From essences to sheet masks, the Korean Skincare Routine is spreading like wildfire. And though most people wrote these products off when they started gaining popularity outside Korea, the unbelievable worldwide acceptance is a clear indication that they’re here to stay.
Despite the clamor over Korean products, there’s one aspect that either draws people to the routine or pushes them away; it’s an extensive 10 step regimen that requires fierce devotion. Don’t worry though, as a K-beauty addict I’ve learnt to curate these steps to align with my daily routine without having to feel like it’s a burdening life sentence. And though, you’ll not achieve the flawless complexion overnight, I can guarantee the results will be worth your time.
Cleansing is the first step of the famed Korean skincare routine, and Korean women do it twice- once with an oil-based cleanser, and once with a water-based option. The oil-based cleanser dissolves and lifts off stubborn, oil-based makeup, SPF, and other impurities, while the water-based cleanser boasts of a gentle formula that picks any residue left behind leaving you with a succulent, supple skin.
For Korean cleansing products, please visit TofuSecret – Korean Cleansing Products
Korean toners are available in many varieties and come infused with active ingredients to offset anti-aging care and revive damaged skin. And unlike other toners, Korean brands focus on pampering the skin after cleansing by inducing moisture, soothing care, balancing the pH, and preparing the skin for the steps that will follow. The toners are also formulated with nature-derived ingredients to avoid skin irritation and accommodate all skin types including the sensitive ones.
For Korean toners, please visit TofuSecret – Korean Toners
- Essences
Unlike other beauty regimens that focus on all-in-one products, the Korean way involves incorporating several layers of nutrient-rich products to allow the skin to breathe and avoid clogging of the pores. Essences, in particular, are an important part of the Korean beauty heritage, and the second layer after the toner which seeps deep into the dermis to moisturize the skin and prepare it for the Serums.
For Korean Essences, please visit TofuSecret – Korean Essences
- Serum & Ampoules
Feeling overwhelmed yet? Well, here is where you can customize the routine based on what you see fit for your skin. Both serum and Ampoules feel the same and are formulated to remedy specific skin concerns like wrinkles, sagging skin, dehydration, uneven pigmentation, among others. Pick the specific product based on your skin concern.
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with leaving a certain product and picking the one that works best with your skin.
For Korean Serum, please visit TofuSecret – Korean Serum
Usually more viscous than the previous products, the Moisturizer is meant to hydrate the skin and strengthen the natural barrier to retain the moisture in the skin in the long-run. And like the other products in the regimen, Korean Moisturizers are packed with botanical extracts to rejuvenate and revive damaged skin.
Pro Tip; The number of layers in your routine will depend on your skin type. For instance, dryer skin might need more moisture as compared to an oily skin type.
For Korean moisturizers, please visit TofuSecret – Korean Moisturizers
Eye Creams– The skin around your eyes has to be one of the most sensitive parts of your body. For this reason, you’ll need a quality Korean eye cream to rehydrate, nourish, de-puff, and brighten your eye skin.
- Sunscreen
Contrary to popular belief, Sunscreens should be worn almost every other day and not only when you’re headed to the beach. Korean Sunscreens boast of superior SPF protection, which means your skin is protected from both UVA and UVB rays. So, before you step out, cap off your normal skincare routine with a dedicated sunscreen, a BB cream, or a cushion compact that includes SPF.
Extras
These are the basic steps that I highly recommend that you include in your daily skincare routine as they will certainly rehydrate, revive, and nourish your skin.
And as I disclosed earlier, I’m a sucker for Korean beauty products, which is why my routine includes other products which I’ll place here as the OPTIONALS. And don’t get me wrong! These skincare products are just as important and will surely provide your skin with an extra boost of radiance when used at least 2-3 times a week.
For Korean Sunscreens, please visit TofuSecret – Korean Sunscreens
- Exfoliators
Korea is known to produce effective exfoliators that are formulated with natural-derived ingredients. These exfoliators work by spreading on the skin rapidly upon application to envelop and lift off dead skin cells, and excess sebum leaving you with a translucent complexion.
- Sheet Masks
Primarily meant to lift off dead skin cells and excess sebum to unclog the pores, Korean Sheet Masks are effective when included in your daily skincare routine (2-3 times a week). These single-use sheets contain active ingredients like AHA and BHA to provide the skin with anti-aging care and revive damaged skin.
For Korean Sheet Masks, please visit TofuSecret – Korean Sheet Masks
- Sleeping Masks
After pampering and treating your skin to an extensive and refreshing Korean traditional regimen, there’s nothing that beats a warm night with your face covered in a ‘no-rinse’ sleeping Mask. These highly-nutritious Night Creams work on your skin while you sleep so you can wake up to a moisturized and rejuvenated skin.
That was not too much to digest. Was it?
For all Korean skincare products, please visit TofuSecret – Korean Skincare Products
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."