Korean Skincare Routine
f(x) Sulli for Etude House
If you are into anything like K-Pop, J-Pop, Asian dramas, Korean films, etc...then you've probably noticed that many of the people in these industries have beautiful, flawless skin. And it's not just your favorites stars and idols - you'll find that many people living in Korea and Japan have lovely glowing skin as well. Their secret? A very dedicated approach to skincare!
The Korean skin care routine typically has at least 8-10 steps, and it goes far beyond a simple daily wash and moisturize. If you want to take care of your skin and achieve the dewy look many idols have, you'll need to follow this routine daily, morning and night. Not only will it make your skin radiant, but it is also very healthy and can help with redness, dry skin, and more.
Take a look at the routine and give it a try! Although it seems very time consuming, it is really worth it. Think of it as time you take out of the day to take care of yourself! You can also do other things while you are waiting for certain steps, like watch TV or surf the web~
After just a few days, you will really notice the difference, especially if you have struggled with skin issues like acne, dry skin, or too much sebum!
Morning Routine
Step 1: The Cleanse
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The first step of the routine in the morning is washing your face with either a foaming cleanser or a cream cleanser. The choice is yours, and you can alternate between cleansers depending on what your skin needs. You should be fine with one cleanser in the morning, because you should have washed all your makeup off at night (you did, right?). This is a great way to clean your pores and refresh your skin. It is also nice to give your skin a little massage while you cleanse your face to improve the circulation.
Step 2: The Toner
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After cleansing, it's time to use a gentle toner. Korean toners tend to be more gentle then American or European ones, and their purpose to remove any last bits of residue, while also balancing your skin's pH level. Toners also prepare your skin to receive the benefits from the other steps of your skin care routine. To use a toner, you can either wipe it on your face with a cotton pad or you can just use your hands. Toner doesn't need to be rinsed off, it can just be patted in.
Step 3: Essence
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This is one of the most important parts of the skincare routine. Essences are used to treat your skin at the cellular level, coming in concentrated formulas that can target different problem areas such as wrinkles, dull skin, and blemishes. This product is more watery than serums, and you can use your hand or a cotton pad to apply it. You can also use a misting bottle to put it on your face. Essence should be applied evenly all over your face and neck with a tapping motion.
Step 4: Serum
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Serums are similar to essences, but they are typically thicker. They treat a variety of skin issues, such as redness, wrinkles, skin tone, and more. You can use more than one serum at this step - just wait about 1-2 minutes in between each serum. This gives the product a chance to soak into the skin and get to work.
Step 5: Eye Cream/Spot Treatments
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Next comes the eye cream, which will help to tighten the skin around this sensitive area and keep it looking young. These products are specially formulated for the skin here, which is thin and fragile. Make sure you don't pull and tug at the skin around your eyes - gently tap! At this step, you can also use any spot treatments if you need to. If you have a pimple coming up, use something to help it heal. You can also treat your lips.
Step 6: Day Moisturizer/Emulsion
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The last step of the morning routine is to moisturize. Your morning moisturizer should be lighter than a night one, and it should include SPF to protect your skin from the sun. Pick a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin and the climate you live in. In winter, you might need something a little more moisturizing, while in summertime, a very light moisturizer might be enough.
Night Routine
Step 1: The Pre-Cleanse
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Probably the most important part of the night Korean skin care routine is the double cleanse. It starts with the pre-cleanse, which is designed to remove all the makeup you wore during the day. Most people start with a cleansing towelette or tissue to remove some makeup, and then follow up with a cleansing oil to remove the heavy duty stuff, like eye makeup. You can decide which is right for you based on how much makeup you use.
Step 2: The Cleanse
(Tonymoly Whipping Cotton Brightening Bubble Foam
& Holika Holika Daily Garden Green Tea Cleansing Cream
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& Holika Holika Daily Garden Green Tea Cleansing Cream
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The next step of the double cleanse is following up with a foam or cream cleanser to remove the cleansing oil and any last traces of makeup. It will also help to clean the pores and remove dirt on the face. At night, this is a good time to use calming cleansers and soothing scents to help you get ready for sleep!
Step 3: Exfoliate or Mask
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The next step is to exfoliate your skin. This doesn't need to be done every day - in fact, doing it daily will be too harsh. Depending on your skin type, you could do it a few times a week, once a week, or even just a few times a month. An exfoliating mask will help remove all the dead skin cells on your face to keep it looking bright and clean. If you aren't using an exfoliating scrub, you can substitute a mask before you use your toner instead. A mask is usually left on for 15-20 minutes and then washed off gently. It can help to remove blackheads, tighten pores, or brighten the skin.
Step 4: Toner
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After you are done with exfoliating or using a wash off mask, it's time for toner. Toner is especially important at night, as it is going to get rid of the last bits of makeup from the day. It is also going to prepare your skin to absorb the maximum benefits from any essences, sheet masks, and serums you use in your skincare routine.
Step 5: Essence
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Of course, we use the all-important essence at night as well. Since you will be asleep and resting, this is the perfect time for your skin to reap the benefits of these products. If you have a specific skin goal you are trying to achieve, such as firming up your skin or brightening your skin tone, use products to help with these issues at night so they have the most time to work.
Step 6: Sheet Masks
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Sheet masks are another way to add super concentrated benefits to your skin. You take the mask, which is shaped like a face, and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. Then you remove the mask, tap in the remaining product on your face, and you're done! It's a great relaxing step. This step doesn't need to be done every day, but there's no harm in doing this nightly. There are all kinds of different masks, from ones that soothe skin, to those that help with wrinkles, to those that brighten, and more.
Step 7: Serum
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Just like in the morning, you'll want to use your serums in the evening as well. This is a good time to layer on serums if you have a lot of skin concerns. Take your time with application and let the serum really absorb into your skin. A light massage will help it to really soak in.
Step 8: Eye Cream/Spot Treatments
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Just like in the morning, apply your eye cream gently. If you are getting older and are worried about wrinkles, this is a good time to use an anti-aging product. Use spot treatments as necessary if you have any problem spots you need to deal with. Nighttime is also a nice time to use a soothing, moisturizing lip balm so your lips can become baby soft while you sleep!
Step 9: Night Moisturizer/Emulsion/Sleeping Pack
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The final step of the nighttime routine is to moisturize. You can use any standard moisturizer, but many people choose a thicker moisturizer for night. Sleeping packs are especially popular for people with dry skin. Sleeping packs are heavy moisturizers that are meant to absorb throughout the night. You can use a sleeping pack every night, every few days, or a couple times a month - it all depends on how dry your skin is and what you need!
(Girls' Generation Seohyun for The Face Shop)
Phew! So, seems like a lot, right? Honestly, it is not too bad. A typical morning routine might take 15 minutes. The nighttime routine can vary, depending on whether or not you use masks/sheet masks that need to stay on the face for some time. But, look at it as a way to pamper yourself and it won't seem like a chore at all - more like an at-home spa treatment!
What is your favorite skincare step?