Finding a skincare routine that works for you can be overwhelming. There are countless products out there; knowing when and how to apply them takes practice and dedication.
One beauty trend that’s made to last? The Korean skincare routine.
What Is the Korean Skincare Routine?
The Korean skincare routine is a multi-step skincare routine that comes from the Korean beauty philosophy of prevention over recovery.
Korean beauty products are made in Korea with high-quality ingredients and are based on principles of consistent care, protection, and prevention. The idea is that prevention is much easier than treating skin blemishes once they occur — and the bonus of daily self-care time doesn’t hurt either.
Usually, a Korean skincare routine involves multiple steps, from five to 10 or even 12 steps. Your Korean skincare routine can be personalized to what works best for you.
Korean Skincare Routine Steps
While your Korean skincare routine steps can be customized to a number that works best for your lifestyle, the 10-step method is the most common.
1. Oil-based cleanser
Start with an oil-based cleanser that effectively removes sunscreen, makeup, and your natural sebum, which can clog pores and lead to acne.
An oil-based cleanser will be more effective than a water-based cleanser at removing any oil-based debris from your skin.
2. Water-based cleanser
Follow up the oil-based cleanser with a water-based cleanser to wash away any remaining debris and impurities like dirt and sweat. A water-based cleanser is what most people are familiar with and can generally be found as a foaming liquid or bar cleanser.
3. Exfoliant
Exfoliants such as scrubs, chemical peels, and pads will remove the top layer of dead skin cells and reveal fresh, clean skin cells underneath. These can be harsh, especially if you haven’t used them before, so it would be a good idea to use them only once or twice a week.
4. Toner
Acidic toners help restore your skin’s natural pH. This will help balance and moisturize your skin.
5. Essence
This step is a product unique to Korean skincare routines. An essence is a water-based product that will hydrate and nourish your skin. Essences are packed with active ingredients, including fermented ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and extracts.
6. Treatment
This step will include products that treat specific issues like wrinkles and acne. Something like a face serum is a good choice here to nourish and protect your skin. Choose a serum with a high percentage of active ingredients to pack a punch.
7. Sheet mask
This step only needs to be done once or twice a week. Use a sheet mask on your face for 10 to 20 minutes, allowing the serum from the mask to fully penetrate your skin and provide deep nourishment.
8. Eye cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than on the rest of your face. Use an eye cream to address fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles that can form in this sensitive area.
9. Moisturizer
Now that you’ve systematically cleansed and nourished your skin, you need to seal that hydration with a protective layer of moisturizer. This will also ensure that everything continues to soak thoroughly into your skin.
10. Sunscreen
Finally, make sure to keep your skin protected from sun damage by applying sunscreen, a moisturizer, or a makeup foundation with SPF included.
Other Routines
Depending on what works best for your lifestyle and skincare goals, you might choose a Korean skincare routine with more or fewer steps. What’s important to focus on is not the number of steps but the philosophy of preventing and protecting your skin.
With a smaller five-step routine, you might make sure to do these steps each morning:
- Oil-based cleanser
- Water-based cleanser
- Toner
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
With a longer 12-step routine, you might include the following steps for extra protection and nourishment:
- Mist: this step will help keep your newly-hydrated skin looking healthy and glowing.
- Maintenance facials: an extra step in self-care and replenishment, a weekly facial with a massage will help you deeply nourish your skin and maintain a clear, smooth complexion.
Korean Skincare Routine Benefits
There are many benefits to starting a Korean skincare routine.
High-quality and affordable products
While a Korean skincare routine does involve many steps, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Korean skincare products are made to be very affordable in a competitive market.
They also make sure to use high-quality, all-natural ingredients, so you know that you will get exceptional skin care. Korean skincare products are rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydrating ingredients.
Preventative care
Korean skincare focuses on preventing skin damage rather than playing catchup and healing skin damage.
Moisturizers, eye creams targeting fine lines and sensitive skin, and sunscreen are crucial products for all ages to use to prevent sun damage, wrinkles, and blemishes from happening in the first place.
Personalized care
Each person’s skin is different and requires different treatments. The beauty of a Korean skincare routine is that you can customize it to suit your particular skincare needs.
You can include targeted serums, essences, and other treatments to prevent or address specific issues and achieve your skincare goals.
The number of steps in your routine can vary from day to day as needed.
Learn More About the Korean Skincare Routine
Ultimately, a Korean skincare routine allows you to customize your skincare routine and prevent skin blemishes from occurring in the first place. With a focus on preventative care and deep nourishment, your skin will be healthy, clear, and glowing in no time.
Always make sure to consult your dermatologist to determine what will be the best routine for your skincare goals and answer any questions you might have.
My Skincare Routine focuses on providing you with content about skincare products on the market, helping you simplify the search for good skincare and be confident when deciding on your skincare routine.
