Korean Skincare routine: The 10 steps

Step 1: Oil-based Cleansing Product

In the routine, the double cleansing method is used. As the name suggests, this means cleansing your face twice. In the first cleansing step, you use an oil-based cleanser to remove your makeup, sunscreen, and daily moisturizer.

You apply a small amount to your skin and gently massage it in. Then, you add a bit of water to emulsify the oil, which you can rinse off your face. Afterward, pat your face dry with a clean, dry towel.

Step 2: Water-based Cleansing Product

After your oil cleanser, you use a water-based cleansing product. This helps remove any remaining impurities like sweat, bacteria, and traces of the oil cleanser that may have been left on the skin.

Step 3: Exfoliation

We recommend following this step only once a week. Exfoliation involves using a peel or scrub to remove dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, clearer, and softer skin. Additionally, exfoliation helps other skincare products penetrate your skin more effectively for better results.

Warning: Exfoliating too frequently or for too long can lead to irritated, red skin.

Step 4: Toner

Toners can remove residual sebum or product residues that may remain on the skin after cleansing. They help restore the pH balance of your skin and prepare your skin for the absorption of subsequent skincare products, enhancing their effectiveness. Toners often contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help hydrate the skin and retain moisture.

Step 5: Essence

Essences are not as well-known in the West. The product is slightly more watery than a serum but more concentrated than a toner. It's an essential part of the Korean skincare routine because it provides hydration, nourishment, and is often rich in antioxidants. Moreover, it helps with the absorption of products applied after this step.

Step 6: Serum, Ampoules, Spot Treatment

In this step, you'll take specific actions tailored to your skin concern. For example, if you have issues with discoloration, opt for a vitamin C serum. If you want to combat skin aging, choose peptides and retinoids, as they stimulate cell renewal and firm the skin. If you have blemishes, treat them with a spot treatment product or use a pimple patch.

Step 7: Sheet Mask

Similar to exfoliation, this step doesn't need to be done daily but is recommended once a week. A sheet mask is a thin sheet or mask soaked in a high concentration of hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera extract. Different types of sheet masks are available to address various skincare needs, including hydration, brightening, calming, firming, and more.

Step 8: Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is thinner and often drier, making it more prone to showing signs of aging. An eye cream provides specialized care for this delicate area. Eye creams come in various formulations, such as extra hydration, reducing fine lines or wrinkles, diminishing dark circles or puffiness, brightening, and refreshing, among others.

Step 9: Moisturizer

The day or night cream hydrates your skin and helps seal in the active ingredients from previous steps, keeping your skin moisturized. Using a moisturizer is essential for all skin types. You can opt for a lighter gel cream for daytime and a richer cream for nighttime.

Step 10: SPF

In the morning, always finish your skincare routine with the application of sunscreen. Sunscreen is the best defense against signs of skin aging. Even on cloudy days or days when you stay indoors, UVA radiation can penetrate your skin, damaging collagen and elastin. Damage from UVA is only visible after some time: pigmentation, wrinkles, sagging skin, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the effectiveness of previously applied active ingredients diminishes when they come into contact with the sun without protection.

We advise you to conduct thorough research on your skincare products. Determine which products are suitable for your skin type and how, how often, and when to use them. Due to the active nature of certain products, improper use can unintentionally cause damage to your skin.