9-Steps Korean Skin Care Routine

We all know that Korean women are known for their flawless, beautiful skin. And what we think? It's just good genes but the reality is, it's their skin care routine. Korean Beauty is all about what the skin's need. 

Korean skincare has taken the world by storm and I am not surprised these 9-10 steps of skincare routines which I'm going to share with you, it's basically are very specific layering on the products in a way that they really look after your skin and make them look healthy, glowing, and younger. K-Beauty is all about thin, light layers of active ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

Today I am going to share with you a really easy to do Korean Skincare Routine for day and night. The steps are same for both.  I know, It's everywhere and people talk about it a lot. K-Beauty doesn’t have to be difficult, expensive, or time-consuming! I've kept this routine extremely easy to make sure even for beginners can understand what each step does and hopefully, do it on a regular basis for that flawless skin at home. 

Let's talk about Korean Skin Care Routine steps.

9-Step Korean Skin Care Routine

This skincare routine only takes 10 to 15 minutes. Each product in routine have a specific purpose for your skin's need. You don't have to use K-Brand, you can use any brand that suits your skin. 

Wash With Water

So the first step that is to clean out the face with just water. Keep in mind that when you clean your face with water, water in itself is really great, water removes impurities and keeps skin hydrated, but when you use water just by itself, its not only good enough to clean out any impurities that have settled on your face from the previous night only. It's not enough to really completely thoroughly clean your face which brings me to the second step of the routine.

Cleanse With Oil Cleanser

For the second step of the routine I would recommend cleanse your face with oil based cleansers. And if you don't have oil cleanser, you can use coconut oil to remove makeup. You don’t have to be scared of oil! In this case, it’s not going to clog your pores or make your face greasy. When you use oil cleanser or coconut oil to remove your makeup, it breaks down makeup and sunscreen so it can easily be taken off. It is also an essential part of the Korean skincare routine for dry skin.

If you use in the morning, it will help to remove excess oil which generated during sleep.

Now the advantage of a cleansing oil is that it's really able to clean off the oil-based impurities on your skin like the sebum, pollution, heavy dirt and dust. Another thing you want to keep in mind is that if there is any residue SPF from the previous day, oil cleanser will help to take it off. Oil based cleansers are the base of a Korean skin care routine so I definitely recommend you look oil based cleanser that's lightweight and will do the job correctly. 

How To Apply

• Just 2 -3  drops of oil cleanser/oil and apply on the face.
• Gently massage your face in circular motions for a minute or two.
• Don't forget about your neck that's really important too.
• Use a cotton pad to wipe off the oil.

Cleanse again with Water-Based Cleanser

After cleanse your face with oil, the third step is to clean your face with water based cleanser. That's a double cleansing process in Korean skincare routine. A water-based cleanser could be a gel, creamy or foamy. This will help to take it out if there's any oil residue or dirt residue stuck on your face.

How to apply

• Apply this like any other face wash. Rinse off with water.

Hydrate Your Skin With Toner

Now the fourth step is to use a toner. So what does a toner do. The role of toner in Korean skincare routine is to prep your skin to rehydrate, keep your skin smooth and protected after using face wash on your face. It also restores the pH balance of your skin.

How to apply

• Soak a cotton pad with toner
• Swipe it over your entire face and neck.

What I like to do is to take a toner that I can spray on my face and with the help of cotton pad I will just wipe off.

Apply Essence

In the fifth step, apply an essence on your face and neck. The essence is one of the main product in Korean skincare routine. Now a lot of people tend to confuse, essence is for a serum but let me tell you that they are different product. An essence is basically love child between a toner and a serum, it basically is that extra level of hydration that works really beautiful for your skin. It's super light weight and pack with nutrients and antioxidant . Essence is more watery than a serum. It nourishes your skin and give it a natural glow. It penetrates several layer deep to make sure that it really adds value to your Korean skin care routine.

How to apply

• Take a little bit of essence in your palms.
• Gently tap them into your skin.

Apply Serum

The sixth step is to apply serum on your face. Serum is basically come with the high number of active ingredients that targets specific skin concern. It could be hyper pigmentation scars, ageing, acne scars. Keep in mind that whatever skin's requirement is there a serum for you.  I have oil base serum which is great for dry and dull skin that penetrate deep into the layers of my skin. It's said that Korean have very nice, smooth and flawless skin because they use their

How to apply

• take 2 -3 drops of serum  and then gently apply it all over face and neck.
• Or apply it over specific problem area.

Apply Under Eye Cream

Using under eye cream or under eye moisturizer is the seventh step in Korean skin care routine. The eye cream is actually work for wrinkles around the eye, dark circles and puffiness. To pick an eye cream, you should two things keep in your mind:

1. To make sure that it's sensitive enough and doesn't irritate your under eyes in any way
2. Target your specific concerns that you might have for your under eyes.

How to apply

• Use your ring finger.
• Gently spread cream over the area where the dark circles are noticeable.
• Avoid contact with eyes.

Apply Moisturizer

Moisturizer is the most important step in skincare routine, especially for dry skin. Moisturizing your skin is the eight step in Korean skin care routine. It could be in gel, lotion, cream and in case they come with something new. Use a light weight moisturizer for a fresh feel. It helps to restore moisture in the outer layer of skin that's already been lost. Moisturizer is just like that doesn't bother your skin at the same time does its job and obviously please make sure that when you are selecting your moisturizer, you keep your skin type and your specific skin concerns in mind

How to apply

• You can use moisturizer daily on your face but you should not apply too much at once.

Finish with Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the last step of Korean skin care routine as it is the thickest formula. It protects your skin from UV rays. Sunscreen prevents premature signs of ageing. You should choose sunscreen that works well for your skin type. . Using sunscreen is not only necessary if you go out but also if you're indoors. UVA rays can still hit you if you are not under direct sunlight.

How to apply

• Pick a sunscreen and dot it all over face and neck
• Gently massage it.
• Apply sunscreen approx. 30 min before go out as it takes 15 to 30 minutes to absorb onto your skin.

Takeaway

These 9-steps Korean skin care routine gives a flawless skin. It can be quite tiring! 

You don't have to follow every step and every day. Do as per your convenience.

If you’re short on time, you can follow a simple 5 step routine. Do the double cleanse with oil and foam, the serum, eye cream, and lastly, moisturizer.  

And finally, all you need to do is know your skin type and choose the product that works for your skin type. Pay special attention if you have sensitive skin.