Before South Korean fashion, entertainment and skincare became popular globally, we were more familiar with western makeup with eyeshadow and thick foundation. But as times change, skincare lovers are starting to change their attentions towards Korean beauty/skincare trends! One thing you should know, the basis of celebrity and South Korean beauty is healthy skin.
So to achieve South Korean-style skin goals, we must take good care of our skin. How to do that? Let’s take a peek at 10 Korean skincare routines! Who knows, you might get noticed by the agency and debut as an idol!
Cleanser
Before doing any skincare routine, the first thing we have to do is cleanse our skin! Especially if you previously used sunscreen or makeup. The first step of cleansing is using an oil-based facial cleanser or micellar water. Just pour enough product onto a cotton pad and wipe your skin clean. Cleansing balm can also be a hassle-free option.
Another alternative is to use a cleansing wipe! In the form of a wet tissue, this product is suitable for those of you who are not doing a lot of activities or who are just simply staying at home. The point is, before moving on to the next stage of cleansing, we need to remove dirt and oil from the skin first.
Face Wash
After doing stage one cleansing, Korean skincare trends will usually do double cleansing. In short, this process is when we cleanse our face twice in different ways.
Moving on to the second stage, face washes will be available in several textures, namely foam, gel, and water textures. Foam texture will produce foam through the use of water, gel texture is usually thicker and can provide a refreshing sensation when used. Meanwhile, for those of you who want a lighter texture, you can choose water-based products.
It all comes down to preference and skin type!
Exfoliate
Serenitree Squad likes to watch Korean dramas, right? Have you ever seen Korean ahjumas in the bathhouse using a small green cloth to rub each other’s back skin? That turns out to be a form of skin care called exfoliation.
Exfoliation is a process that aims to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. The result can promote smoother skin cell regeneration. There are 2 forms of exfoliation: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliation is recommended once a month and physical exfoliation once a week for maximum results.
Examples of this process are scrubs or using skincare with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA). Remember, before exfoliating, know your skin type first, don’t let it cause another skin problems!
Toner
The function of toner is to balance the skin’s pH. A balanced skin pH will prepare the skin to absorb the rest of the skincare line. You can either pour the product onto a cotton pad and wipe it evenly over the skin or the Korean custom is to pat the product directly onto the skin using only your hands.
The reason is because skin tapping can speed up the absorption of the product. In addition, the tapping motion can improve blood circulation. Are you interested in trying this method?
Essence
Who is already diligently using essence?
The hallmark of Korean skincare trends is essence. It’s a lightweight liquid that is highly effective at hydrating and moisturizing the skin. Essence comes one step before serum as it has a lighter texture that absorbs quickly. It usually contains active ingredients including antioxidants, peptides and vitamins. It’s easy to use, just pour a small amount of essence into your palm and tap on the skin. So easy, right?
Serum
If you have specific skin concerns, serums/ampoules might be the answer. These products contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, making them suitable for specific skin concerns.
Simply drop 2-3 drops of serum on the palm of your hand and then gently apply and massage your face. Make sure to choose a serum that matches your skin concern! For example, wrinkles, dark spots or dry skin.
Face Mask
Korean skincare trends can’t be separated from face masks. Moreover, the packaging is very cute and adorable!
The most popular face mask there is the sheet mask. Serenitree Squad must have seen it a lot because in Indonesia this mask product is everywhere. This treatment will definitely provide intensive hydration and nutrition. You just need to apply the sheet mask on your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes (as recommended). Don’t forget to tap your skin afterward so that the product is well absorbed!
Eye Cream
Eye area skincare is very important because the area is more sensitive and vulnerable, including prone to wrinkles. That’s why we must be diligent in using eye creams/other specialized eye area skincare.
Make sure when using the product not to rub too hard and use fingertips only. You don’t want the wrong application method to cause signs of premature aging in the area!
Moisturizer
Moisturized skin is the essence of Korean skincare trends! After going through the various steps of our skincare routine, we need to lock in the moisture with moisturizing products. Remember to use products up to the neck too!
Moisturizers also come in many textures from gels, creams and lotions. Creams tend to be heavier and gels are lighter and absorb quickly. Lotions are in between the two textures. Which texture do you prefer for your skin type?
Sunscreen
The final step of any Korean skincare routine is sunscreen! The 9 steps you’ve gone through will be useless if you don’t apply sunscreen in the end.
UV and UVB rays can cause premature aging and other skin damage, even indoors! Therefore, if you live in a hot area, you should use sunscreen with a high SPF. Sometimes this step is often skipped because of the white cast stigma that can result from using sunscreen. But now there’s no need to worry, sunscreen also comes in various forms, such as spray. So no more laziness!
So are you interested or maybe already following this trend from Korea? The key is to be consistent and patient. We can achieve Korean-style glowing skin with healthy skin! You can also read our article on how to take care of healthy skin here!