For thousands of years, the oriental culture has focused on health and well-being. The oriental techniques and procedures performed have had obvious and successful results, so they have been extracted and taken to the west where it has been a challenge to implement them but they have been greatly appreciated.
Such is the case of the Korean facial routine, which is currently implemented in the West for the wonderful and multiple benefits it offers to all Korean women who perform the facial routine day and night.
We want to tell you what makes your ritual so special and how to do it step by step.
1. Makeup remover/Oil cleanser
The first step of the Korean routine is to remove or “melt” the makeup with an oil-based product. This step can be used by any type of skin because there are various oil-based make-up removers on the market with a variety of ingredients adapted to the tastes and needs of the skin. Thanks to these types of formulas, makeup is easily and completely removed.
How to use: on the dry face, you must apply a small amount (the size of an almond) on the fingertips and make gentle circular movements throughout the face until all the makeup is melted. Then, remove with plenty of water.
2. Cleaner
If there is a peculiarity in the ritual of the Korean facial routine, it is the “double cleansing”. After melting the remains of makeup and removing the impurities accumulated during the day or dead cells detached during the night, the next step is to clean the face with a water-based soap gel. In this way, we finish eliminating any remaining that may have been left, in addition to removing the oil from the first step very gently.
How to use: Apply a small amount (the size of an almond) in the fingertips and make gentle circular movements throughout the face for 1 minute. Remove with plenty of water.
3. Facial scrub
To continue, the next step consists of using a facial scrub. Some products used in skincare have certain rules, in the case of the scrub, it must be applied as follows:
– Once or twice a week on oily skin and mixed skin.
– 1 time a week on normal skin and sensitive skin.
– 1 time every 15 days on dry skin.
These instructions will help you apply the scrub the right way since it is a more aggressive process with the skin. With this step, it is possible to eliminate in-depth the dead cells and impurities that accumulate in the pores getting a complete cleaning and a smooth, uniform and luminous skin.
How to use: apply a small amount (the size of an almond) on the fingertips and make gentle circular movements throughout the face for 1 minute. Remove with plenty of water.
4. Facial toner
The toner is a fundamental product, a very important step that should not be omitted. It is responsible for repairing the skin barrier, balances the pH of the skin, removes the remains of cleanser, prepares the skin to receive the rest of treatments and allows improved absorption of the products that will be applied later. The ingredients of facial toners are mostly natural (rosehip, lavender, cucumber, aloe vera) which helps provide freshness and soothing effect on the skin.
How to use: It can be applied with a cotton disc giving small touches all over the face or can be applied directly with the hands on face and neck.
5. Essence
The essence is the most characteristic product of the Korean beauty routine, and although it does not end up settling in the western world, it is the key to getting a brighter, younger and radiant skin. It is not a toner, nor a serum but it is miraculous and including it in your ritual will mark a before and after.
It has the mission of moisturizing the skin in the short term while performing daily application causes an exfoliating and repairing effect.
It is a key product to enhance the effect of cell renewal, increase firmness and elasticity. On the other hand, it is a facial product that helps prepare the skin and improve the absorption of the products that you will apply later, such as the serum or moisturizer. In fact, it can double the effectiveness of the products.
How to use: Apply the product directly on the fingertips and give small touches all over the face.
6. Serum/Ampoule
The next step is serum or ampoule. It is ideal for treating specific skin problems such as dark spots, fine lines of expression, wrinkles and at the same time improves elasticity, firmness, unifies skin color, provides extra luminosity and hydration. The ingredients that you can find in a facial serum or ampoule are hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E), peptides, aloe vera, grape seed extract, jojoba extract, avocado extract, among others. The consistency of the serum or ampoules is denser, the active ingredients are more concentrated and are much more effective.
How to use: You can use 2 to 3 drops of the facial serum or an ampoule and extend in ascending movements by face and neck.
7. Facial mask
It is a really fun step, with a very wide variety to choose the best one according to the needs of the skin, also, it will be a relaxing moment. The result and positive changes in the skin are instantaneous, the skin at this time will be like a sponge, and everything you apply will penetrate and exert the right effect in depth.
How to use: Apply the facial mask and remove it with plenty of water after 10 to 15 minutes. They can be used once or twice a week.
8. Eye cream
The eye contour area is thin and very delicate, it needs specific formulas that are totally different from the other previously applied products. The Koreans know it and that’s why they dedicate an exclusive step. The eye contour cream is characterized by being creamy but at the same time light and easily absorbed, it contains vitamins, actives and minerals necessary to maintain adequate hydration, preserve elasticity, and correct small imperfections such as wrinkles and fine expression lines.
How to use: it is applied gently in small touches with the help of the ring fingertip, since it has less muscular strength.
9. Moisturizer
The moisturizer is essential for any type of skin and is available in the market for each type of skin and with multiple ingredients. Also, there are two types of facial creams.
– Day facial creams are moisturizing, nourishing, light texture and rapid absorption. They will not feel sticky during the day, will protect the skin and provide adequate hydration.
– Night facial creams are dense, creamy and with a greater amount of nutrients and vitamins to promote deep skin repair during nighttime rest. The main function lies in performing specific treatments such as reducing wrinkles, fine lines of expression, lightening skin color by reducing the appearance of dark spots, unifying tone, promoting elasticity and deep hydration.
Facial creams have a denser texture than the rest of the facial products used, and therefore, should be applied at the end of the routine.
10. Sunscreen
The last step, and probably one of the most important for Koreans, is the sunscreen during the day. They know that protecting themselves from the sun is vital to maintain healthy and youthful skin for much longer.
Although for some women the routine is complex, it is not! It is always important to give you 10 to 15 minutes so that your skin can enjoy optimal care. I assure you that by implementing this skincare routine you will see positive changes and feel more enthusiasm for performing this facial routine day after day.
