Korea's skincare undoubtedly wowed the world, and for a good reason. The long multi-step routines that Koreans swear by have been proven to deliver results: a smooth, luminous, and transparent skin dubbed "glass skin."
But having glass-like skin does not have to be a puzzling quest. With the correct products and a commitment to consistency, you will find your way towards a Korean-inspired skincare journey of your own. Here is a 10-step routine to get you started:
Step 1: Oil Cleanse
Start with a small amount of oil cleanser and massage it into dry skin. This will break down dirt, makeup, and sunscreen. Use a gentle and non-comedogenic oil such as olive or jojoba.
Step 2: Do the Double Cleanse
Foaming cleanser to wash second layer of dirt, impurities, or oil off your face. Use circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin for around 30 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Step 3: Exfoliate
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores for brighter and smoother skin. It involves working with a physical exfoliant, like konjac sponge, or chemical exfoliant, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), once or three times a week.
Step 4: Toner
Toners help balance your skin's pH and ready it for the next steps of the routine. Soak a cotton pad with toner and sweep it across your face, avoiding contact around the delicate skin of your eyes.
Step 5: Essence
Essences are lightweight, watery serums that help deliver active ingredients deep into your skin. Find an essence with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or niacinamide in it, and apply gently to your face, patting it in lightly.
Step 6: Serum
Serums include concentrated doses of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns. But whether you are fighting fine lines, dark spots, or acne, there is a serum out there for you. A few drops of serum should be applied to the face and gently massaged in.
Step 7: Sheet Mask
(sheet masks are core in Korean skincare, and quite frankly, for good reason.) The thin masks contain serum that can deliver the intense hydration and nourishment that your skin deserves: soft, smooth, and supple. A sheet mask is up to you to apply once or twice a week for between 15 and 30 minutes.
Step 8: Eye Cream
Because the skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, it is particularly vulnerable to fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. To reverse this, put an eye cream under your eyes containing caffeine, peptides, or hyaluronic acid at all times, and apply it with a gentle patting motion.
Step 9: Moisturizer
Moisturizers help seal in everything you've applied before, giving your skin long-lasting hydration and nourishment. Go with a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide, and with gentle motions, apply this to your face.
Step 10: Sunscreen
The last and quite possibly the most important part of your Korean skin-care routine is sunscreen. Sun protection should have an SPF of 30+, and you want it to be broad-spectrum-based. Apply it to your face with a gentle patting motion.
Just follow these 10 steps, and you will be well on your way to having the glass skin you have always hoped for. Remember to be patient, consistent, and gentle to yourselves, and customize this routine to suit every single one of your unique skin concerns and needs.
Here's to a healthy love affair with your skin!