KOREAN SKIN CARE ROUTINE
It’s about time for your skin to restore natural beauty. Although 10 steps might sound too complicated, normally everyone has 5-6 steps already, so only a few more steps have been added for the best result.
STEP 1: OIL-BASED CLEANSER
“SKIN CARE STARTS WITH CLEANSING”
To start with clean skin, we should start with a makeup remover wipe and oil cleanser. Massage it over your face and neck to remove makeup, Massage again and then rinse everything off. Of course, you can skip this when you have no makeup.
STEP 2: DOUBLE-CLEANSING WITH WATER-BASED CLEANSER
Now that you’ve removed the majority of makeup, make a clean sweep by using a water-based cleanser to make sure you’ve removed any impurities your oil cleanser might have missed. A clean base will bring maximum results and comforts for the rest of processes.
STEP 3: EXFOLIATE
Use a gentle exfoliator a few times a week to remove the dead skin cells.
Dead skin cells that clog up our pores also tend to stick around on the surface - which can lead to a general dullness, as well as settling into fine lines.
When we’re younger, our skin cycle counteracts this to a great extent naturally faster, but as we are aging, our skin cycle slows down. New cells are reproduced at a slower rate, so the defunct dead cells tend to stick around longer. Therefore, everyone has a different cycle on this step.
By using a gentle exfoliator like Glycolic Acid or lactic acid, the old cells are encouraged to detach from the newer cells leaving your face looking naturally radiant.
STEP 4: TONER OR SKIN
Making your skin hydrate enough is important for further steps to absorb and balance its pH level.
There is a lot of tapping here as you must ensure each layer is absorbed into the skin before moving to the next. Tap toner onto your face about 3 times to supply maximum hydration.
STEP 5: SHEET MASK
Treat yourself to a 20-minute treatment at least once a week. During that time, make a cup of tea, light a scented candle, settle down with a book, and separate yourself from the worries of your work day.
STEP 6: SPOT TREATMENT
You can apply a treatment targeted for dull skin, large pores, pigmentation, wrinkles, or acne.
STEP 7: SERUM OR ESSENCE OR AMPOULE
This is essentially a highly concentrated formula with a similar runny consistency as your toner.
Step 8: EYE CREAM
Gently apply the eye cream not only under your eyes, but also around lips before moisturizer.
STEP 9: MOISTURIZER
Depending on your skin type, apply moisturizer to keep the nutrition you applied before. They come in many different forms such as facial oil, emulsion, lotion, gel or cream type.
STEP 10: SUN CARE (IN THE MORNING)
Lastly, apply a sunscreen every morning and re-apply during the daytime even on a cloudy day. Protecting your skin from UV rays will prevent aging, dark spots, wrinkles and keeping your skin hydrated.
A new approach to a more minimal routine :
The latest K-beauty trend is now turning to more minimal practice that suits better for busy lifestyle. My recommendation is to find your own routine according to how your skin feels on each day, which is in line with the philosophy behind K-beauty skincare.
Even for Koreans, they also rarely follow all the steps every day. With no makeup, they usually do only 4 - 5 steps at night: Foam Cleansing - Toner - Essence or Serum - Eye Cream - Cream, and plus sun care in the morning. Exfoliating and Sheet mask can be done only a few times a week.
Most importantly, finding the perfect skincare routine is all about experimenting and knowing what works best for you.
Kbeauty Vlogger : Kim Dao's video Find out her Kbeauty secret to healthy skin.