A Simplified Korean Skincare Routine

K-Beauty is all the rage in the skincare industry these days, and we believe it’s for good reason too! Their products are based on hydrating and soothing ingredients that are effective yet gentle on the skin. It doesn’t have to be difficult to follow. We’re going to give you all a step-by-step that will help you come up with the Korean skincare routine of your dreams according to your skin type!

Step 1: The double-cleanse method

Most of us enjoy applying makeup. And of course, sunscreen is an absolute must when it comes to your am skincare routine. Regardless, you need to wipe the slate clean before going to bed. All the dirt and grime that has accumulated on your face combined with SPF and makeup will clog your pores and give you the worst breakouts if not removed properly.

K-Beauty’s double-cleansing method comprises two steps:

The first is an oil-based cleanser that melts all the waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and grime away by trapping them inside our pores and bringing them to the surface. It is preferred over harsh alternatives like makeup wipes and strong surfactant-based makeup removers that strip the skin of its natural oils.

The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil is the perfect choice for a cleansing oil. It contains a plethora of safe oils and vitamin E to remove your makeup without any irritation whatsoever. Two pumps of oil massaged lightly all over your face will do the job. You can add water to emulsify it for more slip.

The second step is a water-based cleanser which will clean the excess oils leftover after the first cleanse.

The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser contains tea-tree oil and salicylic acid (a gentle BHA that cleans your pores thoroughly) with a pH of around 5 – 6, which is similar to that of the skin. It will aid in cleansing and preventing breakouts. You’ll wake up with freshly cleansed skin that glows!

Only the combination of the prior-mentioned cleansers will cleanse your face adequately, which is why the double-cleansing method is so popular.

Step 2: A hydrating toner

While your skin is still damp from the double-cleanse, apply a suitable toner to balance the pH of your skin while simultaneously hydrating it.

If you want an all-in-one option, go for the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner. The formula is somewhere between a watery toner and a gel-like essence. It contains nourishing ingredients like Milk Vetch Root Extract and antioxidants to help fight free radical damage from the sun. On the plus side, you get a large amount of product for a fraction of the price and it’s vegan, too!

Step 3: Treatment for skin issues

Now is the chance for you to address any skin concerns you may have.

♡ If you have a broken skin barrier that needs healing or you just want to amp up the hydration level of your skin to pave way for better absorption of the products you layer on top, a soothing essence is the way to go.

The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has a sticky gel-like formula with the goodness of snail secretion filtrate and other hydrating components like sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and allantoin. All these combined provide the skin with much needed hydration. People with issues like eczema and dry, flaky skin are perfect candidates for this product.

♡ For people who want youthful and dewy skin, the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum contains many ingredients which favor antiaging and hydration. The snail secretion filtrate hydrates the skin while the bee venom soothes and calms redness. Tea tree leaf water can target stubborn acne spots while the Camellia Sinensis extract has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Moving on, we have niacinamide, an all-rounder for skin brightening and sebum control mixed with adenosine which prevents wrinkles and helps maintain skin elasticity.

♡ Another choice for an anti-aging product is the MIGUHARA Anti Wrinkle Effect Ampoule. With adenosine, licorice root extract, phytochemicals, and rosewater, it will prevent the appearance of fine lines and brighten hyperpigmentation while also hydrating the skin to the fullest.

♡ The SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 14 Days Super Miracle Spot All Kill Cream is the ideal spot treatment for acne, mainly whiteheads, blackheads, and closed comedones. With powerful acne-fighting components and skin-soothing ingredients like panthenol, this tiny tube of goodness will rid you of your breakouts with consistent use.

Step 4: Seal the goodness in with moisturizer and facial oils

You will want to seal in all the treatments (whichever you decide to use) with a suitable moisturizer. The Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream prevents trans-epidermal water loss and strengthens the skin barrier due to the ceramides present in it. It also contains sodium hyaluronate and various plant extracts to hydrate and soothe the skin and retain its firmness.

Facial oils should be the last product you apply to your skin during the night. They are emollients, which means that they soften the skin and trap moisture into your skin. A few drops of the Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil: Light And More will do the job beautifully. It has safe oils like jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, and squalane. These are soothing, rich in antioxidants, and absorb quickly into the skin. Gua sha facials are one of our favorite self-care rituals. This oil is perfect to use with your gua sha. 

Step 5: Give your under-eyes some love

Our under-eyes have the thinnest and most delicate skin of all. To take care of them, you must apply a product that moisturizes and protects them. The Heimish Marine Care Eye Cream has essential peptides and plant stem cell extracts to prevent fine lines from appearing. Beneficial ingredients from the sea nourish and rejuvenate the area while the applicator tool reduces puffiness around the eyes. This can be used morning and night for supple under-eye skin.

Step 5: Don’t forget SPF

Sun protection is essential during the day, no matter the time and weather. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Sun damage can lead to sunburn, wrinkles, sun spots, and skin cancer. So do yourself a favor and lather on sunscreen like there’s no tomorrow. One of our favorites is the NEOGEN Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/ PA+++. It has the consistency of a lightweight fluid that glides on your skin for a smooth finish without any white cast whatsoever. It is a mixture of chemical blockers and mineral ingredients like zinc oxide for maximum protection.

Phew! We understand that all this information may seem a little overwhelming. Skincare is a process and all you have to do is find what works for you. Give your skin the love it deserves, starting today.