The 10-Steps Korean Skin Care

Like a gust of wind, Hallyu a.k.a the Korean Wave has hit the Philippines hard.

And it’s not just the idols and K-dramas that we are oh so obsessed with, but it’s also the K-fashion and of course, K-beauty.

So you’ve heard of this hype — The Korean skincare.

If you’re new to this, this may be a lot to take in. But if you’re ever curious as to why it has been such a beauty trend these days, keep on reading.

Speaking of Korean beauty, we’ve developed a fascination about how Koreans always look perfect with their runway-worthy sense of style, and not to mention their seamless glowing skin. Like, what’s their secret?

There’s this one skincare style that either turns people off or lights them up like dynamite. It’s the so-called 10-steps Korean Skin Care routine.

Well, that’s a lot of steps. But while getting overwhelmed about how many products you’ll need for this routine, just know that this isn’t just a routine that Koreans follow. It’s a part of their lifestyle.

So before you hop on the bandwagon, get to know how each step can give you the “kutis koreana” complexion that everybody is talking about.

Step 1. Oil-based cleanser

The key to having clear skin lies in keeping your skin clean from dirt at the end of the day through cleansing. And that should be done gently. Gentle cleansing simply means that the skin is being stripped off from impurities also while being nourished. Oil-based cleansers remove the first layer of dirt and makeup off your skin so it works as a good alternative to makeup removers which can be sometimes drying. 

An oil-based cleanser dissolves stubborn, waterproof makeup, removes excess sebum, and draws out all the deep seated gunk from the pores gently. On top of that, it also hydrates and softens your skin to help maintain its oil balance. Oil-based cleansers are usually massaged onto a dry face and then rinsed with lukewarm water.

Step 2. Water-based cleanser

Using a water-based cleanser right after the oil-based cleanser tops off the cleansing process of the routine. A water-based cleanser helps cleanse any impurities that have not been removed from the first step and also sweep off any excess oil residue from the oil-based cleanser. Some water-based cleansers may have high pH and sulfates which can be drying to the skin. So choose one that is hydrating and has low pH to gently cleanse the skin without stripping off the skin’s natural oils.

Step 3. Exfoliators

Proper exfoliation removes dead skin cells that have been clogging the skin causing it to look dull. As the dead skin cells are removed, fresh new skin cells from below are uncovered and the pores are unclogged making it possible for your skin products to penetrate deep into your pores so they are more effective.

There are two types of exfoliators that you can use — physical and chemical.

Physical exfoliators are those textured substances such as sugar scrubs, exfoliating creams and peeling gels, as well as tools like cleansing towels that slough away dead skin from the surface of the skin. A facial scrub usually gives you instant baby-soft, smooth skin right after application. However, this type is not recommended for those with sensitive skin as it may irritate.

While physical exfoliators only work on the surface of the skin, chemical exfoliators work deep into the skin to exfoliate. These are made up primarily of acids such as AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs which work different functions in the skin. Chemical exfoliators work on both the surface and the deep layers of the skin to remove dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover in your skin.

Step 4. Toner

Compared to Western toners, Korean toners are formulated to be milder and are designed to balance out the pH levels of the skin. Aside from that, they also prep the skin for the next steps that will follow in your skincare routine. By drenching your skin with hydration, the good stuff from your skincare products will be absorbed better by the skin.

Step 5. Essence

Many are actually not aware of what essence does to the skin and why it’s recommended to add to your skincare. While toner preps the skin for the next steps, it easily dries out from the skin. When you prep with essence, it will drench your skin with hydration which maximizes its ability to absorb the good stuff from your skincare products. An essence offers great benefits to the skin when you add it to your routine after cleansing and toning because it helps keep your skin hydrated making it more healthy and balanced.

Step 6. Booster Treatments (Serums and Ampoules)

Serums and Ampoules are like booster treatments for your skin. Serums are more viscous than the essence and they carry a concentrated amount of ingredients that specifically target many skin issues like dark spots, wrinkles, and dullness. An ampoule on the other hand, is more concentrated than a serum and also carries concentrated ingredients, but is used on a limit. It’s like a booster shot that you can use before a big event or if you have a major skin problem.

Step 7. Eye Cream

Eye creams contain active ingredients that target various concerns for the eye area such as wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. It also provides moisture for the delicate eye area.

Step 8. Moisturizers

The skin is a very porous organ that when you are in a dry environment, your skin will tend to dry as well as it will evaporate all the hydration you have just applied. What a moisturizer does is preventing your skin from drying out by sealing in  moisture into the skin. And as if essences and serums are not enough to hydrate the skin, moisturizers add more hydration into the skin and it should come last so it can seal in the layers of hydration you just applied

Step 9. Sheet Mask

Sheet masks concentrate and bring in your hydrating products closer to your skin. These are usually soaked in essence before applying and form a barrier into the skin to trap in the hydrating ingredients so they are absorbed better by the skin.

Step 10. Sun Protection

Last and definitely not least, is a good dose of SPF. This should be added as your last step of skincare even if you are not going out. Sunscreens are an essential part of a complete sun protection strategy to defend your skin against harsh UV rays which can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Choose a product with added SPF to protect your skin against the dangers of sun exposure.

And so we clamor over Korean beauty products and other beauty trends. Koreans have this cultural obsession with healthy skin that they have all sorts of skincare routines and products that match every skin’s needs. Before jumping into trends, it pays to know what these products do for your skin. If you’re looking for great skincare products to add to your skincare routine, check out Aivee Clinic’s skin care line for your skin needs.