ByKorean skincare is becoming popular all over the world for its emphasis on healthy, glowing skin, and offers a multi-step routine that’s designed to nourish, protect, and hydrate. Its main belief is that well-maintained skin is the foundation of beauty, so this skincare routine focuses on both prevention and treatment.
If you want to learn about Korean skincare, this guide will introduce you to the day and night steps for radiant, healthy skin.
Why Korean skincare?
Korean skincare is more than just a trend—it’s a philosophy that prioritizes long-term skin health over multiple steps. The goal is to layer lightweight products that allow the skin to absorb nutrients deeply without feeling heavy or clogged. To take advantage of this comprehensive routine, learn the steps for Korean skincare routine day and night.
Daytime Korean skincare routine
During the day, the focus of a Korean skincare routine is on hydration, nourishment, and protection.
- Cleanser: You can use a gentle water-based cleanser. Overnight, your skin produces natural oils, and you may also have impurities from pillowcases or sweat. A mild cleanser removes these while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Toner: Toners in Korean skincare routines are designed to hydrate and balance the skin’s pH levels, preparing it for better absorption of the next steps. Think of toner as the first layer of moisture.
- Essence: Essence is a unique step in the Korean routine that many may be unfamiliar with. It’s a lightweight, hydrating product, packed with nutrients, that helps with skin cell turnover, promoting a smooth and radiant complexion.
- Serum or ampoule: With serums, you can personalize your skincare routine according to your specific needs. Whether you’re targeting acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or dullness, serums, and ampoules are packed with active ingredients that address these issues.
- Moisturizer: For daytime, it is ideal to choose a lightweight moisturizer, especially if you have oily or combination skin. If you have dry skin, a cream-based moisturizer provides extra nourishment.
- Sunscreen: This is the most important step in any daytime routine! Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and make sure to apply it generously every day, rain or shine.
Nighttime Korean skincare routine
Moreover, the nighttime routine is all about repair and deep nourishment. Your skin regenerates overnight, making it the perfect time to introduce rich, hydrating products that help your skin recover from the day’s stresses.
- Oil cleanser: Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Oil cleansers break down impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy moisture barrier.
- Water-based cleanser: Follow the oil cleanser with a water-based one. The double cleanse technique is key in Korean skincare because it ensures that your skin is thoroughly clean and ready to absorb the subsequent products.
- Exfoliator: You can choose between a physical exfoliator, like a gentle scrub, or a chemical exfoliant that uses ingredients like AHAs and BHAs to dissolve dead skin cells. Just be sure not to over-exfoliate; two or three times per week is ideal.
- Toner: Just like in your morning routine, apply a hydrating toner to prep your skin and restore its balance after cleansing.
- Essence: Reintroduce moisture to your skin after toning with an essence. This step helps your skin stay plump and hydrated, which is key to achieving that coveted “glass skin” look that Korean beauty enthusiasts love.
- Serum or ampoule: At night, you may want to opt for a more targeted serum or ampoule that focuses on anti-aging, hydration, or skin repair. These treatments penetrate deeply into the skin while you sleep.
- Sheet mask: Single-use masks are soaked in serums and provide an intense burst of hydration and nutrients. You don’t need to use them every night.
- Eye cream: The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to early signs of aging. Use a nourishing eye cream to address concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
- Moisturizer: At night, opt for a richer moisturizer than you’d use during the day. Night creams or sleeping masks are designed to lock in moisture and promote skin recovery as you sleep.
- Face oil: If your skin is particularly dry, you can add a facial oil as the last step in your routine. This will seal in all the moisture and keep your skin hydrated throughout the night.
The secret to the Korean skincare routine is not just in the products but in the consistency with which you use them. While it may seem overwhelming at first, taking the time to care for your skin daily will result in long-term benefits.
Your skin deserves to be treated with care, and a comprehensive Korean skincare routine is a perfect way to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Remember, skincare is personal, so listen to your skin’s needs and adjust the routine as necessary.
