The Korean Routine

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The Korean Routine

The Korean Beauty journey is an exciting one, but take it slowly and don’t become overwhelmed with all of the new steps. This can be a process of steadily adding until you feel you have reached the best routine for your skin.
With Glowing Glass skin being the objective, K-Beauty takes you on a journey of a daily 10-step routine to bring you closer to your dream skin. The main goal is to improve skin gently while achieving lasting results.The term Glass skin refers to skin that is smooth, clear and intensely hydrated, which tends to leave the complexion looking transparent and glowy.

This is just an idea of a usual Korean Routine; it is not set in stone and steps can be added or subtracted as you see fit.

1

Oil-based Cleanser

This step assists in removing all make up, dirt, SPF, natural sebum and any oil-based impurities that have accumulated through the day and it doesn’t strip the skin of its natural healthy oils. This steps also makes the next step of cleansing the skin so much more effective. Oil Cleansing is great for all skin types, even oily and acne prone skins.

2

Water-based Cleanser

This is the type of cleanser we are all accustomed to, it is usually a liquid foaming or gel cleanser that removes H2O based impurities, such as sweat. They clear out the pores at a deeper level from any bacteria. This step will leave you with fresh clear skin, ready and receptive to all the products you will now add

3

Exfoliant

These are presented as scrubs, peels (chemical or physical) or the newest version being pads. These products remove dead skin and cell build up. Dead skin makes your complexion dull and can cause breakouts and clogged pores. It is so important to not overdo this process and only exfoliate once or twice a week as instructed per the product advice. K-beauty products tend to use chemical exfoliation rather than physical exfoliation such as scrubs.

4

Toner

Toners have many different actives and ingredients added for different purposes but the main one being restoring the PH balance of the skin after cleansing and restoring moisture to the skin. Some toners multi-task by doing the above but also have added chemical exfoliants. Toners that are used every day and exfoliate tend to have lower concentrations of active exfoliating acids. Always read the packaging carefully.

5

Essence

This step is unique to K-beauty, they are often formulated with fermented ingredients and aid in hydration and protection. They are lightweight, easily absorbed and powerful at hydrating the skin.

6

Serum or Ampoule

A specific treatment: Here is where one would address your specific skin concern. These are the powerhouses that will brighten up your skin and address aging or acne. Serums generally have active ingredients that target specific problems. They generally contain high concentration ingredients that target the issue and penetrate deeply into the skin. They have a thick gel-like consistency and come in a small bottle often with a dropper. An Ampoule is normally a supercharged version of a serum and comes packed with a high concentration of various actives that create a formula to give you the ultimate boost for your skin. Serums can be layered, but it is important to do your research as some actives need to be used alone, or not in combination with others. Retinol is a good example and should not be used together with other irritating ingredients. Some serums are better for day use and some for evening use. As a rule, try to use three or less serums at one routine.

7

Sheet Mask

Sheet masks are the rage, and they are legendary to Korean skincare, these are sheets made from bio-cellulose or sheet cloth, drenched in effective serums that are left to do their magic for about 20 minutes, so that the goodness can soak deep into your skin. They target specific skin concerns with various ingredients, such as Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid, ginseng and a myriad of other options. One usually does this treat once or twice a week or even twice a month as your skin requires. There are daily face sheet masks available if you find this is of benefit to your skin. It’s a boost or a jump start that leaves skin feeling glorious. It is an absolute treat and there are so many to choose from.

8

Eye Cream

These specific products are created to treat the sensitive and very fragile skin around the eye. They help hugely with puffiness, dark circles and with fine lines. Don’t ever think you are too young to start using an eye cream. To avoid all of these concerns in the future it is best to start with an eye cream as young as you can.

9

Moisturiser

This is almost the final layer, but definitely one of the most important steps as it serves to seal in all the hydration and ingredients already added to the skin. It creates a barrier to prevent moisture loss throughout the day and at night it adds the benefit of providing deep soaking hydration to restore and revitalize the skin. Use your moisturizer twice a day for gorgeous, healthy, plump and glowing skin.

10

SPF Sunscreen

This is the vital step. Here you are protecting your skin from UVA and UVB damage and in turn protecting your skin from future issues. Skin damage is very difficult to overcome so prevention is always better than cure. Here you are investing in the future of your skin, and preventing premature aging. Damage does not only come from the sun, but also from your screens, as blue light is hugely damaging to the skin. Also don’t forget to apply liberally to your face as well as your neck and chest area. And if you are in the sun for prolonged periods, it is hugely important to re-apply and re-apply.

Morning and Night Routine

It is vital that you care for your skin both in the morning and at the end of the day before bed-time

The day time routing is to focus on hydration and protection from environmental stressors. A night time routine places focus on nourishing, restoring, balancing, repairing and replenishing the skin.  Together one optimises your skin care routine and in so doing  covering all your skin requires to improve, address issues and maintain balance.

  • Cleansing: Morning and Evening Routine
  • Toner: Evening Routine
  • Serums Essence of Ampoule of your choice: Morning and Evening
  • Moisturizer: Morning and Evening
  • Eye cream: Evening
  • Sunscreen: Every single day even if you are not going out into the sun.
  • Masks: a great evening treat and often as you want to add benefit to your complexion