What is its philosophy?

The global beauty trend that transforms our skin, k-beauty or otherwise known as korean beauty, comes from South Korea. Koreans are enthusiasts of flawless beauty and believe that superficial treatment or prevention does not bring long-term results.

On the contrary, to achieve maximum effectiveness of care, the nutrients of the products need to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin through proper skin preparation.

You have surely heard terms like glass skin, cloudless skin, or honey skin, which refer to the philosophy of Korean skincare, aiming to achieve healthy and hydrated skin that appears naturally flawless and radiant. With K-beauty, there was a shift from heavy makeup, harsh chemical ingredients, and extensive sun exposure to healthy and hydrated skin using ingredients derived from nature and protecting the skin from sun radiation.

Why Choose Korean Skincare Products?

The Korean beauty products focus more on protecting and strengthening the skin barrier and microbiome to combat wrinkles. When the microbiome is balanced, it protects against external environmental attacks and enhances the skin's defense. Additionally, it can help strengthen the protective barrier function. Conversely, a disrupted barrier can make the skin appear dull, dry, irritated, and more wrinkled.

What are the steps of the k-beauty routine?

Below you will see the steps you need to follow to achieve a radiant face, as well as some Korean skincare products that are worth incorporating into your daily care routine. 

Of course, it is not necessary to follow all the steps of this routine daily, but you can choose the ones that best meet the needs of your skin.

Step 1. Cleansing - Makeup Removal

According to Korean philosophy, cleansing is perhaps the most important step in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. So, to properly remove makeup, Korean experts recommend using a cleansing oil, cleansing balm, or micellar water. Their composition breaks down makeup, mascara, even waterproof, and cleanses the skin leaving it soft and hydrated.

How to apply: Apply a small amount of oil to a dry face and neck and gently massage. Then, wet your fingers with lukewarm water so that the product forms a light foam, and continue massaging for a few seconds. If you use micellar water, gently cleanse your face with a makeup removal pad. Once the makeup has been successfully removed, rinse thoroughly.

Tip: Cleanse your skin this way even if you are not wearing any makeup to remove impurities.

Step 2. Double Cleansing - Water Rinse Cleanser

Double cleansing? It might seem strange, but Koreans believe that after makeup removal, it's essential to cleanse your skin with a foaming product that rinses off with water to ensure the removal of any residue from pollutants, sebum, and makeup.

How to apply: Wet your skin and pour a small amount of cleanser into your palms, creating a foam. Then, gently massage your face and neck and rinse well with lukewarm water.

Step 3. Exfoliating - Scrub or Peeling

You don't need to exfoliate daily, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, it is necessary 1-2 times a week to keep your skin smooth and radiant. Removing dead cells is essential for the absorption of other cosmetics you apply afterward. Additionally, it activates blood circulation for the immediate renewal of cells, leaving the skin smooth and radiant.

How to apply: Put a small amount on your fingers and gently massage your face in a circular motion. Rinse well. If you have combination/oily skin, scrub twice a week; if you have normal skin, once a week; and if you have dry skin, once every 10 days.

Step 4. Hydrating Toner

The toner, also known as a tonic lotion, is applied after cleansing. It cleanses the skin of your face more deeply, hydrates it, stabilizes the skin's pH, and prepares it to better absorb the ingredients you will apply next. 

How to apply: Soak a cotton pad with Korean toner and dab it all over your face, neck, and décolleté area.

Step 5. Essence or Mist

This is a lightweight composition that resembles water and you may have heard it referred to as "essence," "mist," or "hydro mist." The hydrating concentrate is perhaps the most essential step in any skincare routine, regardless of skin type or age. Its role is to revitalize the skin and enhance its moisture retention ability. It usually includes complexes of plant antioxidant extracts that care for and strengthen the skin's defense.

How to apply: Place a few drops in your palm and gently pat your face, neck, and décolletage until absorbed. 

Step 6. Serum

This category includes boosters, serums, and ampoules. These are concentrated formulas that add another layer of hydration, enhance the action of each cream, and address a targeted skin need: anti-aging, radiance, firming, whitening, wrinkle filling, elasticity, reconstruction. Choose according to your needs.

How to apply: Put the required amount of k-beauty serum on your fingers and gently spread it on your skin.

Step 7. Sheet Masks

Fabric masks: The special step that you may not be able to enjoy daily, but provides maximum nourishment to the skin and offers a touch of luxury and relaxation.

How to apply: Use it 1-2 times a week. Its application is simple: Place the soaked fabric on your face and relax for 15-20 minutes. After the time has elapsed, remove the sheet and gently massage your face, neck, and décolleté to better absorb all the mask's ingredients.

Step 8. Eye Cream - Gel

The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive compared to the rest of the face, so it requires special care. A product that targets the needs of this area will provide the hydration and protection it needs.

How to apply: Apply a small amount of cream-gel around and on the eyes. Gently dab with your fingers, without rubbing the area, until the product is absorbed.

Step 9. Moisturizer

The moisturizer comes in many forms: gel, cream, lotion, or emulsion. Choose the one that suits your skin type and needs to seal in all the skincare products you used above.

How to apply: Apply the moisturizer and make gentle circular motions, moving from the center of the face towards the temples and hairline.

Step 10. Sleeping mask/cream

Alternatively, for nighttime, opt to apply a sleeping mask, the rich and creamy formula of which will hydrate your skin even more while you sleep.

Step 11: Sun Protection

For Asian women, perfect skin is bright, even-toned, without discolorations and spots. That’s why the Korean morning routine ends with a sunscreen that has a high protection factor. Sunscreen is your weapon against photoaging. 

Attention: Apply it last, so it does not prevent the other formulations from penetrating the skin. 

How to apply: Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the house. 

Dedicate as much time as you can daily to yourself and your skin.
With patience and consistency, you too will achieve the results of flawless and radiant skin. As for the future of K-beauty, we believe it is here to stay.

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