I spent my weekend catching up on my favorite Korean series (gotta loveeee the Korean movies!!), and I couldn’t help being consumed by pink envy at how flawless, dewy and healthy their skin looked. It really makes you wonder where you went wrong in your skin care routine.
Well, I admit, I was curious so I did a little digging of my own and I found out the whys, the what’s and the how to’s!
The Korean skincare routine might seem a little extreme at first, but it really just boils down to cleansing, exfoliating, treating, intensely moisturizing and applying plenty of SPF during the day. The real difference between how Koreans take care of their skin compared to how we go about it is that in Korea thorough skincare is really just a part of culture— you’re programmed to start very early (well before your first pair of heels).
Tip 1: Pre-cleanse Makeup Removal
Remove your eye makeup gently with makeup remover, cleanse with gentle oil cleanser and lukewarm water. The last thing you want to do is tug the skin around your eyes, because, like most things in life, it will hold up better if you handle it delicately. You can also use it to remove any long-wear lipstick.
Tip 2: The Cleanse
If you’re going to spend 30 minutes putting makeup on your face, you should spend the same amount of time and care when cleaning it off. Use an oil cleanser and in gentle, circular motions, massage and clean off that foundation with your fingers. Koreans believe that massaging (and believe it or not), slapping the face increases circulation, which equals brighter skin.
Tip 3: Toning
This is an essential Tip. It’s believed to help remove pollutants along with any residue from your cleansers, while also restoring your skin’s pH balance. It soothes and preps your skin to absorb the next Tip—the essence. Korean toners are less harsh on the skin and they’re made from more interesting ingredients (including fermented bamboo extract). Dispense the toner onto a cotton pad and wipe your face and neck—and don’t be surprised at the dirty streak left on the pad.
Tip 4: The Essence
This is considered the most important tip in the Korean skin care regimen, yet still a mystery to many. Essence is a nourishing liquid concentrate that effectively enhances skin’s cellular renewal process, leading to an increase in elasticity and firmness, as well as a brighter complexion. Find an essence that appeals to your senses and let your face soak in it. It speeds up your cell turnover rate, which makes skin smoother and brighter. To aid absorption, gently tap it into the skin.
Tip 5: Add an Ampoule
Ampoules are super-concentrated, vitamin-rich versions of essences, and are often referred to as serums and boosters. According to Charlotte Cho founder of sokoglam.com “Its purpose is to directly address any existing or potential anti-aging issues, like dulling skin, uneven tone, or loss of collagen and elasticity.” They help brighten skin, fade sunspots, and smoothen fine lines. This comes highly recommended, so, If you don’t have one, get one.
Tip 6: The Moisturizer
Getting tired?
Rewind. Remember that comprehensive cleansing session that took place in the beginning? You’ll need to replenish your skin’s hydration levels with a lightweight emulsion, which is what we’d call a facial moisturizer. Use your fingertips to lightly massage the product into your face and neck to promote circulation.
If you haven’t noticed, Korean women are all about layering, to the point you feel your skin has been mummified. Once again, generously massage with gentle strokes so that it really, truly, penetrates into your skin.
Tip 7: The Night Cream
For the grand ‘pore less, shiny skin’ finale—or as Korean women like to call it, a dewy, “moist glow”, we double right back again. Smooth on a second layer of moisture with an ultra-chic night cream. The point is, your skin needs to stay hydrated as you recharge overnight. If it’s morning time, skip this and go straight to a BB cream or a product with plenty of SPF ( SPF means Sun Protection Factor).
Finally, Ladies, The key is daily prevention and nurturing, which eliminates any need for expensive facials. If you find yourself stumbling home at the point of extreme exhaustion, barely able to take off your shoes on the way to the bedroom, do yourself a favor and at least wipe off the day’s makeup with some cleansing tissues.
And remember girls; Sleeping in your makeup is the universal ultimate skincare sin – whether you’re in Nigeria or Korea.