The Korean skincare routine may look a bit extreme to the uninitiated, but the results speak for themselves. Focusing on prevention over hiding blemishes and impurities, the routine is a great way to preserve your skin’s youthful glow and maintain its soft, supple quality.
The whole process can take anywhere from 10 to 17 steps, depending on the number of serums and products you want to use. As to the order, a good rule of thumb is to remember: the more watery the product, the earlier it goes because it’s easier for the skin to soak up. Also, remember to wait 30 seconds to a minute in between each step so that your skin has time to absorb each product.
The Korean 10-Step Skincare Routine
1. Remove eye makeup:
Get cleansing tissues or a good makeup remover to gently remove your eye makeup. Be careful not to tug the skin around your eyes.
2. Massage your face with a cleanser:
Use your fingers to apply an oil-based cleanser on your face. Use gentle, circular motions to massage the cleanser to your skin and to wash away the BB cream and foundation. Koreans believe that massaging the face increases circulation and gives you a brighter complexion.
3. Make sure to exfoliate:
Less is more when you exfoliate. Do this once or twice a month and be sure to choose a natural scrub to gently reveal smoother, softer skin.
4. Next, toner:
The toner will balance your skin’s pH and prepare it to fully absorb all of the serums, creams, and lotions that you’re going to put on. To keep your skin from drying, use an alcohol-free toner.
5. Essence:
The essence works by speeding up your cell turnover rate, leading to a smoother, brighter skin. Apply the formula by sweeping upwards, across your cheeks and forehead.
6. Apply serums:
With serums, you choose the ones you need. Korean products focus on particular issues, so make sure to mix and match serums that specifically address your skin problems. Whether it’s to correct your dark spots, combat the signs of aging, or even to lengthen your eyelashes, you can be sure there’s a serum out there for you.
7. Grab a face mask:
Face masks are made of paper drenched in collagen and other extracts the keep the skin firm and taut. Using a face mask to apply these substances helps the skin absorb the formulas better.
8. Use eye cream:
Take care of the skin around your eyes by using some eye cream. Avoid pulling your skin by using a gentle tapping motion when applying the cream.
9. Then some moisturizer: Seal up all the goodness your skin has absorbed so far with a moisturizing product. The moisturizer adds one more layer of hydration to give you the dewy, glowing skin so prized by the Koreans.
10. Finally, night cream: Your skin needs to stay hydrated as you sleep so you can wake up feeling refreshed and looking utterly gorgeous. For your morning routine, replace the night cream with a BB cream or sunblock with high SPF.
