What is Korean Skincare?
The 10 step skincare routineAs much as I would like to reveal some ancient, thousand year old Korean secret about how their skin is so perfect I'm sorry to say there really is no secret, Koreans just take really, really good care of their skin. Although their healthy diet may play a role in the condition of their skin, in the end the effects of skincare take majority of the credit. In Australia a ten step skincare routine would be obscene and most of us are lucky enough to reach maybe three or four steps. But in Korea, a country where they really go through an extent to look after their skin, many Koreans follow skincare routines with up to ten steps. I know I can hear you all right now, "Ten steps?! how the hell you gonna get ten different products for skincare!?". Well that is why I am here, to explain and help you understand the Korean perspective. The best way to explain it to you would be to break it down, step by step, and explain how and why to apply these products. In general the Korean skincare routine products go from a thin to thick, with the first steps having a thinner consistency and the last ones being thicker. Step 1: Oil CleanserThe first step is Oil Cleansing. The first step of your skincare routine should be to cleanse your face of all make-up, dirt and sebum that sits on the surface of your skin and oil cleansers are great to cleanse your skin without over-drying. Oil cleansers should be applied and rubbed into dry skin and then removed with lukewarm water. Step 2: Foam CleanserThe second step is Foam Cleansing. Foam cleansers, which is what most people in Australia use, are used for cleansing the skin deeper after initial make-up and sebum removal. Apply to cleansed skin and massage in circular motions, focusing on areas that accumulate more oil such as the T-zone. Step 3: Exfoliant Step 3 is Exfoliating. After your skin has been thoroughly cleansed, it is time to remove all the dead or rough skin. If you have quite sensitive skin you can opt for a foam cleanser with exfoliating beads. Exfoliants should be applied to damp skin and massages gently in circular motions. Step 4: TonerIn step four you use Toner. Toner is there to hydrate and helps the rest of your skincare absorb better. Toner should be applied onto a dry, cleansed face with a cotton pad. You can also put some of your toner in a spray bottle in the place of a facial mist throughout the day to moisten your skin. Step 5: EssenceThis step in the routine is quite unheard in Australia and it is an Essence. The consistency is a combination of a lotion and toner, it absorbs quite quickly into the skin but is not made to moisturise. Essences are products that deposit vitamins and ingredients into your skin that lotions can't. Apply a small pea sized amount on your hand and pat into your skin. Step 6: SerumStep six in the skincare routine is Serums. Serums are a variety highly concentrated products that cater for a various skincare needs. With a thicker consistency than that of an Essence, serums should be applied with fingers and dabbed onto skin. Step 7: Facial OilStep seven is Facial Oils. Usually facial oils are derived from plants and are very moisturising and nourishing. If you have oily skin you can skip this step but I find even my oily skin can use some extra nourishment during winter. With the applicator apply two to three drops onto your hand and massage into the skin. Step 8: Eye creamOne of the most essential steps is step 8, Eye Creams. The skin around our eyes is extremely sensitive which means we need to provide a little extra love to this area. Eye creams are thicker and more concentrated than lotions which is what you need when using harsher make-up removers. Apply a small amount with your fingers and pat around the eye area. STep 9: MOISTURISERIn step 9 we finally get to Moisturising. Using a lotion or moisturiser is one of most popular and important steps in a skin care routine. Some people with acne prone or oily skin may think that cutting back on moisturising will help their skin but this is wrong. Moisturising is extremely important for all skin types and with a variety of moisturisers you will be sure to find one to suit your skincare needs. Step 10: SPF or Sleeping PackThe outcome of step ten will differ depending on the time of day. If it's daytime then you will use an SPF Product to help product your skin from sun damage. If it's the evening then you will use a Sleeping Pack to assist your skins renewal and repair process whilst you sleep. SPF products are a must if you are constantly going out in the sun, although you may not see any skin damage at the moment, in the long run not using SPF can lead to dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Some foundations and BB creams contain SPF so you don't have to purchase any extra products if you don't want to. On the other hand, in the evening sleeping packs are a fantastic product for your skin. Your skin has time to heal and rejuvenate whilst you are sleeping and sleeping packs add on to this process. Sleeping packs are normally quite thick but are not meant for day use, so don't worry if your face is a bit shiny or sticky. Apply a marshmallow sized amount to hands and massage into your skin. Final ThoughtsEven though I do not personally follow this exact skincare routine, I can definitely see the benefits. An extensive routine such as this one will cover every area of your skin care and will provide the optimum nourishment that your skin requires. There are some steps I believe you could leave out, like I probably wouldn't use an Essence and Serum together because I find them quite similar. But the eye creams, toners and exfoliates are an absolute must for me and keep my skin look bright and feeling soft. Thank you so much for reading this entry, I spent a lot of time and effort putting it together so I hope it was enjoyable for y'all :D. I have recently received my beauty light ring and stand so I'm starting to plan some beauty videos and reviews. If anyone would like to see anything specific in these videos please let me know! Once again, stay healthy and beautiful guys~ J.Jade
1 Comment
Taylar
10/3/2016 12:37:12 pm
This is awesome! Such a good read 💕
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J.JadeJust your average girl who loves South Korean culture and Korean health & beauty products. Categories
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