The Complete Guide To Korean Day And Night Skin Care Routine: Achieve Radiant And Flawless Skin
Korean skincare has taken the beauty world by storm with its promise of flawless and radiant skin. The 10-step Korean skincare routine may seem overwhelming at first, but the results are worth the effort.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the 10 steps of the Korean day and night skincare routine and explain how each step contributes to achieving healthy and glowing skin.
Understanding The Benefits Of The Korean Skincare Routine
Before diving into the 10-step routine, let’s understand why the Korean skincare routine has become so popular.
The Korean approach to skincare focuses on improving skin health by moisturizing, hydrating, and nourishing the skin with the right ingredients. This not only helps achieve a clear and glowing complexion but also prevents signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
By following the Korean skincare routine, you can flaunt your natural beauty without relying heavily on makeup.
Laura Geigaite, an esthetic practitioner, emphasizes the importance of the Korean beauty regime in skin repair and protection, she explains, “The Korean beauty routine involves using various hydrating products that assist in skin repair, this skin treatment prevents water loss and the entry of foreign substances through the skin. Furthermore, the processes help prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs associated with aging.”
The 8-Step Korean Morning Skin Care Routine
The morning skincare routine consists of 8 steps that aim to cleanse, tone, hydrate, and protect the skin. While all the steps are important, you can customize the routine according to your skin’s needs and skip some steps if necessary. Let’s explore each step in detail:
Step 1: Cleanse Your Face With Water
Start your morning routine by washing your face with water. Avoid using a cleanser to allow your skin to retain its natural oils and balance. Water not only refreshes your skin but also removes impurities that may have accumulated overnight, this step prepares your skin for the subsequent products in your routine.
Step 2: Apply Toner
After cleansing, apply a toner to your face, you can either use a cotton swab to apply it in a sweeping motion or pour it into your palms and pat it gently onto your skin. Toner helps balance the pH level of your skin and ensures better absorption of the following skin care products.
I’m From Rice Toner With Niacinamide
If you don’t know the benefits of using rice water as a toner, then you’re definitely missing out on a clear flawless skin.
Rice water on the skin slows down the signs of aging, clears acne, soothes sunburn, and repairs the skin’s natural barrier.
This Korean rice water toner has been formulated to give you all the great skin benefits your usual rice water would have given, It contains 77.78% Goami rice extract and 4 kinds of vegetable-originated extract complex to soothe flaky dead skin cells by forming a moisture-protective lay.
It forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent water loss, eliminate dead skin cells, and provide luster and moisturization to rebalance dry and tired skin. It’s unscented and perfect for all skin types.
Step 3: Apply Essence
Essence is a crucial step in the Korean skincare routine. It is a blend of serum, toner, and moisturizer that hydrates and primes the skin. Pour a small amount of essence onto your palm and gently press it onto your face. This step nourishes your skin and prepares it for the next steps.
JIN JUNG SUNG Soothing Skin Essence
This facial serum contains 8 moisturizing ingredients including glycerin and hyaluronic acid, the ingredients in this essence work together to give dry and dehydrated skin high-effect moisture.
This hydrating serum not only improves your skin barrier but also soothes irritated, sensitive, and damaged skin, it takes care of wrinkles and signs of aging.
It’s non-sticky, vegan, non-greasy, and fragrance-free, it’s ideal for all skin types.
Step 4: Apply Ampoule
Similar to essences and serums, ampoules contain a higher concentration of active ingredients. They come in small glass bottles with droppers for precise application. Apply a few drops of ampoule to your face and gently tap it in with your fingers, ampoules provide an extra boost of hydration and nourishment to your skin.
Quick Tip: Korean ampoules are highly concentrated, so it is recommended to use them once or twice a week for best results.
ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule
ma:nyo ampoule is a combination of bifida biome and probiotics complex to reduce skin sensitivity and boost ceramides.
It focuses on creating healthy skin and a strong moisture barrier by keeping your skin firm and healthy for much longer. It’s perfect for sensitive skin types.
Step 5: Apply Serum
Serums are targeted treatments that address specific skin concerns such as dark spots, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and fine lines. Choose a serum that suits your skin’s needs and apply a pea-sized amount or two pumps to your face, gently press the serum into your skin using your fingertips.
SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum
This Korean serum contains 20% vitamin C, Plant-Based Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E, Citrus Stem Cells, Centella (Cica), and Organic Aloe.
It is formulated to be a potent anti-aging and anti-wrinkle serum to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and crow’s feet. It’s suitable for oily, combination, dry, and normal skin types.
Step 6: Use An Eye Cream
The delicate skin around your eyes requires special care. Regular face creams and serums may not be enough to provide adequate hydration and protection.
Apply a small amount of eye cream to your fingertips and gently pat it around your eye area, starting from the inner corner and moving toward the outer corners. Eye creams help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
Step 7: Apply Moisturizer
Moisturizer is a vital step in any skincare routine. It helps keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and radiant throughout the day. Choose a water-based moisturizer for oily skin and a cream-based moisturizer for dry skin. Massage the moisturizer gently onto your face and neck in upward circular motions.
Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
ETUDE SoonJung brand has been on top for sensitive skin products and this moisturizer is not left out, this moisturizer is free of animal materials, mineral oil, color additives, synthetic perfume, polyacrylamide, silicone, imidazolidinyl urea, triethanolamine, surfactant, and paraben.
It is made with pure and mild natural ingredients including shea butter to keep your skin hydrated and maintain a low pH level. It is ideal for the most sensitive skin.
