By now, you should have gleaned over a thousand-and-one articles talking k-beauty. K-beauty here. K-beauty there. Anyone that hasn’t heard about 10-step Korean beauty probably lives under the rock. But what’s the buzz all about?
Getting glowing porcelain-like skin is a big thing when it comes to skincare. And nobody does it better than the Koreans. The catch of this Korean beauty regimen is its prevention-first philosophy. It isn’t about looking for a solution when there’s a skin issue. It emphasizes taking care of your skin before an actual skin concern.
Let’s make this article the shortest and most comprehensive guide to the Korean beauty regimen. Here we go…
1. Oil cleansing
Oil cleanser is the core of the Korean skincare regimen. It is the base of the traditional double cleanse. The purpose is to remove makeup and draw out oil-based impurities such as sebum and soot from your skin.
2. Water-based cleansing
This is the second part of the double cleanse. Using a water-based cleanser removes water-based impurities such as dirt, grime, and sweat left behind after the oil cleansing. Apart from its soothing effect, double cleansing primes your skin for what’s coming.
3. Exfoliating
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from your skin. By scrubbing away sludge of dead skin, the texture and tone of your skin improves. Allowing other products to absorb better and work more efficiently.
4. Toning
Because of cleansing and exfoliating, your skin PH is out of whack. Toning returns your skin natural PH to its acidic state. This softens and preps your skin for the next step.
5. Essence:
Essences are big players in the Korean skincare regimen. They are lightweight, hydrating products formulated to aid skin cells regeneration. Applying essence optimizes your skin and makes it smoother and brighter.
6. Serum or Ampoule
You’ve so far cleaned and prepared your skin. It’s time to treat some skin concerns. Ampoule or serum is a concentrated version of essence. They contain active ingredients aimed at specific skin issues such as wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
7. Sheet Mask
A sheet mask is a sheet of paper that is soaked in serum or collagen to absorb some nutrients. Laying on your face for 20-30 minutes allows nutrients to absorb into your skin. Plus, they are highly hydrating.
8. Eye cream:
Puffiness, dark circles, crow’s feet are common concerns to the skin around your eyes. Eye cream is a specially formulated cream to deal gently with the sensitive skin around your eye.
9. Moisturize
Moisturizing is the one step that locks-in the previous layers. Think of it as a skin cocoon that prevents skin nutrients from escaping to thin air. Generally, a Korean moisturizer can be cream, gel or lotion-based. Cream-based moisturizers are good for people with dry skin, while oil and gel-based is the ideal product for people with oily skin.
10. Sun protection SPF.
Protecting your skin from UV rays is the last step. Wearing sunscreen or using SPF shields your skin from sun exposure. Premature aging, skin cancer, and slow healing of acne are real threats to exposed skin.
Conclusion:
The Korean Skincare regimen isn’t about quick fixes for acne or fine lines. It is about achieving healthy skin from the inside. It is less about the brand or product used. It is more about using the right product and using them in the correct order.
