Famous Korean Skin Care Routine For Flawless Skin

Korean beauty has been on the global radar for the last couple of years. Korean skincare became so popular in The U.S. that now you can easily find the best Korean skincare products in any beauty retailer in The U.S., like Sephora or Ulta and even Amazon. Koreans are known for healthy skin that looks flawless, and they all have skincare secrets. Let's find out a unique skincare regimen to help have healthy glowing skin. You might have heard of the superiority of Korean skincare routines. The 10-step Korean skincare routine has been a trend in America lately. Follow the famous 10-step skincare routine for flawless glass skin recommended by Korean beauty products and Skin Beauty!

Step 1: Cleanse thoroughly

Double cleansing is the foundation for getting squeaky clean skin. It properly preps the skin for the rest of the k beauty routine. It usually consists of two cleansing processes, an oil-based cleanser, and a water-based cleanser. Koreans typically start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities that may cause clogged pores. The oil cleanser is considered a precleanse. Rather than using physical washing to break up dirt on the surface, oil-based cleansers actually melt away the bonds that keep dirt and debris stuck in the pores. They gently sweep away bacteria and excess oil, while loosening any oil-based impurities sitting on our skin's surface. Cleansing oil products can be used on any skin type, even on acne-prone skin. Following with a water-based cleanser will help to remove any remaining residue and leaves skin supple. The secret to double cleansing is to find a gentle formula that won't strip the skin of essential oil or dry skin.

Step 2: Exfoliate dead skin cells

Exfoliating is important because it smoothes skin texture, and helps rid oily skin of dead or dull skin cells to help keep your face clear. Exfoliating can be done manually with physical exfoliants or chemical exfoliants. Manual exfoliants include facial scrubs, microdermabrasion treatments, cleansing cloths or flannels, and brushes used to manually rub the skin with salt, grains, bristles, or fibers. Chemical exfoliates use acids such as AHAs, glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs, salicylic acid), as well as poly hydroxy acids (PHAs, lactobionic acid and gluconolactone). For sensitive skin, lactic acid or enzymes from pumpkin, pineapple, or papaya is preferred.

Step 3: Toner

The purpose of a toner in Korean skincare routine is not to cleanse, but to balance skin's ph. It also removes leftover residue from cleansers, repairs the skin's natural barrier, and helps prep the skin to absorb serums or moisturizers better. Toner should be at a low pH which helps to balance your skin and add some hydration. Sensitive skin types should look for toners without alcohol which may result in irritated skin.

Step 4: Use essences and/or serums

Essences are deeply hydrating and traditionally tend to be a bit more fluid, more lightweight, and less concentrated than serums. It's used after toner and before treatments. The primary purpose of essences is to moisturize and give it that extra layer of hydration before applying serums. The hydrating ingredients target wrinkles, fine lines, and dull and uneven skin tones. K beauty brands' concentrated essence typically contains an active ingredient that optimizes the skin's natural cell turnover rate. With regular use, you will notice smooth skin and brighter complexion.

Serums are very similar to essence but tend to be thicker in consistency. It generally contains active ingredients such as vitamin c to target specific skin concerns such as premature aging and uneven skin tones.

Step 5: Use an emulsion

Emulsions act like a moisturizer for dry or combination skin but have a more watery consistency than a traditional moisturizer cream. It provides another layer of moisture to keep the skin hydrated and nutrients for healthier and more radiant skin.

Here are the benefits of using emulsions and why you should incorporate them into your daily skincare regimen.

• Lightweight formula
• Hydrates skin
• Fortifies skin barrier
• Absorbs easily
• Won’t clog pores (Non-comedogenic)
• Can address specific skin concerns
• Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin 

Step 6: Apply ampoules

Ampoules are categorized in the same family as essences and serums. Ampoules and Serums are pretty similar. They have concentrated skincare, often targeting different skin concerns. An ampoule is a supercharged serum with higher concentrations of active ingredients used when you're having a skin problem. It usually comes in small glass bottles with droppers and is recommended to use before essence or serums. Ampoules normally aren't incorporated in the daily routine but is used when skin needs that extra boost.

Step 7: Use Korean sheet masks

Sheet masks are full versions of essences or serums, designed in sheet form so that the skin can fully absorb nutrients and moisture. A single-use sheet mask is formulated with the same active ingredients as a serum so that you can customize your skincare routine depending on your skin condition. For instance, a person with dry and irritated skin will look for a hydrating and moisturizing mask infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, cucumber, shea butter and oatmeal.

Step 8: Don't forget eye cream!

There are many options for eye creams, but it is recommended to look for creams with peptides or hyaluronic acid. The ideal eye cream will eliminate dark circles, dry and dead skin, and discoloration.

Step 9: Following up with the right moisturizer

Koreans believe that this step is vital to lock-in the previous layers. It’s more like an occlusive barrier used to lock-in the previously applied products. Moisturizer's goal is to seal all the layers before it and plump up the skin and smooth fine lines. Choose the correct moisturizer for your skin type. Dryer skin will need a moisturizer thicker in texture while oily skin should look for something lightweight which doesn't clog pores.

Step 10: Apply sunscreen

The last step is to protect skin from uv rays. It is the must-have step in a daytime skincare regimen. Use high SPF sunscreens to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen is recommended to reapply every two hours.