This post was originally published in January 2019. Updated in January 2023.
Korean Skin Care routine or K-beauty is more like a lifestyle that leads to the best results.
The Korean Skin Care Routine is all about using the right products frequently, and in return, you’ll get that flawless clear skin you have always dreamt of.
Although 10 steps seem like a lot of work to do, I can assure you that the result is worth it.
Keep in mind that following a skincare routine that is free of harsh chemicals is the key to glowing skin. And it’s why Koreans have flawless skin and their faces have little to no fine lines and wrinkles.
Table of Contents
So what are the Korean Skin Care Routine steps?
1- Oil-Based Cleanser Or Makeup Remover
Korean women often use two cleansers, a water-based cleanser, and an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover:
They use the oil-based one to cleanse the face gently with natural oils and remove oil-based makeup, sebum, sunscreen, and other impurities.
You can use jojoba oil, grape seed oil, or other oil-based cleansers to clean your face.
When To Use? It should be part of your am and pm routine.
Note:
Using harsh makeup removers or oil-based cleansers can cause serious skin problems and damage your face.
Also, using unclean makeup brushes full of dirt, dust, bacteria, and dead skin can lead to collagen and elastin breakdown, and all of this cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear.
So you have to be always careful when choosing the products you’re going to apply to your face.
Related: 15 Best Makeup Removers For Sensitive Skin That Won’t Sting
2- Water-Based Cleanser
After using the oil-based cleanser, Koreans use a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities such as dirt, sweat, and any other residue that the oil-based cleanser didn’t pick up.
This also helps to prevent pores from clogging and keep your face clean.
You can try a cleanser that contains green Tea or rice Extract.
When To Use? Wash your face with it twice a day.
Related: The 10 Best Facial Wash For Sensitive Skin With Acne
3- Exfoliant
Use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and debris from the skin, refine pores, and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
How Many Times Should You Exfoliate? You should exfoliate regularly 1-3 times a week. This helps your skin absorb the products better and keeps your skin smooth and bright.
So you can use Gommage Peels which is a great gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin. Also, Black Sugar and Lactic Acid
Just keep in mind not to over-exfoliate as this can lead to irritation, redness, and dryness. And to find the best exfoliant that suits your skin type.
Related: Best Exfoliator For Sensitive Skin: Top 15 Picks
4- Toner
Toner moisturizes, hydrates, and balances the skin’s PH. It also prepares the skin to absorb richer moisturizers that come later in the Korean Skin Care Routine steps.
Korean women prefer to use natural toners, so they use aloe Vera, rose water, or citric acid.
When To Use? In the morning and at night.
Related: Toner For Sensitive Skin: The Best 11 Non-Irritating Picks
5- Essence
Consider adding essence to your routine as it’s a water-like product that hydrates the skin and promotes cell turnover.
The main reason for using essence is to soften your skin before applying the serum on the face so your skin gets the most out of it.
So, you can use products that contain rice Extract, yeast, or birch Juice to fight aging signs.
When To Use? Twice a day, in the morning and at night.
6- Serums And Ampoules
Both serums and ampoules are just perfect for any skin type as they heal any skin problem.
They contain ingredients that treat skin problems such as fine lines and acne. Plus, they help you get rid of hyperpigmentation and keep your skin hydrated.
Use a product that contains tea tree, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or soybeans for the best results.
How Many Times Should You Use It A Day? Two times a day.
7- Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are super effective, they can hydrate the skin, reduce redness, dryness, and irritation, and keep skin smooth and radiant.
How Many Times Should You Use them? Apply a sheet mask two times a week to your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the skin to absorb the nutrients.
Always use a mask that targets your current skin concerns such as aging, acne, or dryness.
Sheet masks that contain rose, cucumber, or green tea hydrate and tone your face.
Related: Best Sheet Mask For Sensitive Skin: Top 10 Picks
8- Eye Cream
The thin skin around the eye is the first area that shows signs of aging that’s why this area requires extra care.
You should use an effective eye cream to help smooth wrinkles and nourish and moisturize this area.
A study showed that anti-aging eye treatment can reduce the depth of large wrinkles and improve under-eye smoothness. Plus, it prevents dark circles and puffiness.
Make sure to get a gentle, non-irritating eye cream that contains honey, lily, or ginseng.
When To Use? Twice a day, In the morning and at night.
9-Moisturizers
Moisturizers keep your skin healthy and clear and rebalance the skin’s pH. They can reduce the appearance of blemishes such as blackheads, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
Another great benefit of applying moisturizers frequently is to fight fine lines and wrinkles.
You should use a moisturizer that suits your skin type to avoid any skin problems.
Buy a product that contains green Tea, bamboo extracts, snail mucin, or hyaluronic acid.
When To Use? Moisturize your face regularly, two times a day.
10- Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the last and most essential step of the Korean Skin Care Routine as it protects the work you have put into your skin.
Sunscreen shelters your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays that lead to premature aging such as wrinkles and leathery skin. Also, sunscreen prevents skin discoloration and dark spots.
Plus, sunscreen protects skin proteins such as keratin, collagen, and elastin which will keep your skin healthy and smooth.
When To Use? Apply each morning to avoid sunburn that weakens your skin barrier and leads to itchiness, swelling, and redness.
Also, wear sunscreen even when it’s not sunny to decrease the risk of developing skin cancer.
Don’t forget to apply it all over your face, chest, neck, and ears.
Buy a product that contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as they are gentle on all skin types especially those with sensitive skin.
FAQs:
What Are The 7 Steps Of Korean Skin Care?
The 7 essential steps of the Korean skin care routine include:
1- Double cleanse your face (oil-based cleanser and water-based cleanser).
2- Toner.
3- Essence.
4- Serum or face oil.
5- Eye Cream
6- Moisturizers.
7- SPF.
How To Get Korean Glass Skin?
To get Korean glass skin, follow the next steps:
– Oil-based cleanser.
– Water-based cleanser.
– Toner.
– Exfoliant.
– Essence.
– Serum.
– Face masks.
– Eye cream.
– Moisturizers.
– SPF.
How Is Korean Skin So Flawless?
Koreans have flawless skin because they have been using natural, gentle ingredients like honey, aloe vera, bamboo extracts, green tea, or lily since ancient times.
The Bottom Line
The Korean Skin Care routine has become widely known these days due to its huge benefits. The steps can literally transform your skin and keep it nourished and radiant.
But keep in mind eating clean healthy meals along with following the Korean skincare routine steps will for sure deliver the best results. This will improve your skin from the inside out.
Photos: Pexels.com