Decoding the Korean Skin care: 8 Steps to flawless skin!!
By Ankita
When it comes to modern day skin care, Koreans are a step ahead. Korean skin care lines are flooding the Indian Market and NOT for no reason. Skin care is not just a regime for them, it is more of a ritual. They stick to their age old rule and result? Flawless, translucent skin.
Disclaimer!!! Of course, genetics and geography play an important role in determining skin condition, but hey! how you treat your skin has an equal impact on how it feels and looks.
So, here are the 8 essential steps that are basic to any Korean skin care regimen, broken down and simplified just for you.
1. Oil Cleansing:
Sounds scary? Oil cleansing has proven extremely beneficial all skin types when it comes to cleansing. The idea is to break down the dirt and impurities stuck in pores and wipe them off easily with a warm damp cloth. All you need to do is take a few drops of cleansing oil and massage it into your skin in upward and circular motion. Take a few minutes of steam or put a damp warm cloth on your face. Then wipe it off using the same cloth and you are all ready for the next step.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Rich Oil
Price: 18$/Rs.3690 (Buy HERE)
2. Foaming Cleanser:
Oil cleansing removes all traces of makeup and other product built up. Using a foam based cleanser post oil cleansing ensures that all the residues impurities are stripped off and you get a clean canvas to work on. The added advantage is that your face won’t feel oily.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam-Aloe
Price: 1530 INR (Buy HERE)
3. Exfoliator:
Exfoliation is the key to a smoother skin. Using an exfoliator removes the surface layer of dead skin cells and reveals a fresh skin. It is however very important to remember not to use an abrasive scrub. A gentle foam based exfoliator would do the trick. I stick to the rule of 2 times exfoliation per week, you can, however, increase the frequency with prior consultation with your dermatologist.
Product Recommendation: Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Scrub Foam
Price: 2264 INR (Buy HERE)
4. Toner:
Tired of open pores? DO NOT skip on your toner. Toning balances the pH level of skin and helps in shrinking the size of pores. Some toners even have the added advantage of reducing inflammation and fighting acne. To get the maximum benefit out of it, take a cotton ball and gently dab it on your skin (not swipe) for a couple of times. Koreans even use these moisturizing toners for 7 times, as it adds the required hydration to the skin.
Product Recommendation: The Faceshop Mango Seed Silk Moisturizing Toner
Price: 1192 INR (Buy HERE)
5. Essence:
Although essence and serum are confused to be the same, they have some points of differences. An essence is traditionally a light weight, almost watery formula, with hoards of benefits. They target an overall skin condition, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. Dab it gently into the skin. Leave it for some time, for the skin to soak in all the goodness.
Product Recommendation: MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
Price: INR 1770 (Buy HERE)
6. Sheet Mask:
Now, I believe I do not need to say tons about sheet masks. They are in a rave, convenient, efficient and all the blah. But trust all the blah is true! Sheet masks are cotton masks soaked in goodness and target a specific skin condition. All you need to do is, put them on for 15-20 minutes and wait for the magic to happen! Korean women swear by using one mask a day.
Product Recommendation: Innisfree Its Real Squeeze Mask Sheet Aloe
Price: 100 INR (Buy HERE)
7. Serum:
Now a serum, is somewhat, a first cousin of an essence. They are however thicker in consistency and address a specific concern such as anti-aging, skin brightening, and the sort. Serums are power houses and are more concentrated in nature. A pea size amount would be enough for the entire face.
Product Recommendation: The Face Shop Chia Seed Moisture Recharge Serum
Price: 1690 INR (Buy HERE)
8. Moisturizer:
So, we have arrived at the final step: Moisturization. A light weight cream ensures that the moisture stays locked up and gives the skin a final touch of glow. Again, there are a lot of moisturizers to choose from. But I would suggest going for something that is light weight and non comedogenic. This kind of cream ensures your face does not turn into a grease ball.
Product Recommendation: Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Cream
Price: 1750 INR (Buy HERE)
I really hope this article gave you an insight into the world of K-Beauty. Try these and let us know your thoughts on the same.
Any suggestion and comments are always welcome. 🙂
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