There is something about Korean culture that has piqued so much interest around the world, from the Korean hot dog to glass skin. The 10-step Korean skincare routine is a modern beauty revolution that many of us had a taste of. What sets it apart is the process of double exfoliation, hydrating toners, problem-adhering moisturisers, the goodness of green tea and ginseng and everyone’s favourite, sheet masks. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 things K-beauty can add to your routine.
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1. Double cleansing
Koreans double cleanse—no matter what. Whether you wear makeup or not, start your skincare routine with a double cleanse. First, use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. Follow it up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
2. Gentle exfoliation
Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant (like alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids) instead of harsh physical scrubs. Ingredients like rice water can be label-checked for their brightening and smoothening effects.
3. Layered hydration
Build and layer hydration by adding a toner or essence before your moisturiser. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides to lock in moisture.
4. Formulations that refine skin texture
Consider incorporating lightweight, highly concentrated products that can help improve skin texture and prepare the skin for further treatments. These include glycolic acid, lactic acid, retinoids and vitamin C among others.
5. Sheet masks
Sheet masks can give your skin an extra boost of hydration and nourishment. Look for masks with ingredients like aloe vera, green tea or honey.
6. Pat, don’t rub
K-beauty rituals rely on treating your skin as gently as possible—which their educators stress upon tapping your products, rather than rubbing them in. Tapping ensures that your skin is getting the most amount of product, without getting rubbed off from your palms.
7. Facial massage
Practice gentle facial massages to improve blood circulation and promote a natural glow. Use upward and outward motions to prevent pulling the skin downwards. A little gua sha here and there goes a long way.
8. Sunscreen
Never skip SPF, even on rainy days. Ensure that you apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature ageing.
9. Proper diet and hydration
Korean skincare practices include supplementing diet with skin-loving foods, like probiotics, as well as body-cooling drinks. Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Staying hydrated is also crucial for overall skin health.
10. Avoiding harsh products
Steer clear of products with harsh ingredients, like physical scrubs and soap, as they can irritate the skin and disrupt its moisture barrier.
Tira’s picks of Korean skincare essentials to stock up on, stat
1. The COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence does not only help in brightening the skin, but also in the process of skin regeneration. Gently patting it on a damp face closes the open pores and creates a smooth texture for your skin.
2. Another serum that contributes to the glow happens to be the Lisen Timeless Elegance Ampoule Serum. This serum takes pride in boosting skin elasticity and making it plump. It also acts as an active barrier in protecting the skin from the sun and preventing multiple signs of ageing. This serum should be worn on dry skin after cleansing
3. The high-fueled synergy of copper helps in boosting collagen. The Aminu azure copper peptide serum contributes to skin firming and maintenance. It is an oil-free, water-based serum that has mild notes of botanical herbs.
4. When talking about K-beauty essentials, Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb cannot be left undiscussed. This is a gel-based moisturiser that instantly increases hydration levels by 70 percent. What makes this moisturiser a Korean secret is its lightweight and non-greasy property that leaves the skin feeling supple, soft and smooth.
5. Backed by the goodness of ginseng, comes the Sulwhasoo concentrated ginseng cream. It contributes to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The moisturiser also absorbs into the skin quickly; and safeguards the skin from any environmental stressors.
