Hello! If you're here, it's probably because you've heard about the famous Korean skincare routine and want to know more. Well, you've come to the right place. I'm your skincare expert, and today I'll guide you through the 10 essential steps of this routine that has taken the world by storm. I promise that by the end of this article, you'll be ready to begin your own journey to radiant, healthy skin. Let's go!
DOUBLE CLEANING
Double cleansing is the foundation of the Korean routine. This step ensures your skin is completely clean and ready to absorb all the nutrients from the products you'll apply later.
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
Try FG Beauty's Deep and Perfect Cleansing Balm . This balm effectively dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities. Oil-based cleansers are great because they adhere to the oily products and sebum on your skin, removing them without causing irritation. It's great for all skin types, even oily skin, as it helps balance sebum production. Apply the cleanser in gentle circular motions and be sure to rinse well.
Step 2: Water-based cleaner
Next, use Vegetology's Mild Cleansing Foam . This cleanser removes any residue and leaves your skin feeling fresh and soft. Water-based cleansers remove water-based impurities, such as sweat and dirt. This second step ensures your skin is completely free of any residue that could clog pores. Use circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin before rinsing.
EXFOLATION
Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and revealing brighter skin. You don't need to do it every day; two or three times a week is sufficient. Exfoliation helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Recommendation :
Use Axis-Y's PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel for a gentle exfoliation that won't irritate your skin. PHAs are a great option for those with sensitive skin, as they gently exfoliate without causing irritation. Additionally, PHAs have humectant properties, meaning they can help keep your skin hydrated while removing dead skin cells. Be sure to exfoliate gently and avoid sensitive areas around your eyes.
TONIC
Toner balances your skin's pH and provides initial hydration. It's an essential step in preparing your skin for the products that follow. After cleansing and exfoliating, your skin may feel a little unbalanced and dry, and toner helps restore its natural state.
Recommendation :
HaruHaru Wonder's Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin is perfect for deep, soothing hydration. This toner contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrating ingredient that can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and supple. Apply the toner with your hands or a cotton ball, gently patting to aid absorption.
ESSENCE
Essences are the heart of the Korean routine. They provide intense hydration and improve skin texture. Essences have a lighter texture than serums and are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin and provide long-lasting hydration.
Recommendation :
Try Beige Treatment Essence to revitalize and rejuvenate your skin. This essence is formulated with nourishing ingredients that help improve skin's elasticity and radiance, leaving it looking younger and healthier. Apply with your hands, gently patting to facilitate absorption.
SPECIFIC TREATMENTS (SERUMS, AMPOULES)
This step includes specific products to treat problems such as dark spots, wrinkles, or acne. Serums and ampoules are more concentrated than essences and are designed to treat specific skin concerns.
Serums
Recommendation:
Georganic's Galactomyces Intensive Oil Serum is excellent for controlling pores and keeping skin balanced. This serum contains galactomyces, a fermented ingredient that helps improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve overall radiance. Apply it after essence and before moisturizer.
Blisters
Ampoules are concentrated products used to treat specific skin conditions. They are similar to serums but are generally more potent and are used in short courses.
Recommendation :
Oloa's Fuco Antioxidant Ampoule is ideal for those seeking an intensive solution to improve skin health and appearance. This ampoule contains a microalgae species with fucoxanthin and polyunsaturated fatty acids, known for their regenerative benefits. Additionally, its high antioxidant content protects the skin from UV damage and environmental stressors, improving elasticity and radiance. Use it in short cycles to maximize its benefits.
EYE CARE
The skin around the eyes is very delicate and requires special care. This area is more prone to showing signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging.
Recommendation :
Apply Bidalli's Vegan Wrinkle Care Intense Eye Cream . This 100% vegan formula provides intense hydration and is gentle on your skin, helping to reveal a more youthful and revitalized complexion. It's ideal for treating wrinkles and sagging around the eyes. Apply with your ring finger, gently tapping to avoid damaging the delicate skin around your eyes.
EMULSION
Emulsion is a light hydrating product applied before moisturizer. It helps soften and prepare the skin for the following steps, especially useful during times of mild weather changes.
Recommendation :
Use Mulgeo Concentrate Emulsion 2.0 . This intensive anti-aging treatment contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient known for its rejuvenating properties and ability to improve skin elasticity. It's perfect for keeping skin hydrated and protected during seasonal changes. Apply the emulsion with gentle, upward motions for better absorption.
MOISTURIZER
Keeping your skin well hydrated is key to keeping it looking soft and supple. A good moisturizer seals in all the moisture and nutrients you've applied in the previous steps.
Recommendation :
Vegetology's Viniferine Brightening Cream provides deep hydration and improves skin's radiance. This cream contains viniferine, a powerful ingredient derived from grape flower cell extract, known for its brightening and antioxidant properties. Apply it as the last step of your daily routine to lock in all its benefits.
FABRIC FACE MASK.
Masks are a great way to give your skin an extra boost of moisture and nutrients. Sheet masks, in particular, are very popular in Korea and are known for their ability to provide deep, rapid hydration.
Recommendation :
Use Georganic's Centella Ultra Glow Sheet Mask to soothe, hydrate, and revitalize your skin. Centella asiatica is known for its soothing and restorative properties, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. Use a sheet mask two or three times a week for best results.
SUN PROTECTION
Never leave home without sunscreen. This step is essential to prevent premature aging and protect your skin from sun damage. Daily use of sunscreen is one of the best things you can do for your skin in the long run.
Recommendation :
DOCTOB's Vinifera Biome Vegan Sun Cream offers complete and long-lasting protection. This sunscreen not only protects against UVA and UVB rays, but also contains nourishing ingredients that care for your skin while protecting it from the sun. Be sure to reapply every two hours if you're exposed to the sun for extended periods.
NIGHT TREATMENTS
Nighttime is the perfect time for your skin to repair and nourish itself. While you sleep, your skin goes into repair mode, which means it's the ideal time to use more intensive products.
Recommendation :
Use a night cream with restorative ingredients. Look for options that provide deep hydration and leave your skin soft and radiant when you wake up. Products with ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides are excellent for nourishing and repairing skin overnight. Apply it after your night serum or ampoule.
Follow these 10 essential steps and you'll see your skin transform. The Korean routine may seem extensive at first, but once you incorporate it into your daily routine, it becomes a pleasant and beneficial ritual. Start your journey to beautiful, glowing skin today!
Ready to get started? Let's get that radiant skin! 🌟
