8 Step Skincare: A Korean's Secret to Having Great Skin

Hallyu or the Korean Wave has become a phenomenon that is sweeping the world by storm. From Korean food, Korean pop to Korean dramas, you can see their culture rising in popularity and dominating the current trends.

But, the Korean Wave goes beyond food and entertainment. People are clamoring to try the whole Korean experience, and this includes Korean beauty.

You might have seen a Korean skincare box when browsing the web or an Asian store. It contains an assortment of skincare products from cleansing water, cleansing foam, exfoliators, toners, essence, sheet masks, and many more.

These steps may seem too much for someone who only uses a cleansing foam and moisturizer. But Korean beauty involves an 8 to 10-step routine. While it's more work than your average skin care regime, you can notice its results and benefits in Korean women.

1The 8-Step Skincare Regime

Achieving good skin requires a meticulous beauty ritual that one must follow religiously. Of course, it's not only about how many products in your Korean skincare box you put on your face. It's also about using products that fit your skin type and specific needs and applying them in the correct order.

2Step 1. Oil-Based Cleanser

You may be wondering why there are two cleansers involved in this regime. Isn't one enough? Well, Korean beauty swears by double-cleansing.

Each type of cleanser washes off different kinds of impurities on your face. Oil-based cleansers work effectively against oil-based impurities such as pollutants, excess sebum, silicone, and sunscreen. Since makeup usually contains oil, this cleanser is also an effective makeup remover.

Apply an oil-based cleanser directly to your dry face. Massage it gently until it turns milky to emulsify the product. Rinse using lukewarm water.

3Step 2. Water-Based Cleanser

A water-based cleanser is most suited to clean water-based impurities such as dirt and sweat. It also gets rid of the other gunk that oil cleansers missed.

Unlike an oil-based cleanser, you apply a water-based cleanser on wet skin.

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4Step 3. Exfoliator

Exfoliating your skin one or two times a week will help remove dead skin cells and clean out clogged pores. Key ingredients are absorbed better when the skin is free from these. Additionally, your skin will look brighter when you exfoliate.

5Step 4. Toner

After cleansing a lot of times, the skin can become dry. Toners help repair the barrier and regulate the pH level of the skin. It also prepares your skin for better absorption of the next products.

Apply this using your hands and pat them into your skin.

6Step 5. Eye care

The skin around your eyes is the most sensitive area of your face. Fine lines and crow's feet are bound to appear. But using eye cream can keep them at bay.

It is advised to use the ring finger when applying any eye cream as it gives the right amount of pressure required for a sensitive area.

7Step 6. Essence

The essence is like a combination of an ampoule, serum, and toner. It helps hydrate the skin and boost cellular turnover. It's the heart of the Korean skin regime and the secret to glowing skin.

To apply, dispense an appropriate amount on your fingertips. Rub them lightly to warm them up then pat them gently on your face.

8Step 7. Sheet Mask

You probably noticed their love for sheet masks. It's one of the best-known and go-to products of Koreans. There is a vast selection of masks, and each contains certain ingredients for specific solutions.

Put the sheet mask on your face and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.

9Step 8. Moisturize

The last step is to moisturize. After all those products, you may consider this step unnecessary. Isn't the moisture enough already?

Moisturizer is not only for hydration; it is also for locking all those ingredients in your skin.

Each skin type is different, so keep in mind that following these steps is not enough. You must also use products that are appropriate for your skin type and condition.

Although the 8-step skincare routine of Koreans requires more time and effort, the results are always worth it.

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