Getting You That Glow: Korean Skincare Edition

Skincare has been all the craze lately, and with people’s growing desire to look young, flawless, and youthful, we have adopted some beauty tips from the Land of the Morning Calm, South Korea.

South Korea has developed a long and thorough process of skincare which uses the method of layering. The “10 Step Korean Skincare Routine” has spread throughout the internet and the world, making everyone go crazy over hydrating, exfoliating, and lathering on sun protection.

Here is the  Korean Skincare Routine that will leave you young, glowing, and clear skin!

Makeup Remover and Oil Cleanser

For all the ladies out there who wear makeup on a daily basis, listen up! After a day of being out and about, make sure to remove all your makeup with a makeup remover, followed up by an oil cleanser to remove all oil-based impurities such as sebum, SPF, and pollution grime.

Water-Based Cleanser

To remove the slick feeling which oil leaves, follow it up with a water-based cleanser to ensure that all water-based impurities such as dirt and sweat, will be removed. Just in case your oil cleanser may not have picked them up.

Exfoliator

Physical and chemical exfoliators cleans pores, sloughs away dead skin cells, and helps your skin absorb the products you apply to it better so that they may work more efficiently. Make sure to exfoliate only once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliation, which may leave your skin feeling raw and burned.

Toner

To balance the skin’s pH levels and repair the skin’s natural barrier, it is important to use a toner lest your skin become dry and dehydrated. It also removes leftover residue from cleansers and helps prep the skin to better absorb the following moisturizers.

Essence

An essence is a hybrid between a toner and a serum. They are lightweight liquids packed with a concentrated blend of hydrating, anti-aging, complexion-enhancing ingredients. It works perfectly to hydrate the complexion and aid cellular turnover for a youthful appearance.

Ampoule

Although similar to serums, ampoules actually contain a higher number of active ingredients to target specific skincare concerns. They are used only for a certain amount of times, more specifically, when your skin badly needs extra help.

Serum

Serums are concentrated formulas with an certain amount of active ingredients, to target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, dark spots, and dehydration.

Sheet Mask

Sheet masks are concentrated versions of an essence designed in sheet form so that, with prolonged contact, the skin absorbs its nutrients and moisture. When putting on sheet masks, make sure to only use them for 15 to 20 minutes, because letting it dry on your face is actually counterproductive and may even cause dehydration.

Eye Cream

Eye creams hydrate the skin around your eyes, which is different from the skin on the other parts of your face. The skin here is at its thinnest as there are no sebaceous glands to produce natural oils, so it's important to keep this area hydrated and protected all day long. Eye creams also prevent dark circles, puffiness, and crow's feet.

Moisturizer

Moisturizers seal in moisture to plump up skin and smooth fine lines. Apply it in a light layer across the skin for long lasting all-day hydration. The list given is one that is typically followed for a nightly skincare routine, but for daily skincare routines, you can skip the sheet mask if you’re in a rush, but make sure to apply sun protection right after your moisturizer. This is to avoid the development of dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

If you’re still a bit confused and want professional help, then don’t worry! SeeYouDoc has dermatologists who will help you find the perfect skincare routine for you.