A few months back, I shared my skincare routine on my YouTube channel and when a fan mentioned something about the Korean skincare routine, I was both curious and interested. “Have u tried using the Korean skincare routine? My skin has never been this flawless since I discovered it.” – Yvonne Adongo. With that, I did a little digging on the web and realized that it was such a hit across the world. So, what was all the fuss about this skincare routine? To simply put it, the Korean skincare routine is an 8-10 step routine grounded in Korea’s cultural obsession with healthy skin and backed by decades of scientific advancement. The skincare routine involves both nighttime and morning routines, and I’m here to break it down for you:
Nighttime routine
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser
Oil-based makeup can easily be removed by using a cleanser that is also oil-based. When the oil from one’s skin mixes with the oil on the cleanser, all the impurities on the skin is dissolved.
Step 2: Double-cleansing
To wash-off the oil from the previous cleanser, a water-based cleanser is applied. This also ensures the skin is pure.
Step 3: Exfoliate
Twice a week use a gentle enzyme or bead-based exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells that can make the complexion appear lack-lustre whilst blocking pores and preventing key product ingredient absorption
Step 4: Toner
To keep the skins PH level at par, apply a toner.
Step 5: Essence
Essence is a hybrid between a toner and a serum. This will work perfectly to hydrate the complexion, aiding cellular turnover for a youthful appearance.
Step 6: Ampoule
An ampoule is basically a supercharged serum. By applying this at night, your skin will be able to absorb all the hydration it needs following a long day’s work.
Step 7: Serum
After the ampoule, you will need to apply a serum on your skin for a firmer, smoother texture.
Step 8: Sheet mask
These are face-shaped sheet fabrics soaked in serum. The sheet mask is a Korean skincare routine favourite. Perfect for all skin types, everyone can benefit from these masks which deliver a deeply hydrating and anti-ageing treatment. Sheet masks are individually packaged, to be used only once.
Step 9: Eye cream
The routine stresses on the use of eye cream for protection and hydration of the eye area. Doing this ensures the eye area does not get dry overnight while you sleep.
Step 10: Moisturiser
To keep all the useful products locked up, a nighttime moisturizer is applied. This has rejuvenating powers and a beautiful complexion enhancer.
Morning routine
Step 1: Wash with water
First thing in the morning, cleanse your skin with only water, not cleanser. Water removes the few impurities that settle on the face during the night, and keeps skin hydrated, too.
Step 2: Toner
To balance the skin’s pH levels, it’s important to apply toner; otherwise the skin can become dry and dehydrated. Toner further helps to absorb the next products you apply.
Step 3: Essence
Step 4: Ampoule
Step 5: Serum
Step 6: Eye cream
Step 7: Moisturiser
Step 8: Sunscreen
Protecting the skin on a daily basis from UV rays will avoid the development of dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines.
