Written by: Aditi Nair
Interested in achieving glass skin with that natural glam look? Look no further as the iconic Korean skincare routine is taking the world by storm on popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. This routine promises to deliver a flawless and clean look, similar to the one sported by Korean idols and celebrities in the industry. But what is the Korean skincare routine, and are the claims of acne-clearing and anti-aging simply empty promises? Today, let’s delve into the specifics of the famous Korean skincare routine.
The 10-Step Routine:
The routine consists of a total of 10 steps, each of which serves a different purpose in clearing your skin. The origin is rooted deeply in the history of Korea and the craze to achieve the beauty standard of effortlessly clear and youthful skin.
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
This begins the first step of the double cleanse. Because oil and water repel each other, a water-based cleanser won't necessarily remove oil impurities from your skin. Instead, the routine uses an oil-based cleanser that is gently massaged into the skin, breaking down debris and oil-based compounds, such as makeup and skin pollutants. Then, simply rinse off with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
This is the second step of the double cleanse. After removing the excess oil from the skin, the routine calls for a water-based cleanser (such as a foaming one) in order to remove excess water-based impurities like sweat. Skincare enthusiasts and experts recommend double cleansing as it allows you to pick up break-out-causing agents from the skin thoroughly.
Step 3: Exfoliation
The next step is exfoliation, which helps clean the pores and wipe off dead skin cells. This gives your skin a more vibrant and alive look. There are 2 forms of exfoliators: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators are textured and are used to slough off dead skin cells that rest on the surface of our skin. Examples would be sugar scrubs and gels. This type of exfoliation has the immediate effect of soft and smooth skin; however, it isn’t suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Chemical exfoliators utilize acids in order to deep clean the pores and layers of skin. It stimulates cell turnover and creates that desired smooth look.
Step 4: Toner
Toner helps remove excess residue left from any of the previous stages and prepares your face for the moisturizer that follows. The purpose of a toner is to balance out the pH of the skin and allow the routine to really sink in by dampening the skin with hydration. Korean toners commonly use ingredients such as grapeseed oil and aloe.
Step 5: Essence
An essence is a weightless moisturizer that nourishes the skin, while also enhancing its capacity to absorb other skincare products. It plays a crucial role in preventing dryness and irritation, which are common skin concerns. By keeping the skin hydrated and healthy, essence provides a vital foundation for a complete skincare routine.
Step 6: Treatments
This step allows for personalization for the best results. Treatments are used to treat our specific skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, or acne. They are packed with antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and tea tree. There are two types of treatments:
Serums - a gel-like substance packed with active ingredients, known to brighten and hydrate the skin as well as target skin issues such as dark spots, dullness, and wrinkles.
Ampoule - a more concentrated form of serum.
Both these treatment methods can help reduce inflammation and rejuvenate the skin.
Step 7: Sheet Mask
Sheet masks refer to thin fabric sheets that are drenched in peptides and antioxidants, meant to be worn for long periods of time to enable the active ingredients to seep through the skin's barrier and get absorbed. Moreover, they provide the skin with a surge of hydration and ensure that the ingredients of the essence don’t just evaporate.
Step 8: Eye Cream
Eye cream, as it suggests, targets the area below the eye. The skin here is fragile and extremely delicate, and eye cream can be used to help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. It is important to tap the cream onto the area, and not to rub as this could cause irritation and could accidentally enter the eye.
Step 9: Moisturizer
Moisturizer is used to seal in the hydration and active ingredients from the previous steps. It forms a protective layer on the skin, preventing the moisture of the skin from evaporating out.
Step 10: Sun-protection
The final step of the routine involves applying sunscreen, which helps prevent skin cancer and photoaging. This helps the skin maintain a youthful and vibrant complexion. Dermatologists suggest using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying once every two hours.
While a 10-step skincare routine may work for some, there is no single routine that is best. Some skin types find this style irritating, and many do not have the time or financial resources to uphold such a routine. However, that is not to say that the routine is fascinating and backed by the benefits of each individual product.
Image Source: Quench Botanics
References:
“The 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine.” Peach & Lily, https://www.peachandlily.com/pages/korean-skin-care-routine. Accessed 7 May 2023.
“The 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine | Soko Glam.” Soko Glam, https://sokoglam.com/pages/the-korean-skin-care-routine. Accessed 7 May 2023.
“The Buzz About K-Beauty for Anti-aging — What's the Science? | HealthNews.” Healthnews, 24 December 2022, https://healthnews.com/beauty/skin-care/the-buzz-about-k-beauty-for-anti-aging-whats-the-science/. Accessed 7 May 2023.
Disclaimer: This organization's content is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.
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