When it comes to beauty trends and tips, it’s probable that you’ve heard a lot about Korean beauty products (sometimes referred to as K-beauty).
Korean beauty products are primarily derived from and made in Korea, as their name implies. Most of them are designed with the Korean beauty theory in mind when they are constructed.
Korean products and regimens are designed to be used for a lengthy period of time. Consistency and determination are what allow them to achieve the results they desire. Consider the difference between embarking on a crash diet and committing to a clean eating regimen.
It is fundamentally important to respect your skin when performing this routine. While other cultures use harsh substances to strip the skin’s natural barrier, Korean skincare philosophy emphasizes working with your skin’s natural ecosystem by washing, moisturizing, nourishing, and protecting it – ultimately helping your skin to thrive.
Summary
What is Korean skincare?
Korean skincare is more concerned with prevention and protection than it is with the use of treatments to repair the damage. Korean skincare is proof that taking care of the skin before it is in desperate need of it will pay dividends in the long term. Because once the damage has been done to the skin, it can be difficult to restore it to its previous condition, it is always preferable to prevent harm from occurring.
Why is it so buzzworthy?
Neither a single person nor a single brand was responsible for the development of the Korean skincare regimen. It was more of a slow progression that stemmed from the skin routine that many Koreans practiced at the time.
What happened after that has altered the skincare market around the world and attracted the attention of those who are interested in the latest beauty and skincare trends.
Not only does this type of practice frequently result in effective and regular outcomes, but it also encourages people to respect their skin and spend a little additional “me time.”
According to the World Textile and Apparel Association, the Korean beauty industry has seen an increase in its exports to the worldwide market in recent years. The overall value of cosmetics exports in 2016 was roughly $4.2 billion, representing a 61.6 percent raise over the previous year.
What is “glass skin”?
The term “glass skin” is often used in the Korean beauty industry to describe a complexion that is smooth, clear, and intensively moisturized, giving the appearance of being transparent.
5, 7, 10, or 12 steps?
Although 10 steps are the most tactical number of stages in Korean skincare procedures, this is only a general estimate.
In general, Korean beauty routines consist of several different steps. However, in general, they are concerned with treating skin softly while also delivering long-lasting outcomes.
Almost all Korean skinskincareimens begin with the traditional double cleanse, which is considered to be the foundation of traditional Korean skincare
It is not about following a specific number of steps but rather about customizing your skincare routine to meet the specific demands of your skin. Even though many individuals start with a 10-step regimen, you can scale it up or down depending on your requirements and preferences.
10-step routine
The standard 10-step process is the most generally utilized technique for conducting a Korean skincare routine and is the most widely available online. The typical format is as follows:
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Cleanser with an oil base
Because oil and water reject each other, a water-based cleaner will not efficiently remove all of the oil-based pollutants on your face.
An oil-based cleanser is the most effective way to remove sunscreen, makeup, and your body’s natural sebum from your skin. This does not remove your skin’s natural, healthy oils as some products do.
How to apply: Gently massage the oil into your face for a minute or two, then rinse off. Following that, wipe the oil away using a cotton pad.
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A cleaner that is based on water
This is the type of cleaner that most people think of when they hear the word “cleanser,” and for good reason. Sweat and dirt are often removed with a foamy liquid (or bar) that follows the oil cleanser and removes any leftover pollutants that were not removed by the oil cleanser.
How to use: Use this face wash in the same way you would any other. It should be rinsed with water.
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Exfoliant
Exfoliants include products including as scrubs, peels, and pads. These products aid in the removal of dead skin cells and accumulation on the skin. Start slowly and use it sparingly at first (once or twice per week max).
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Toner is a fourth option.
When you get to this phase, it’s possible that your skin’s pH has gotten out of whack and needs to be brought back into an acidic state.
Toners aid in the restoration of skin balance and the replenishment of moisture.
How to apply: You can either dab a cotton ball lightly on your face or simply rub your fingertips across the skin to apply the product.
As a recommendation, The Face Shop Dr. Belmur Daily Repair Toner is worth trying. It has hypoallergenic properties and is ideal for people with combination skin types.
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The essence of everything
Essences, which are unique to Korean skincare routines, are prepared with fermented ingredients and are intended to hydrate and protect the skin from the elements. Consider an essence to be something in the middle of a toner and a serum.
How to use: This product should be applied to your face and neck in a gentle patting motion.
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Treatment
In Korean skincare, a treatment is anything that is designed to alleviate a specific ailment — typically referred to as a serum — and is applied topically. In addition to highly concentrated chemicals, they also contain compounds that address specific concerns, like as wrinkles or acne.
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Use a sheet mask.
Sheet masks are sheets of paper that have been soaked with serum and are applied to the face for around 20 minutes. The use of sheet masks, like exfoliants, is not something that should or should not be done daily.
How to use: Sheet masks should be applied to your face for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing all of the contents to be absorbed by your skin. It is not necessary to wear a sheet mask daily. Applying a mask to your face twice a week will provide you with the results you desire.
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Eye cream (optional).
Eye gels, creams, and oils are designed to target the delicate, sensitive skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine wrinkles in the process.
The best way to apply it is to take your ring finger and gently spread it over the area where the black circles are most prominent. Make sure not to apply it near the waterline.
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Moisturizing
Moisturizer functions as a sealer, ensuring that everything is absorbed into your skin properly.
How to use: Moisturizers can be used daily, but you should avoid applying too much at once. It is recommended that you apply it to your face both morning and night.
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SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
People seem to be becoming more and more aware of the dangers of sun exposure in recent years. In recent years, more products with built-in SPF, including foundation and moisturizer, have been introduced.