Step 8: Apply Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential for maintaining its health and preventing premature aging. After completing all the previous steps, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Make sure to cover all exposed areas of your skin, including your face, neck, and hands.
Did You Know? According to a survey conducted on the US population, around 29% of women always use sunscreen when spending more than an hour outside on a sunny day. Protecting your skin from UV rays should be a top priority in your skin care routine.
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40
Many users swear by this tinted sunscreen to be lightweight and moisturizing without leaving a white cast of course, it helps decrease the appearance of wrinkles and moisturizes the skin.
It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and paraben-free, and can be used with or without makeup.
The 10-Step Korean Nighttime Skin Care Routine
The nighttime routine is just as important as the morning routine. It allows your skin to repair and rejuvenate while you sleep. Follow these 10 steps to ensure your skin receives the care it needs overnight:
Step 1: Cleanse Your Face With A Cleansing Oil
Start by using a cleansing oil to remove dirt, sebum, and impurities accumulated on your face throughout the day. Massage the oil onto your face and neck, allowing it to bind with the dirt and makeup. Then, wipe your face with a wet cotton wipe to reveal clean and refreshed skin.
Step 2: Double Cleanse With A Gentle Foaming Cleanser
After using a cleansing oil, follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your skin. Generate lather or foam by rubbing the cleanser with water in your palms, apply the foam to your face and wash off with lukewarm water. Double cleansing ensures that your skin is free from any leftover traces of makeup or dirt.
ETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
A mild and soft facial cleanser with weakly acidic bubbles for a moisturizing facial cleansing, it mildly washes away the facial skin and decreases friction, it’s free of animal material, mineral oil, color additives and any other artificial ingredients.
It’s completely vegan, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin.
Step 3: Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine, including the Korean routine. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell regeneration. You can choose between chemical or enzyme-based exfoliants or physical exfoliators such as scrubs. However, limit exfoliation to two times a week to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
This facial scrub contains sea kelp super-nutrients to soften and detox, lemon peel and French green clay to exfoliate and purify, and lastly, Madonna lily to bring out the brightness of your skin.
It softens, draws out impurities, and removes dead skin cells, it’s suitable for all skin types.
Step 4: Apply Toner
Just like in the morning routine, toner plays a vital role in maintaining the pH balance of your skin. Apply toner to your face using a cotton pad or by patting it gently onto your skin with your palms.
Step 5: Apply Essence
Follow up the toner with essence to keep your skin hydrated throughout the night. Essence helps nourish your skin and improves its overall health.
Step 6: Apply Ampoule
Similar to the morning routine, apply an ampoule to provide an extra boost of active ingredients to your skin. The concentrated formula of ampoules helps in skin regeneration and repair overnight.
Step 7: Apply Serum
Apply a serum that targets your specific skin concerns. Whether it’s acne, dark spots, or aging, using a serum can help address these issues. Apply the serum to the affected areas or all over your face and neck, depending on your needs.
Step 8: Apply Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are a favorite among K-beauty enthusiasts. They are infused with serum and provide deep hydration to your skin. Choose a sheet mask that suits your skin type and concerns, such as anti-aging, hydration, or collagen-boosting effects. Leave the sheet mask on for the recommended time and gently pat the remaining serum into your skin.
DERMAL 24 Combo Pack A Collagen Essence Korean Face Mask
Using this 24 Korean sheet face mask regularly will help you improve the condition of your skin and make it more supple, moisturized, brightened, elastic, and healthier
It is infused with cucumber, vitamin E, green tea, collagen, royal jelly, rose, vitamins, pomegranate, pearl, ginseng, and other natural ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin.
These face masks provide deep hydration while improving the overall tone and firmness of your skin, apply this face mask on a clean face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before peeling off, no additional cleansing is necessary.
Step 9: Use An Eye Cream
As in the morning routine, apply an eye cream to keep the delicate skin around your eyes moisturized and nourished. Use your fingertips to gently pat the eye cream around your eye area.
Step 10: Apply Moisturizer
Finish off your nighttime routine with a night moisturizer. Applying a night moisturizer helps seal in all the beneficial ingredients and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the night. Wake up to soft, smooth, and supple skin in the morning.
Additional Tips For Healthy Skin
In addition to the 10-step Korean skincare routine, here are some extra tips to help you maintain healthy and glowing skin:
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydrating your body is as important as external skin care, drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from within. You can also enjoy flavored teas or naturally flavored water with added fruits like lime and cucumber.
2. Rest And Relax
Stress and lack of sleep can negatively impact your skin’s health. Make sure to get enough rest and relaxation to allow your body to repair and rejuvenate. Quality sleep is essential for overall physical and mental well-being, including your skin.
3. Eat A Balanced Diet
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining vibrant skin. Include fresh vegetables, grains, lean meats, dairy products, and fish in your meals. Fermented and pickled foods are also beneficial for your skin and gut health. Consider consulting with a nutritionist to create a personalized diet plan tailored to your needs.
4. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion. Make it a habit to exfoliate your face and body at least once or twice a week. Choose gentle exfoliants that suit your skin type to avoid irritation.
5. Never Forget Sun Protection
Regardless of the weather, it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy or rainy days. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause damage to your skin, leading to premature aging and other skin concerns.
Conclusion
The Korean day and night skincare routine offers a comprehensive approach to achieving radiant and flawless skin.
By following the 10 steps, you can improve your skin’s health, hydration, and overall appearance. Remember to customize the routine according to your skin’s needs and preferences.
Additionally, incorporate the extra tips mentioned above to maintain healthy and glowing skin from the inside out. Start your journey to beautiful skin with the Korean skin care routine today!