The Famous 10 Korean Skincare Routine
A Korean Skincare routine is quite different from the West. It starts from a pre cleanser and could go through many steps. It is a concept of layering different creams and liquids to solve and prevent annoying skin problems.
You don't have to follow the whole Korean routine. Opt for a routine that suits your lifestyle and skin concerns.
Think of the time you spent as a way of spoiling yourself, a timeout from the outside world.
A time to do something healthy for your skin! Because you deserve it!!
Pre Cleansers
Are oils use to remove makeups, moisturizers, sunscreens and any other cosmetics applied in the face. Instead of using harsh towels getting rid of cosmetics, switch to Pre Cleanser oils!
This is the first step of your Korean skincare night time routine.
HOW TO USE
- With dry hands and face, pump out your favorite Korean Precleanser Oil in the hands and gently apply to the face
- Massage it in the face and or to your eyelids to get rid of those eyeshadows
- Now, wet your hands a little bit and your face until you get a good consistency
- Continue massaging face until dirt starts melting away
- Rinse face with warm water and pat dry
Cleansers
Korean Skincare Cleansers are usually in foam, gel or cream forms. They are used to remove makeup or facial cream residues skipped by Pre Cleansers.
This is used after the Pre Cleanser (no. 2 step: night time routine)
The first step of the morning routine
HOW TO USE
- apply Cleanser all over face and scrub gently for 1-2 mins.
- rinse off properly with warm water
- pat face to dry
TIPS
- for normal to oily skin: foaming Cleanser
- for dry skin: gel or cream Cleanser
Exfoliates
Contain grains or microbeads that helps to remove dead skincells and other dirt from the skin. These impurties usually cause the skin to look dry and dull and gives makeup the cakey and patchy look. So, let's get rid off them to have a smoother and younger skin!
This is part of the night time routine ONLY.
HOW TO USE
- spread ample amount of Exfoliate all over the face
- massage it gently in circular motion for 2-4 mins., paying extra attention to skin concerns (acne, pores, blackheads, etc.)
- rinse face with lukewarm water
- pat dry
TIPS
- exfoliate only 1-2x/week to prevent skin dryness and breakouts!
- if there is a necessity to do it more than 2x a week, use the exfoliate only to parts of the face that needs exfoliating, like your chin or maybe around the nose.
TONERS
Korean Toners are non-alcohol solutions, which aim to remove traces of impurities left behind by Pre Cleansers and Cleansers and helps hydrates and balances the skin pH.
This is use in the morning after Pre Cleansers and Cleansers.
HOW TO USE
- use cotton balls or pads to brush the toner all over face and neck
- let it dry completely around 1-2 mins. before going to the next step
TIPS
- if you want to use it at night, look for soothing Toners
ESSENCES
Korean Essences are liquid solutions which can either be a spray (mist) or a light weight lotion that promotes skincell renewal turning skin younger and firm.
This is part of the morning routine (after Pre Cleansing, Cleansing, Toner).
HOW TO USE
- Lotion Essences: with your fingers, pat lotion gently all over face and neck and let it dry
- Mist Essences; spray all over face and neck, pat it dry with fingers for better absorbtion
TIPS
- Let essences dry completely and absorbed before going to the next step about 1 min.
- The watery the product, the less you should wait to dry.
AMPOULES/SERUMS
Korean Ampoules are concentrated form of Essences packed with powerful active ingredients and vitamins your skin needs to rejuvenate by targeting skin concerns like wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and saggy skin. They usually come in a container with an eye dropper.
HOW TO USE
- You can mix your own ampoule mixture depending on your targeted skin concerns
- A few drops should be enough, so that one container would last you a long time.
TIPS
- try interchanging different ampoules every now and then for the skin to get its highest benefits.
MOISTURIZERS
Provides the skin the best hydration it needs, daytime or nighttime. It also offers night repair, sun protection and wrinkle care. Find the moisturizer that best serves your skin concerns.
HOW TO USE
- Massage ample amount to the entire face.
- Mornings: try to use lighter moisturizer
- Nighttime: you can use the same moisturizer for daytime or opt for a heavier lotion
TIPS
- You can apply a nighttime pack after a moisturizer. Just make sure the first cream is absorbed by the skin properly first.
- Nighttime packs: heavier creams with anti aging effects. The last cream to apply before going to bed!
EYE CREAMS
Hydrates, brightens and prevents wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes.
HOW TO USE
- Same rule like moisturizers:
- daytime: lighter eye cream to complement better with makeups
- nighttime: heavier cream for best Hydration
- apply gently, avoid rubbing the eye skin to prevent further wrinkle formation.
SUNCREENS
To protect skin from the harsh effects of the sun. These are concentrated forms compared to suncreens already incorported in moisturizing creams.
HOW TO USE
- apply it after the very last cream for your morning routine and before applying makeup.
MASKS
Intensive treatments full of beneficial nutrients that promises skin hydration, reduces signs of aging, draw out impurities, brighten skin tone and more.
HOW TO USE
Wash off mask packs
- use after Cleansing: apply all over face and let it stand for around 20 mins.
- rinse off and dry
Sheet masks
- most popular in Korea, bec. they are easy to use
- use after Cleansing and Toner: unpacked mask and place it over the face unti it adheres
- leave mask for about 20 mins, or more.
Sleeping masks
- easiest to use, apply mask and go to bed!
- applied after moisturizer or as indicated per product
Partial care masks
- for nose, eyes, lips, neck and other parts of the body
TIPS
- use masks once or twice a week or if necessity thrives upto 3x a week.
- try alternating different types of masks to expose your skin to different nutrients and active ingredients.
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