Even though you will be wearing another SPF product, it is extremely important to complete this step.
How to apply: Apply sunscreen lotion to your face at the end of your Korean skincare routine before you go out in the sun to avoid sunburn. After some time has passed and the sun is still shining, reapply the sunscreen to your face and neck.
5-step routine
This lighter version of the popular 10-step routine reduces the number of steps by half. These five steps are the most fundamental things to do every morning, and they are ideal for those on a tight budget or with limited time.
- Astringent toner
- moisturizer
- SPF
- cleansing oil-based cleanser
- cleansing water-based cleanser
a seven-step procedure
When compared to the 10-step routine, this one does not include an exfoliant, sheet mask, or SPF protection.
Given the lack of SPF and the fact that you don’t need to exfoliate or use a mask every day, a seven-step routine is ideal for the majority of evenings.
- a cleanser with an oil base
- water-based cleanser,
- toner,
- essence treatment,
- eye cream, and
- moisturizers are recommended.
Routine consists of 12 steps
Yes, there are still a few more steps to take. If you make it through the first ten steps and still want to go on, a 12-step routine is another popular option.
To begin, go through the 10-step routine, but also include these two additional steps:
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Mist
If you’ve grown to appreciate the dewiness that comes with the “glass skin” you’ve worked so hard to achieve, misting your skin regularly will help maintain and reactivate the products you’re currently using.
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Facials for routine maintenance
The practice of getting a weekly facial, complete with massage, is common among Koreans and those who adhere to a Korean skincare regimen religiously.
Morning and night routines
It is not necessary to have the same morning and night routines.
It is possible to have a much more streamlined morning routine that focuses on moisturizing and protecting from the sun.
Evening routines that include exfoliants, eye creams, masks, and other treatments can be saved for the next morning.
Different skin types
When deciding on the best products and steps for their Korean skincare routine, people with different skin types may want to keep a few things in mind to avoid making mistakes.
For oily skin
It is not counterintuitive to use an oil-based cleanser on oily skin, despite what you might believe. When it comes to oily skin, you shouldn’t be afraid to use two different cleaning methods.
Oily skin types will benefit from a toner that is lightweight and less emollient.
For dry skin
If you have particularly dry skin, you may want to limit your cleanser selection to oil-based products. Pay close attention to how your skin feels and make the choice that makes the most sense for you.
Dry skin benefits from humectants, such as hyaluronic acid when used as a toner.
For combination skin
If you have combination skin, you should look for products that will help to balance your skin’s pH levels.
For acne-prone skin
If you are experiencing an active acne breakout, you may want to refrain from exfoliating until your skin has cleared up completely.
The bottom line is as follows:
Korean skincare involves a large number of steps, but they do not have to be difficult to understand or complete.
Taking care of your skin is a form of self-care and, as a result, a form of self-expression. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, these steps won’t take you very long to complete.
The most important thing to determine when developing a Korean skincare routine is your specific skincare requirements. After that, you can gently address their concerns with the appropriate products.
Additionally, proper application is equally important – both in terms of how they are applied and the order in which they are applied. Liquids or lighter products (such as cleansers and toners) are applied first, and then the process progresses to heavier and thicker products (like moisturizers and SPF).
Where to shop K-beauty
While the 10-step routine can be enjoyable and yield excellent results, it may not be suitable for everyone. Using a large number of products can cause different reactions in different people’s skin. Additionally, time and budget constraints may make it difficult to implement for some. If you’re interested, make sure you have the fundamentals covered first, and then you can gradually build on that foundation.
In recent years, K-beauty has become significantly more accessible to the general public. To get started, you might want to check out Soko Glam, which offers a diverse selection of carefully curated products as well as a wealth of information.
Brands such as COSRX and Missha, which are readily available at Ulta and Amazon, may be a good place to begin your search. They’ve been in the business for a long time and have a wide range of tried and trusted formulations for all skin types to choose from.
Keep in mind that the most important part of going through these steps is dedicating the necessary time to taking care of yourself. Take your time, and don’t rush. You are deserving of it.
FAQ: Korean Skin Care Routine
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What is the appeal of Korean skincare?
The significant usage of natural components in Korean skincare is one of the things that sets it apart. In addition, Koreans use chemicals that are uncommon in other countries. Snail mucus is a common element in Korean lotions and masks, and it is thought to offer numerous advantages.
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Do I have to complete the 10-step Korean skincare regimen in its entirety?
No, choose the steps based on your skin’s compatibility with the products and how they fit into your lifestyle. Depending on your current skin condition, weather, hormones, health, and lifestyle, you can mix and match different products and add or skip steps.
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Do I have to use Korean items exclusively?
Not always, of course. Choose a Korean mask sheet to assist your skin to absorb more nutrients or if your existing moisturizer isn’t doing the job. To avoid irritation or breakouts, we recommend performing a patch test on your skin before adding a new product to your routine. Allow two to four weeks to see the best results before making any conclusions about a product.
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What is the purpose of Korean toner?
Toners made in Korea nourish and purify the skin.
K-Beauty toners, also known as lotions, are high in chemicals that moisturize rather than dehydrate the skin. Kelp extract, mineral water, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil, and carrot root oil are all substances included in K-Beauty toners.
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How does glass skin work?
“Glass skin” refers to skin that is exceedingly smooth, even-toned, shiny, and so flawless that it appears to be made of glass, according to Jude Chao, a skincare blogger, and K-beauty expert. “It’s just a simple and elegant way of characterizing a particular type of great complexion,” she continues.
Thank you for reading!