As far as beauty trends go, Korean skincare routines are currently on the rise. Following the Korean wave that brings everything K to the global stage, K-Beauty has stolen the spotlight in the beauty world.
So, what makes Korean care different from the typical day and night skincare routines? How does it suit dry and oily skins? Let’s explore all the key points about the Korean skincare routine below!
What Is a Korean Skincare Routine?
Korean skincare routine refers to the use of Korean beauty products and regimens to improve skin conditions. In essence, the beauty routine aims to respect the natural state of the skin.
Basing the idea on the Korean philosophy about improving the natural ecosystem of the skin, the Korean beauty routine includes cleansing, nourishing, and preventing damage.
One unique trait of the Korean skincare routine is that it focuses on prevention and protection rather than undoing the damage. The target is to give consistent results and achieve glass skin.
9 Steps to Korean Skincare Routine
Commonly, a Korean skincare routine includes 10 steps on average. These steps vary according to the needs of every individual, but, ultimately, the goal remains the same: improved skin condition with long-lasting results.
Depending on the skin type, a Korean skincare routine can be tailored while still maintaining its foundational aspects. Here’s our version of the K-Beauty care that you can adjust at home:
1. Double Cleanse
The first step in the Korean skincare routine order is cleansing. Unlike the usual cleansing, Korean beauty care implements the double cleansing system. In this case, you can use two types of cleansers: oil-based and water-based.
First, apply the oil-based cleanser to remove the makeup and excess sebum. Unlike the traditional makeup removers that often dry out or risk skin irritation, oil cleansers help return the hydration and soften the skin. Oil cleansers in either liquid or balm form suit the purpose one way or another.
After applying the oil cleanser, the second part of this step is using the water cleanser to rid impurities and residual oil cleansers. Usually, water-based cleansers come in gel and foam textures. Like oil-based cleansers, water-based cleansers should balance and hydrate the skin. The recommended option is those with a low pH, like 5.5.
As for the Korean skincare routine for oily skin, it might be best to skip the oil cleanser and go straight to the water cleansing product. To prevent dryness, try to tap some dewy and gentle toner on the face. It can help balance the pH and control the sebum secretion.
2. Exfoliate
The next step in the Korean skincare routine is exfoliating to ensure the pores are clear from any debris and remaining dead skin cells. Remember to exfoliate gently one or two times a week, depending on the strength of the product. Target the nose and the visible pores on the cheeks to maximize the results.
Read also: How to Exfoliate Without Damaging Skin and Keep It Healthy
3. Apply Toner
When it comes to the Korean skincare routine, day and night, you shouldn’t forget dabbing toner. Once the face is properly cleansed, apply the toner to remove any residual cleanser while ensuring the skin’s barrier gets repaired to absorb the moisturizing product implemented in the following step.
On a new cotton pad, apply enough toner and swipe it all across your face. Alternatively, you can use your clean hand and pat the toner gently on the face. By applying toner, you can help your skin achieve the dampness that effectively optimizes the moisturization later.
4. Use Essences
Next, choose essences that suit your skin type. In general, essences aim to hydrate and help remove the dead skin cells. They’re usually water-based and lightweight with many properties, including moisturization and anti-aging.
The use of essences in Korean skincare routines for dry skin and oily skin may differ depending on the type of product that suits the type. For dry skin, essences with a high percentage of sodium hyaluronate may work best. On the other hand, oily skin can benefit from essences with skin-soothing and sebum-balancing properties.
5. Special Treatments
After essences, take your time for special treatments with particular products, like boosters, serums, and ampoules. Surely, the special treatments for oily and dry skin types differ. Those who have dry skin can try a serum that keeps the moisture, like a product that contains Korean ginseng. On the other hand, the oily type may benefit from an ampoule with skin-soothing and inflammation-prevention properties.
6. Put on Face Mask
Another secret recipe in the Korean skincare routine besides essence is the face mask. You can choose between a sheet mask or a wash-off mask in this case. Applying a sheet mask once or twice a week can help restore your skin’s nutrients and moisturize it, while wash-off masks can help remove remaining impurities in the skin while ensuring optimal exfoliation.
For those who have dry skin, consider adding sleep or overnight masks to the Korean skincare routine. The application of the mask can help add an extra layer of moisture during sleep and give a rejuvenating effect.
Read also: 4 DIY Coffee Face Mask Recipes and Their Benefits for Skin
7. Eye Care
The tricky part of a skincare routine in general is caring for the skin around the eyes. It’s the thinnest area on the face with certain issues that may affect your appearance. To ensure the skin around the eyes are taken care of, use an intensive eye cream regularly to diminish the dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness.
8. Moisturize
Whether in the morning or at night, remember to moisturize your skin. Hydrated skin can help lock the active ingredients in the other beauty products better. Choose a moisturizing product that fits your skin type and preference, whether it be in the form of cream, gel, or lotion.
For oily skin, use a moisturizer that doesn’t stimulate excessive sebum production, which usually has the properties to deal with water imbalance. Those who have dry skin can use a product that brings back the moisture and smooths the wrinkles.
9. Apply Sunscreen
Before going out in the morning, make sure to apply the sunscreen on your exposed skin. Once the moisturizer seeps in, you can use the necessary amount of sunscreen with SPF and PA to protect your skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays.
Depending on the ingredients, sunscreens are divided into two categories: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreen filters the UV rays, while mineral sunscreen reflects them. Though both are equally effective, pregnant women or those with sensitive skin are recommended to use mineral sunscreens.
Those are all the main steps in the Korean skincare routine you should consider in your personalized beauty care. Taking care of your skin doesn’t stop at home treatments. To help your skin absorb these nourishing ingredients better, you can try removing unwanted facial hair by booking Super Hair Removal (SHR) at Clean & Tidy.
We understand that removing facial hair may be a daunting task if your hands are not steady enough. Don’t worry because our professional therapists can handle that for you. With the help of our advanced SHR device, we can eliminate fine hair that may get in the way of your beauty routine.
SHR is very different from traditional hair removal. The advanced technology can damage hairs through their roots, which slows the hair regrowth. Eventually, repeated sessions can give you almost permanent smooth, hairless skin.
If you’re interested in our SHR, don’t hesitate to contact us for appointments at Clean & Tidy Bugis or Orchard Road. We’ll improve your beauty care with our professional hands.
Read also: Morning Skin Care Routine: Freshen Up & Brighten Up Your Day
