Korean skincare is making waves for its remarkable effects on the skin. What used to be known only in the Asian scene has now transcended borders, making it an international trend. Korean products are seeing an increase in popularity even in the Western market, where celebrities show the importance of clear, youthful skin.
But what is it exactly about Korean skincare that makes it so good? Let’s look at three important statements:
It uses products with a specific purpose
If you’ve ever been curious about K-beauty before, the first thing you’ll notice about the routine is the number of steps. It might be overwhelming at first, but you’ll soon realize it’s not just meant to sell you more products for no reason. Each Korean skincare product in your routine serves a purpose and depending on the current state of your skin, you can omit or add new products into your own routine.
It usually starts with just rinsing the face with water when you wake up, to remove any impurities that might have accumulated on your face while you were sleeping. This is essentially free, and you don’t need any special products to use. Basically, you’re letting the products you used the night before to stay on your skin until you apply more.
It’s all about layering
As mentioned, there are several steps to a skincare routine. For Korean skincare, the order of these steps is important because they are meant to improve your skin’s ability to absorb products. At night, you start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, even if it’s waterproof. Then, you follow it with a water-based cleanser to remove dirt and impurities. After that, you exfoliate and tone, which prepares the skin for the absorption of serums, ampoule, and essences. If you’re wearing a face mask that day, this should go before your serum, as the product is thinner than the heavily concentrated products you use at the end of your nightly routine.
Don’t want to spend too much on an extensive routine you might not even be able to follow? That’s okay, too. Korean skincare can be as simple as double-cleansing, toning, moisturizing, eye cream, and sun protection. These are the most essential parts of your routine and anything you use in between can improve the results, but they can also work just by themselves.
It highlights the importance of sleep
Perhaps this is what makes Korean skincare attractive the world over: it’s meant to improve your skin permanently rather than just covering skin imperfections with heavy foundation and concealers. For K-beauty, sleep is part of the routine. In fact, Koreans have a golden time for skin rest and revitalization–10pm to 2am. It’s important that you’re asleep during these times to let your skin get the rest it deserves. In the West, though health practitioners will also advise you to get eight hours of sleep, it’s not viewed as a part of skincare. In K-beauty, the approach is more holistic.
The attention you give to your skin will show how it looks even without makeup. Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized to always look your best.
