In past years we have looked to Korean Beauty for our best skincare game. That is because they are one of the most innovative when it comes to skincare. You don’t have to be a K-Beauty fanatic to read this post though. I get asked a lot of skincare questions “Do I need a serum?, Should I be using an essence?, Why do I have to wash my face twice?”. If you have questions like these this post will help explain each of the steps and their purpose. I will go into greater detail on some of these steps and share my favorite products in later posts. I hope everyone can take away something useful from this and it helps answer any skincare questions you may have.
1. Cleansing Oil
All skin types can benefit from a cleansing oil. Yes, even oily skin benefits from this! The best way to remove oil is with oil. If you are not oily you still will reap the benefits from this cleanse. Oil cleansers are a gentle way to lift makeup and dirt from the skin and leave it hydrated.
2. Water Based Cleanser
This second cleanse is meant to remove anything that was left behind. This cleanser should be gentle as to not strip your skin. The first and second step are more popularly known as dual cleansing.
3. Exfoliate
Typically done 1-2 times a week depending on your skin type. This step helps remove dead skin cells and improve the skin’s appearance. Exfoliating can be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical being a face scrub or a tool such as a brush and chemical being AHAs and BHAs.
4. Toner
These are very different from our western toners. Many western toners have alcohol in them that strip the skin down. Korean toners tend to not have alcohol in them and are meant to rebalance and hydrate the skin. They can be thicker and creamier in consistancy but vary. This is the skincare step that the “7 skin method” is made of.
5. Essence
Essences are meant to hydrate the skin and prime it for the rest of your skincare routine. They help renewal your skin and have anti-aging benefits. When your skin is hydrated it helps absorb product better. Hydration is the key to youthful skin.
6. Serums
Serums contain a high concentrate of active ingredients. They are able to be absorbed deeper into the skin due to their smaller molecular structure. Serums target specific skin concerns and nourish your skin.
7. Ampoules
These are similar to serums but think of them as a more concentrated form that help regenerate the skin. They are not to replace your serum but to help target skin care concerns with a higher dose. Some ampoules are mixed into moisturizers some are applied before serums, so make sure to read the directions.
8. Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are infused with beneficial ingredients to help nourish the skin. They are an easy and relaxing way to take care of your skin. You can use sheet masks quite often, I use them anytime my skin needs some extra love. With so many sheet masks on the market now it’s easy to find one that suits your skincare needs.
9. Rubber Masks
A rubber mask gives you the most amazing glow! This thick mask helps feed your skin all the beneficial ingredients so they don’t get evaporated before your skin can absorb them. These are one of my favorite products to use during a facial.
10. Eye Creams
The area around your eyes needs extra hydration and is one of the first areas on the face to show signs of aging. Apply eye creams by dabbing around the eye be careful not to pull and tug at the skin.
11. Moisturizer
I think moisturizers are mostly self explanatory. They are meant to hydrate and protect the skin. Picking the right moisturizer is a personal preference but should be based off of your skin type and concerns.
12. SPF
Exposure to the sun causes hyper-pigmentation, free radical damage and skin cancer . SPF is one of the key steps to keep your skin from prematurely aging and is a staple in Korean beauty.
13. Oils
Facial oils can be used as extra hydration. They are great for winter months when your skin needs extra moisture. They help keep hydration locked in your skin and can have wonderful skincare benefits, even for those with oily skin. These are applied before, after, or mixed in with moisturizer.
14. Sleeping Masks
These masks are ideal because they work while you are sleeping as your skin is repairing and regenerating . They create a seal for all those other skincare steps you did plus offer their own great benefits. A bonus is they are easy to use and don’t make a mess.
15. Facial Mist
Facial Mists are great to use throughout the day anytime your face needs extra hydration. They are convenient and some have a cooling effect on the skin. These are perfect for instant hydration!
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