K-Beauty 101: A Beginner's Guide to Korean Skincare Routine

People all around the world have different beauty standards. All the regions have distinct facial features, and each type is beautiful. Recently, South Korea's skincare routine caught the attention of the entire world, and it was all about glass-type, shiny skin. In the world, South Koreans are the only ones focusing more on facial beauty than other countries. It is one of the reasons why South Korean beauty products have a significant status in the skincare products industry. So, if you are trying to look like South Koreans or at least get the glow and elasticity on your face the way they do, here is what you need to do. Follow the South Korean skincare routine, which can show positive results. 

All it needs is specific skincare products and a disciplined routine. Any negligence might result in a difference between the desired and actual results. 

1st Step: Oil-Based Cleanser

It all starts with an oil-based cleanser. It begins with it because of the layers of oil that need to be removed. Other skincare products will be ineffective unless those dirty layers are removed from the face. So, you must use an oil-based cleanser if you are following a Korean skincare routine. It will remove the oil from the skin's pores to clear the dermal surface. The benefit of washing the face with an oil-based cleanser is that it will make way for the pores to welcome the main skincare products.

2nd Step: Water-Based Cleanser

Then, your face is ready for the next step, washing with a water-based cleanser. Once the oil layer is gone, your face is prepared to get rid of dirt stuck on it from the surroundings. Environmental dirt, especially from traffic, sticks on the face to make dark layers and skin oil. To remove that dirt, you need a water-based cleanser. You cannot get the right results from a water-based cleanser without eliminating the oil layer from the face. Dust, germs, and carbon particles quickly get off the face when nothing can hold them. A water-based cleanser removes such dirt to give a fresh look. 

3rd Step: Exfoliant 

Then the third step is exfoliating the face with an exfoliant. You should use it only once or twice a week. You can also use it thrice, depending on how much dirt your face has to face. Exfoliating your face will help you remove dead cells of skin and blackheads. In a Korean skincare routine, it is crucial to unclog the pores. It helps the pores to absorb creams and serums better. Your skin texture will also improve when you exfoliate your face.

4th Step: Toner

Your skin needs enough hydration to remain in good form. Unless you hydrate it, the results will not show how you expect. It is like a diet for your skin, which is needed from food and skincare products. A toner hydrates and also balances the PH of the skin. The acidic or basic elements can not cause any damage to your skin because of the toner. It balances your facial PH.

5th Step: Essence

When it comes to essence, some people think that they don't need it since it is similar to toner. However, the essence is for a deeper impact inside the pores for better results. So, after using toner, you need to apply essence to strengthen the skin barrier. Then, the skin's absorption quality will also improve. You cannot skip essence because it will further hydrate your skin.

6th Step: Serum or Face Oil (Ampoules for Specific Use)

After you complete the first half of the Korean skincare routine, you move on to the second half with a serum. You can try serum or face oil for that. This step will deal with hyperpigmentation of the skin. A serum will deal with this problem by restoring the natural skin tone. Also, the serum will reduce wrinkles and acne on the face. Besides, it restores radiance to the face, making it appear fresher. You can go with ampoules for stronger results. However, you will have to use it less frequently since it has a stronger impact. If you apply it as a night routine, it will lock the moisturizer on your face for better results during sleep.

7th Step: Sheet Mask (Once or Twice a Week)

After you remove all the layers of dirt, oil, and germs, here is the seventh step. Apply a sheet mask to get collagen and hydration for your skin. The dermal layer will absorb all the essential nutrients from the mask if you wear it. This step will give your face more hydration and vital nutrients. Make sure you don't follow this step daily because it is for once or twice a week. Collagen and hydration from sheet masks will give your skin a glow, elasticity, softness, and a youthful appearance.

8th Step: Eye Cream

Your eyes need special attention, so the eighth step concerns eye cream. Apply it around the eyes to diminish dark circles and puffiness. Since our eyes reflect fatigue through dark circles and puffiness, we can't skip them. This Korean skincare routine will help the eye section get hydration, freshness, and glow. Eye cream will also reduce aging lines near the eyes to give your face a complete freshness. 

9th Step: Moisturizer

Although all the previous parts already provide enough hydration, nutrients, and freshness, a moisturizer is still mandatory. This ninth step involves applying moisturizer to build a layer of moisture on the face. It will add further hydration by moisturizing the skin thoroughly. Then, the skin barrier will become stronger and more resistant to dust particles and other contaminants. Environmental elements will hardly affect the face when there is enough strength for the skin barrier. Lastly, it calms and softens the skin against aging lines.

10th Step: Sunscreen 

Then comes the last step, which is suitable for the day. Before going out, your face needs something to lock every nutrient you get from the skincare products. A sunscreen will create a strong barrier against UV rays. Without UV protection, you cannot maintain good skin health for long. Since global warming has increased, UV rays can cause skin cancer because the ozone layer cannot block them altogether. Also, sunburn will ruin your face by affecting hydration and nutrients, damaging skin tone. So, don't forget to apply sunscreen before leaving home because it perfectly completes the Korean skincare routine. 

Things to Remember in Korean Skincare Routine

Before you start this routine, follow these steps. They will help you select the right product for the right results. 

·        Consult your dermatologist if you have any skin allergies or severe acne.

·        Choose skincare products that are safe for your sensitive skin. 

·        Read the labels during the skincare product selection regarding the benefits and warning signs.

·        Maintain a healthy diet by consuming fruits and vegetables for efficient results.

·        Maintain hygiene by washing your hands and taking a timely bath.

Conclusion

Many people like to have glass-type skin beauty, just like South Koreans. Following a Korean skincare routine, you can get glowing and healthy skin. All you have to do is follow the above steps. Choosing the right products that suit your skin type will be the wisest thing you can do. So, make sure you have what it takes to get the best results.