Have you wondered why you rarely come across a Korean woman with bad skin? Well, it’s because of Korean skincare, which they take very seriously.
Getting ready for bed doesn’t just involve a quick rinse or brushing one’s teeth, it’s a precise art that requires attention and consistency.
10 Korean skincare steps that can give you flawless skin
Let your nightly skin care routine be changed for the better with these Korean skincare secrets from expert, Charlotte Cho, founder of SokoGlam.
1. Double cleanse
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This method begins by removing your make-up; this is known as prepping your face. Remove sebum and bacteria using a gentle oil cleanser and warm water.
According to Cho, “Oil eliminates impurities without drying out your skin.”
2. Cleanse again
This isn’t overkilling; thorough cleansing is the best way to keep your face radiant and acne-free.
So, follow up your double cleanse with a mild cream or foaming cleanser. Just remember, though, to apply it in soft, circular motions.
3. Buff and exfoliate
Keeping skin supple means scrubbing off dead cells often. But, you don’t have to buff your entire face each night.
Cho suggests to “focus your efforts on areas that really need it, like visible pores on your cheeks or blackheads on your nose.”
4. Tighten up your toner
Korean types of toners aren’t alcohol-based. Instead, they are hydrating and clarifying mild cleansers.
Cho explains that this step removes any residue left behind after the first three steps. It also balances out your skin’s PH to further prepare it for the next steps in the routine.
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5. Essences
This ultra-concentrated nourishing liquid is known to many as the “heart” of Korean skincare regimens.
It revitalises skin cells, making them firmer and more elastic. Cho suggests tapping it into the skin after a generous spritzing.
6. Add an ampoule
“Basically it’s a condensed, vitamin-rich version of the essence with a much slicker consistency,” explains Cho. “Its purpose is to directly address any existing or potential anti-ageing issues, like dulling skin, uneven tone, or loss of collagen and elasticity.”
7. Massage, patch, mask
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Facial sheet masks are an integral part of the Korean skincare nighttime routine. Use it for 2-3 nights a week. Alternate it with facial massages to boost circulation.
You can also apply wrinkle-fighting collagen eye patches or a hydrating lip mask to keep your lips luscious.
8. Don’t forget the eye cream
It’s best to prevent wrinkles before they start to appear so dap on intensive eye cream around your eyes to reduce puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circles.
Doing so “ensures that the thin, delicate area stays super-moisturised so it won’t dry out and create even more fine lines,” says Cho.
9. Emulsify
Going back to the first few cleansing steps, replenish your skin again with a lightweight emulsion, or what is known as a facial moisturiser.
“Use your fingertips to lightly massage the product into your face to promote circulation,” emphasises Cho. “And don’t forget your neck!”
10. Apply a sleeping pack
This final step involves slathering on an ultra-rich night cream or sleeping pack to add a second layer of moisture for super supple skin.
“Think of it as a cream mask that locks in the emulsion and keeps your face hydrated throughout the night,” explains Cho.
READ: 8 Flawless Korean beauty secrets all mums should know