Simplified 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine
The Korean wave doesn't stop at Kpop music and Kdrama. It also includes their influential (and elaborate) beauty regimen. Our favorite Korean actors and actresses are often regarded as vampire-like because they don't seem to age. Who could tell the difference between a 20-something-year-old from a 3 0-something-year-old Korean actress when their skin appears to be as radiant as ever.
This is when the world started to dig up the Korean 10-step skincare routine. While some have embraced it to achieve the glow from glass skin, there are also people who say that it simply is just too complicated with layers upon layers of products.
Sokoglam.com has published its take on the original Korean skincare routine which highlights that it's not about putting on so many products but rather knowing which products work for a certain type of skin and using them in the correct order.
To those who've always been curious of this 10-step routine, but find even the title too overwhelming, here is a little summary of what it includes inspired by Soko Glam:
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
The first step to a double cleanse is the oil-based cleanser. Remember the rule in chemistry, "like dissolves like"? Then oil-based cleansers dissolve the oil-based products such as makeup, excess sebum, and sunscreen.
Step 2: Water-based / foam cleanser
Water-based or foam cleanser is the second part of the double cleanse which is responsible for removing impurities such as dirt and sweat. You can have foam cleanser which forms foam as you wash your face, the gel-cleanser which is more gentle and hydrating while washing, or cleansing water which you can swipe with a cotton pad.
Step 3: Exfoliator
Exfoliators remove the dead and dull skin cells in our skin. While these skin cells are naturally sloughed off, exfoliating helps speed up the process. Exfoliating can be done once or twice a week with either salicylic or lactic acid.
Step 4: Toner
Using a cotton pad, lightly swipe or pat the toner on your face. The toner removes leftover residues such as excess dirt, oil, or makeup even after cleansing. It helps correct and balance skin pH.
Step 5: Essence
The essence is a very light, hydrating liquid which prepares your skin for moisturizers. It's usually sprinkled in the hand and patted lightly in the face. It includes hyaluronic acid, rice extract, etc.
Step 6: Serums, Boosters, Ampoules
They are lightweight moisturizers with a higher concentration of active ingredients which usually aim to correct or manage specific skincare concerns like wrinkles and fine lines.
Step 7: Sheet Masks
Sheet masks, especially from South Korea, are probably some of the most famous products that are used now. Sheet masks are usually infused with different essence for longer skin contact. It usually recommends being put in the face for 15-20 minutes. While it has varieties of ingredients and fragrances, they also foster relaxation.
Step 8: Eye cream
Wrinkles in the eyes are common as well as puffiness or dark circles. They are from continuous movements or sun damage. Eye creams address these issues.
Step 9: Moisturizer
Moisturizers seal in moisture to prevent dryness and make skin look plump. Moisturizing is usually done both in the morning and at night. They can either be emulsion, lotion, gel, or cream.
Step 10: Sunscreen
The last step is sunscreen. Put it last to avoid being diluted. It is important to prevent skin damage and is applied even when at home. Approximately 1 teaspoon of sunscreen can be used for the face.