10 Essential Korean Skin Care Steps to Achieve Flawless Skin What are your new year’s resolutions? Some might opt to lose some weight, to start eating healthier. Others might go for learning a new hobby or taking up a new passion. But one resolution that most people share is to be the best version of themselves both inside and out. And how do you start improving your outer façade? By focusing first on the body’s biggest organ: the skin. While we’re living in 2018 with our basic skin care steps, Koreans are living in 3018 with their very meticulous but rewarding skin care routine. Haven’t you ever wondered why their skin looks so dewy and picture-perfect? Their skin care routine consists of ten steps (yes, you read that right: ten). Luckily for you, however, you not need to do all of them every day and every night. Intrigued? Here’s what to do and how often you should do them:
1. Oil Cleanser or Makeup Remover Where to buy: The Face Shop, Rice Water Cleansing Light Oil Price range: PhP550 to 600
The Face Shop’s Rice Water Cleansing Light Oil is enriched with jojoba oil. (Image: The Face Shop Website) The first of two cleaners in this regimen, the oil cleanser doesn’t only get rid of oil-based products from the skin such as sunblock, but also serves as a makeup remover to get rid of every speck of cosmetic product on your skin, thus leaving you with a clean, fresh face. Use daily, but only at night. Read: 7 Makeup Trends You Can Try This 2018
2. Foam Cleanser Where to buy: Tony Moly, Clean Dew Foam Cleanser Price range: PhP178
Tony Moly Clean Dew Foam Cleanser comes in five variants for you to choose from: Acerola, Lemon, Red Grapefruit, Aloe, and Blueberry. (Image: Piece of Beaute Instagram Page) After cleaning your face a first time, you’re going to have to do it all over again but this time with the foam cleanser. This product helps to completely eliminate any trace of grime and dirt left on your face that wasn’t taken out by the oil cleanser. Use daily, but only at night.
3. Exfoliator Where to buy: Skin Food, Black Sugar Mask Price range: PhP507 to 579
Facial scrubs get rid of dead skin cells. (Image: Skinfood Official Website) Primarily used to clear out clogged pores and to take off dead skin cells, an exfoliator or facial scrub is said to make your skin look as good as new. However, it is not recommended to do this step every day, especially if you have irritable or sensitive skin. This product should be used two to three times a week for normal and combination skin and once a week for sensitive skin.
4. Toner Where to buy: Innisfree, Green Tea Balancing Skin Price range: PhP878
Toners bring back the hydration on your skin. (Image: Innisfree’s Official Website) Whatever time of day it may be, your skin will be in need of some hydration. The toner addresses that and also balances your skin’s pH levels, coats it with minerals and nutrients, and gets rid of the last traces of oil and dirt that the two cleaners didn’t remove. Use daily, both in the day time and at night.
5. Essence Where to buy: Missha, First Treatment Essence Mist Price range: PhP1,520 to 1,575
Essences are what separate the Korean skin care routine from the others. (Image: Missha US Website) This step is what separates the Korean skin care routine from other routines. Being the most important step, the essence helps aid skin repair and cell turnover and is said to do wonders in making your skin smoother and brighter. To apply, simply put some of the product in your hand (or in a cotton pad) and evenly apply all over your face and neck. Use daily, both in the day time and at night. Read: Top 6 Best Korean Cosmetic Brands 2017
6. Serum and Ampoule Where to buy: Skin Food, Yuja Water C Whitening Ampoule Price range: PhP1,030
The serums to be used depend on the user’s skin type and skin needs. (Image: Skinfood US Website) These products are considered to be more concentrated versions of essences; their only difference is that an ampoule has increased concentrations of its active ingredients compared to a serum. In this step, personalization is crucial. It all depends on what skin conditions you want to help target to get rid of pigmentation, discoloration, big pores, and the like. The serum can be used daily, both in the day time and at night. The ampoule is generally recommended to go before the serum, and since it has higher concentrations it is recommended to be used only when your skin needs a boost.
7. Sheet Masks Where to buy: Innisfree, It’s Real Squeeze Sheet Mask Price range: PhP1,136 (for a set of 20)
The sheet mask to be used also depends on the user’s skin type. (Image: Innisfree’s Official Website) A sheet mask consists of a sheet that is saturated with nutrients to nourish your skin. The type of sheet mask to use depends on your skin type and its needs. There are masks for various purposes, such as hydration, whitening, pore-control. Depending on your skin demands, sheet masks can be used every day or twice a week for fifteen to twenty minutes at night
8. Eye Cream Where to buy: Laneige, White Plus Renew Eye Cream Price range: PhP1,990
The skin around your eyes should never be taken for granted. (Image: Laneige Official Website) The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and the most susceptible to damage and aging. Eye creams can help prevent (or aid) skin puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. They also help hydrate and protect the skin under the eyes from harsh external factors. This product can be used daily, both in the day time and at night.
9. Moisturizer Where to buy: Etude House, Collagen Moistful Emulsion Price range: PhP728
Moisturizer makes sure your skin is well-hydrated. (Image: Korea /USA Skin care & Kosmetik’s Instagram) To achieve dewy, glowing skin, hydration is the key variable. This is especially needed from all the deep cleansing and exfoliating done to your skin during the early stages of this routine. Besides moisturizing, moisturizers also contain anti-aging ingredients. Use it daily, both in the day time and at night
10. Sunblock Where to buy: Etude House, Surprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ Price range: PhP548
Sunblock protects you from the harsh rays of the sun. (Image: Etude House Official Page) Sun protection is a very important habit no matter your age or gender. The harsh UV rays of the sun could cause major damage to your skin and you won’t know or feel it immediately. SPF does not only prevent premature aging and wrinkles, but also skin cancer in the long run. Use sunblock daily, during the day. Check out our list of Korean cosmetics stores in Metro Manila or browse the Beauty, Health & Wellness category of the ShoppersGuide Directory. This skin care routine may seem taxing but as they say, beauty does not come at a cheap (and easy) price. And the end results (you having flawless skin) will be more than worth the effort.