The Korean Skincare Routine
Posted by GLAM TOUCH
Step 1: Makeup Remover + Oil Cleanser
As you know Double-cleansing is the trend right now, and the first step is to start with an oil-based cleanser (cleansing oil or cleansing balm) to remove makeup, SPF and other impurities from the skin. Oil cleansers contain antioxidants, vitamins and some contain anti-aging ingredients that also improve the texture and appearance of your skin.
Step 2: Water-based Cleanser
Drying your face post-cleanse. Pat your skin gently, don't rub, and I personally don't use cloth to dry my face because the issue here, you guess? Bacteria. Unless you make sure to stock up your supply so you can wash them after each use, because when you wash or dry your face with a dirty cloth, you're reintroducing that dirt and bacteria back into the skin. This is the reason why cleansing is a very important step to me, and it makes sense to me when some people spend like half an hour just to clean their face. If you don't clean your face effectively, other products will not give their maximum benefits to the skin.
Step 3: Exfoliator (1-2 times a week)
You don't always have to exfoliate if you have sensitive skin and dry skin. But use 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and to keep your skin fresh and glowing.
Step 4: Toner
Toning is an essential step of the skincare routine, as the first and most important job of a toner is to restore the skin’s natural pH balance. It also will remove any remaining oil and residue from the cleanser. More importantly, toners will help to soothe, nourish and hydrate the skin, and prepare your skin to absorb the next step. And Korean toners are believed to be less harsh and drying than other toners.
Step 5: Essence
Step 6: Treatment ( Ampoule/ Serum)
Step 7: Sheet masks (optional but must try)
If you’re new to K Beauty, you must try sheet masks, Korean beauty craze. Sheet masks come in multiply variations that hydrate, purify, exfoliate, and brighten. All you need to do is apply the mask on and leave it on for 10-20 minutes. Sit back, relax and let the mask do the work. Use at least once or twice a week.
Step 8: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thin and extremely delicate, apply an eye cream to protect and provides extra hydration. Using your ring finger to gently tap the cream on the area around your eye. Don’t rub because you might accidentally apply too much pressure and damage the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Step 9: Moisturiser
Moisturiser is essential to hydrate, repair and balance the complexion of every skin type. It’s important to understand your skin and find the moisturiser best suits for your skin type. They come in many forms ( emulsion, lotion, gel, cream and sleeping mask) and help seal in moisture to plump up skin.
Overnight sleeping masks are used as the final step in the evening regime and washed off in the morning with lukewarm water. Packed with active ingredients, they are designed to nourish skin while you sleep, help you wake up with more youthful, glowing skin. It's recommended to use them 2-3 times per week in place of your usual night cream to get your beauty sleep.
Step 10: Sunscreen (A.M Routine)
Its very important to wear sunscreen every single day all year round, the key to keep your skin look youthful and by applying sunscreen, you can cut your risk of melanoma—the most dangerous form of skin cancer—in half (According to a 2011 study from Australia). And UV rays are the major cause of premature paging and wrinkles. Thanks to beauty innovations, there are more choices in sunscreen now, you can use either a sunscreen, or BB/ CC cream or cushion compact including SPF.