Korea is well known for its focus on wellbeing. Traditionally they prioritise mind and body and have four categories within this health sphere: Beauty and Spa, Korean Traditional Medicine, Nature and Forest and Healing & Meditation. Beauty and Spa has transformed over the years and ‘Korean skincare” has spread widely over social media platforms.
Korea is renowned for its 10-step skincare, K-beauty being more refined than any other country. The products contain ingredients which are perfect for those with sensitive skin and help significantly to regenerate energy back into the skin. In addition, the fragrances inside K-beauty products are well known for decreasing stress and stabilising both body and soul.
The Korean skincare companies focus heavily on using raw materials and the practice of prevention. Korean women are known for keeping their complexion healthy by practicing the art of skincare from a very young age. This practice has been passed on for generations.
The 10-step routine:
The secret to both a healthy and glowing complexion comes down to hard work. Staying consistent with removing makeup and dirt from a long day is only the first step.
Massage an oil-based cleanser into a damp face to remove sunscreen and serum. Follow with a foam cleanser to remove dirt rid from pores.
Exfoliate skin with a chemical exfoliator
Double cleansing followed by an exfoliator has been proven to allow the skin to fully absorb serums and helpful ingredients of products used.
Apply a toner which removes any residue left behind from double cleansing
Use Ampoules, (a very strong serum with a much higher concentration of active ingredients) and lightweight, hydrating essence.
Directly treat problem areas with boosters that include hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil and vitamin C.
Apply a sheet mask (with cucumber, green tea and rose) to allow the skin to absorb all the nutrients and needed moisturiser. This mask will infuse the skin with the concentrated ingredients.
Dab on a thick moisturising eye cream on the thinnest part of the face. This will decrease the development of dark circles and crows feet. Honey, ginseng and lily are key ingredients to look for in a chosen cream.
Moisturise!. This is the key step to pump the skin and keep it smooth. Patting the moisturiser into the skin both morning and night with help to smooth fine lines.
The last and most important step of the routine is sunscreen throughout every season. This helps to prevent premature ageing and skin cancer. Zinc oxide should be one of the key ingredients.
The stronger serums help to combat dehydration, wrinkles and dark spots very efficiently. (With lower concentrated serums it will not only take longer but could not work at all)
In addition to a 10-step skincare routine, Koreans are very focused on hydrating from the inside out. Drinking water and taking care of the skin’s immunity by keeping out bad bacteria will allow for more absorption of the good substances.Constant hydration and adding Vitamin C to a daily routine will keep skin looking nourished.
Korean skincare is ahead of its time due to the constant experimentation and overall willingness of consumers to try unique ingredients. The idea of necessity as opposed to convenience with applying cleaners, serums, sunscreen and moisturizers is part of the reason why Western skincare is still catching up!
