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What is a Good Korean Skincare Routine?

If you have even a vague interest in cosmetics, and have spent any time on the internet in the past few years, chances are you’ve heard at least a little about multi-layered, hyper hydrating Korean beauty routines, and the coveted “glass” skin that Korean skincare can provide. Whether you’re looking to emulate the radiant beauty of K-Pop stars, or simply shake up your skincare routine, we can help you get started with the basic Korean skincare steps. What Defines Korean Skincare? Korean beauty routines are defined by multiple steps, high-quality ingredients and intense hydration. While South Korea seems to be far ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to skincare and cosmetics - and has some of the highest rates of cosmetic surgery per capita in the world - Korean skincare is actually steeped in historic practices. In Korean culture there is considered to be a strong relationship between inner health and outer beauty, which is why the products used in Korean skincare routines tend to have such a focus on natural, rejuvenating ingredients. Benefits of a Korean Skincare Routine Some of the key benefits of following a K-beauty skincare routine include: Improved skin texture - one of the key focuses of Korean skincare is maintaining and protecting your skin barrier. Working towards a healthy skin barrier can improve the appearance of dull, dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Deep hydration - hydrated skin is healthy, happy skin. Hydration helps everything, from skin elasticity to skin tone and even your skin’s ability to rid itself of impurities and toxins. Long-term skin health - products in Korean skincare focus on long-term nourishment and skin health. Glowing “glass” skin - all of the above culminates in the dewy, hydrated complexion often referred to as glass skin. Core Steps of a Korean Skincare Routine While the 10-step skincare routine often attributed to K-beauty is a very Western take on Korean skincare routines, you can craft your own Korean-inspired skincare steps based on a combination of the following elements, not all of which need to be done every day. Step 1 - Oil-based cleanser Double cleansing is one of the most well-known aspects of Korean skincare. Your face needs to be completely clean in order to properly absorb skincare products, and double cleansing ensures you have a blank canvas for the rest of your routine. A cleansing oil will remove excess sebum and makeup… Step 2 - Water-based cleanser …while a water-based cleanser will dissolve dirt and impurities. By using both, you’ve giving your skin an effective deep clean, and prepping it to absorb products. Step 3 - Exfoliation (1-2 times a week) Because Korean skincare focuses more on nourishing and protecting your skin, abrasive physical exfoliants aren’t used frequently. There are lots of Korean scrubs, enzyme-powered gel cleansers and chemical exfoliants to choose from, but the point is to avoid over-exfoliation and risk irritating your skin. Step 4 - Toner After cleansing, Korean skincare routines focus on layering products from the lightest and thinnest to the heaviest. This makes facial toner the first step in that all-important hydration process; it helps the products that follow to be absorbed. Pat toner into the skin, or gently swipe it across the surface - no harsh rubbing! Step 5 - Essence An essence is almost like a stepping stone between a toner and a serum. Essences are a signature step of Korean skincare and, similar to a toner, they focus on maintaining the skin barrier and prepping the skin for utmost absorption and hydration. A popular essence ingredient is snail mucin, which might seem unconventional to many - though it’s hard to argue with its regenerative properties. Step 6 - Serum or ampoule Serums and ampoules are both thicker in consistency than toners and essences. Ampoules are similar to serums, but often contain a higher concentration of active ingredients and might not be appropriate for daily use. Both serums and ampoules are usually used to address specific skin concerns, such as brightening, anti-ageing, and reducing acne. Step 7 - Sheet mask (1-2 times a week) Not necessarily a staple of a skincare routine, a sheet mask can be a luxurious treat for your skin to enjoy from time to time. Sheet masks are excellent vehicles for active skincare ingredients, because the sheet creates a seal that prevents product from evaporating before it has a chance to be absorbed. You can also massage any excess product into the skin after removing the mask, limiting the amount of cleanup needed. Step 8 - Eye cream The skin around your eyes is very thin and delicate compared to the rest of the face, which is why many people choose to use specific products for this area. You might choose an eye serum or cream to tackle a specific concern, such as puffiness, fine lines or dark circles. It’s also important not to pull or rub at this sensitive skin - try gently dabbing product on with your ring finger. Step 9 - Moisturiser Moisturiser is essential for locking in all of the goodness from the previous steps. Pick a moisturiser that is specifically designed for your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive, combination, etc.) and make sure to use an appropriate amount. Step 10 - Sunscreen (mornings only) This step is non-negotiable! SPF should be an essential element for any skin routine, but you’ll find that it’s considered particularly important in Korean skincare. Korean SPF products designed for the face also tend to feel lighter and less greasy than your average sunscreen, as they’re intended for daily use. Customising for Skin Types With its focus on moisturising, a Korean-inspired skincare routine will obviously benefit dry skin - but this doesn’t mean that it can’t be adapted for other skin types. It all comes down to the ingredients in the individual products you choose to use. If your skin is oily, you might need to look for products with balancing properties to control excess sebum production. If your skin is sensitive, you should be careful to avoid any harsh, potentially-irritating ingredients. Similarly, if you suffer with acne or want your skincare routine to be anti-ageing, pick your products accordingly. Tips for Success Facial massage can help to improve circulation and decrease puffiness, as well as preparing your face for the day. Use your skincare time as a chance to show your face some love. Consider your application methods - tapping, blotting or patting products onto your skin might be more effective than roughly slathering them on. Prevention will always be better than the cure, and this goes for the majority of skin concerns. Staying hydrated, avoiding picking at spots or blemishes, and being consistent with sun protection will help you from needing to revert the effects of bad habits through your skincare. Aim for consistency, but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t manage a 10-step routine every day - sometimes it’s just not practical! Conclusion We’ve barely scratched the surface of the world of Korean skincare. With its focus on gentle, effective care and natural ingredients, it’s not difficult to see why it’s become a worldwide sensation. For more information on the kind of products that might support a K-beauty routine, contact us today. FAQ What makes a Korean skincare routine different from other routines? Korean skincare focuses on nourishing and replenishing the skin by applying various hydrating products in layers. How many steps are in a typical Korean skincare routine? While the 10-step routine is famous, it’s not necessarily the norm. Anywhere from 5-10 products might be used in a daily routine. Do I need to follow all the steps in a Korean skincare routine? Not at all. As stated above, some treatments (such as exfoliation and facemasks) might not be appropriate for everyday use. Is a Korean skincare routine suitable for sensitive skin? It all depends on the products involved. If you use products formulated for sensitive skin, you shouldn’t find a Korean skincare routine to be irritating. How long does it take to see results from a Korean skincare routine? It’s important to note that Korean skincare isn’t about fast results - it’s about improving the health of your skin, which may take longer than you think. Don’t expect to see any overnight changes, but after a few months of consistency, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy glow. Do I need to use Korean brands for a Korean skincare routine? Nope! While there are a wide range of Korean brands now available on the wider market, they aren’t a necessity to follow the principles of a K-beauty-inspired skincare routine.