What is Korean Skincare routine?
Today, I’m delving into the world of Korean skincare, often dubbed the ‘7-step Korean skincare routine’ internationally.
Personally, I adhere to at least 3-4 steps, sometimes extending to 6-7 steps, depending on factors like makeup, season, and whether it’s day or night.
As of February 27, 2024, my routine encompasses 7 steps:
‘Eye remover – makeup remover – foam cleanser – skin – essence – cream – oil.’
However, if you search on Google, you might find a slightly different sequence, such as ‘Makeup Remover – Foam Cleanser – Skin – Essence – Serum/Ampoule – Eye Cream – Cream’, or even ‘Makeup Remover – Foam Cleanser – Skin – Essence – Eye Cream – Pack – Cream.’
It begs the question:
Do Korean women really go through this 7 Korean Skincare routine every day?
The answer is a resounding
“No!”
It can indeed be quite tiresome if we have to do 7 Step everyday.
On a typical makeup-free summer night, my routine often concludes with just 4Step: ‘Foam Cleanser – Skin – Essence – Cream.’ Similarly,
in the morning, a simple splash of water suffices, followed by 3Step: ‘Skin – Essence – Cream.’
Yet, despite this streamlined approach, I often receive compliments on my skin.
Are these 7 steps the secret to my skin’s condition?
Absolutely not.
However, there are 5 Key Points I religiously adhere to:
1. Hygienic Hands:
Always ensure your hands are clean when washing your face. Prior to makeup removal, I wash my hands thoroughly, ensuring they’re free of any dirt or impurities. Additionally, I wash them again before applying foam cleanser.
2. My own Foam-cleansing method:
When using a foam cleanser, aim for rich, abundant foam.
Rather than simply rubbing your hands together, follow a technique that generates dense foam.
This ensures a thorough cleansing experience.
When rinsing, be gentle, allowing the foam to carry away impurities without direct skin contact.
3. No direct touch on my skin with towel:
After cleansing, minimize moisture on the face.
Towels, even when clean, can harbor dust particles.
Instead of vigorously drying the face, opt for a gentle pat-down to remove excess water, leaving behind a slightly damp surface.
4. Skincare Product Application:
Apply basic skincare products in small quantities, multiple times.
This method ensures better absorption and maintains moisture levels effectively.
While it may seem tedious initially, the results are worth it.
I’ve found that applying smaller amounts multiple times enhances absorption and efficiency.
5. Just water rinse in the morning:
For those with dry or sensitive skin, a simple water rinse in the morning is sufficient.
However, individuals with oily or acne-prone skin may opt for a mild foam cleanser. Tailor your routine to suit your skin’s specific needs.
While I firmly believe that using the right products is fundamental, these 5 practices form the cornerstone of my skincare routine.
Nevertheless, occasional skin issues, such as rashes or dryness, prompt me to reassess lifestyle habits such as hydration levels and sleep patterns.
Ultimately, skincare isn’t about the latest trends or product hype.
Consistently using products that nurture rather than burden your skin is the key to achieving lasting improvements.
What about you?
Do you have your own skincare routine?
I’d love to hear about it in the comments!