At this age, where everyone is running behind facials, Spa treatments, plastic surgery, miracle creams and makeup etc. Korean skincare comes to the rescue with its extensive 10 step routine to change your skin game.
Over recent years the 10 steps Korean skincare regime has become a global phenomenon that is deeply rooted in the Korean culture’s obsession with healthy skin.
With the
use of the right products catered to your skin needs, this regime promises
healthy skin to anyone. But to achieve this healthy honey-like glow that this
routine promises, it is essential that you understand the steps that make up
this skincare regime.
1. Double Cleansing
Double cleansing is the first and second step in the Korean skincare regime. The basic idea behind double cleansing is that you wash your face twice to get rid of all grime and dirt. First, with an oil-based cleanser which is then followed by the use of a water-based cleanser.
An oil-based cleanser is used to get rid of makeup, SPF, pollution, oil-based dirt and sebum without stripping you off your natural oils. Oil-based cleansers can be mi-cellar water, oil cleansers or balm cleansers.
Water-based cleansers are used to get rid of all water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt that your oil cleanser didn’t pick up. Water-based cleansers are essentially face washes. But still, there are different types of water-based cleansers.
Some
examples are foaming, gel and water cleansers. This second step thoroughly
cleanses your skin. Double cleansing is effective for unclogging our pores and
keeping them clean. Cleanse every day and night for best results.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliators help clean pores and get rid of dead skin cells for brighter and smoother skin. Gently exfoliate one to two times a week focusing on your nose and visible pores on your cheeks. There are two types of exfoliators available in the market today.
They are
physical and chemical exfoliators. Physical exfoliators are scrubs, they
contain small particles or any sort of textured surface like a washcloth.
Chemical exfoliators use enzymes or acids to dissolve and loosen cells.
3.Toner
A toner is
used to restore the pH of the skin after cleansing. They remove any leftover
residue from your cleansers. It also preps the skin for further hydration and
miniaturization that might follow. It also gradually reduces the appearance of
dark marks, acne scars etc.
4. Essence
This is
the heart of Korean skincare. It’s a mix between a serum and a toner. It’s a
lightweight mixture filled with active ingredients that help with hydrating,
anti-ageing and pigmentation. It also aids in cell turnover.
5. Treatments
Treatments
are boosters, serums and ampules that are used to treat specific skin
conditions like hydration, hyper-pigmentation, anti-ageing etc. They directly
treat problem areas. They should be used by gently tapping into the skin,
focusing on problem areas.
6. Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are face-shaped sheet made of a variety of materials like paper, fiber or gel. They are individually packed sheets infused with concentrated essence.
Wear the
sheet mask on your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes. After which remove the
sheet mask and tap the leftover essence into your skin. Do not wash off the
essence.
7. Eye Cream
The skin
around your eye is the thinnest and the most delicate part of your face. It is
prone to dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles etc. Eye creams are
concentrated with ingredients that are formulated to be extra gentle, non-irritating
and hydrating to help with the skin under the eye.
8. Moisturizers
Moisturizers
are available in many forms such as emulsions, lotions, gels, creams and
sleeping masks. They seal in the moisture to keep the skin plump, smooth and
hydrated. Moisturizers are usually lightweight but they vary depending on the
skin type.
9. Sun Protection
This is the tenth and final step of the Korean skincare regime. This step is only required during the day when the sun is out. Regardless of whether you are inside or outside, you must wear sunscreen at all times of the day as long as the sun hits your skin.
It
protects the skin from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. It is the easiest
way to protect the skin from premature ageing and skin cancer. There are both
physical and chemical sunscreens available in the market. Sunscreen should be
re-applied every two hours.
Written
by: Christeena George
Edited by:
Adrija Saha
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