exfoliate your face because it’s the one product that cleanses while also exfoliating. Soak a chemical-free, organic face wash bar in water and apply it to your face after washing it with your cleanser of choice.
Toners:
In Korean skincare routines, water-based toners are used daily to keep the skin clear of oil and other impurities. They're very beneficial because they prevent the oil from building up in the pores while it keeping your skin balanced, soothing redness, and help control acne breakouts.
Using toner on the skin is very valuable in the Korean skincare routine system because it helps to control oil production. You don't need to use it every day, but you should aim for at least twice a week.
Apply toner after your skin is clean and dry. Soak the toner in water and massage gently into your skin with circular motions until it is dry.
Essence:
This is a very inexpensive product that makes it easy to maintain a skin. You can use it as a moisturiser by applying it to your face before you go to sleep every night. It opens pores and lets moisture go into the skin, so you may apply it every night before sleeping.
Ampoule:
This is a very important step in the Korean skincare routine because it’s an ingredient that helps to repair cellular damage on the skin.
This is one of the most effective products for improving your skin tone. The ampoule contains concentrated ingredients that will help your skin appear smoother and more radiant.
This product has many benefits and you have to use it once a week before bedtime if you want to achieve a good skin tone. If you’ve got the money, you should buy one that will benefit your skin and suit your budget.
Sheet Mask:
In the Korean body care routine, it is very beneficial to use sheet masks to help cleanse and moisturise your face. You can make them at home using cotton pads and facial creams just as well. But, they’re not the most sustainable option so we suggest avoiding sheet masks and instead, opting for rinse-off formulas.
Moisturiser:
People in Korea use a lot of moisturisers because the weather there is very dry and cold. However, even if you live in a humid area or have oily skin, it’s best to apply moisturiser to hydrate your skin well.
Choose a moisturiser that matches your skin type and choose the one that contains SPF 15 or higher so you can protect your face from sun damage. If it’s too thick, use it on your body and not your face as it could clog pores and cause acne. Look for lightweight options that sink into the skin easily, without a fuss.
Eye Cream:
In Korean skincare routines, the area around the eyes is paid special attention. They believe that one of the best ways to make your eyes look better is by using eye creams.
Applying eye creams may help to reduce fine lines, and dark circles under the eyes (de-puff), and reduce the bags around the eyes. It also keeps the skin around your eyes moist, preventing premature signs of ageing.
By applying eye cream, you help prevent puffiness and dark circles from setting in.
Sunscreen:
Koreans religiously apply sunscreen before they head out of the door and you should too! Make sure you apply SPF 30 or more, at least two fingers worth of that, 30 minutes before you step out of your house. To put it simply, the rest of your skincare routine will do nothing for your skin if you do not protect it with SPF. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays damage skin and even though you cannot see it immediately, undoing the damage a few years down the line will be more challenging.
Conclusion
Even though this is a good skincare regime, you can have healthy skin no matter which product you use and you don't have to follow this strict routine exactly. Instead, you should use the products that apply to your skin type and skin concerns.
FAQs
How does the Korean skincare routine benefit skin?
This multiproduct approach helps the skin by nourishing it. But, you do not need to follow it to the T. It may not be very practical for some people as it is time-consuming and as with any skincare routine, consistency shows results. Even if you are using just two products, try being as regular as you can with your usage.
Do I need to use only Korean skincare products for this routine?
No, you can use any skincare products you have in your beauty kit. Use whatever works for your skin type.