Routine

The Full Korean 10-Step Skin Care Routine

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SkinTalks - June 09, 2022

Introduction

1. Oil cleanser

2. Water-based cleanser

Hey there, SkinTalks readers!

Welcome to our Korean skincare adventure! The 10-Step Routine may seem overwhelming, but fear not— the KS Team is here to guide you through each step with expertise and enthusiasm.

In this blog, we'll help you find the perfect routine, making it accessible and enjoyable. From double cleansing to sheet masks, we'll explore each step, offering valuable insights and product recommendations. Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge to create a personalized skincare routine tailored to your needs.

Whether you're a skincare newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, join us on this journey into the world of Korean skincare. Let the KS Team be your trusted companions as we unravel the secrets of the 10-Step Routine, turning what might seem like a challenge into a delightful and rewarding experience for your skin. Get ready for radiant, glowing skin and a newfound appreciation for the art of self-care!

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Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

€13.95

1. Oil cleanser

The important first step of double cleansing, designed to gently eliminate makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and dissolved impurities. Choose from formulations available in either oil or balm texture.

The main difference between an oil cleanser and a balm cleanser lies in their texture.
An oil cleanser is like your trusty liquid companion with a lightweight, fluid consistency. It's fantastic for effortlessly breaking down makeup and impurities on your skin. It's that quick, no-fuss solution that many love for its ease of use.

On the other hand, we've got balm cleansers. Instead of a liquid, they're more like a solid, almost like a luxurious wax. Imagine a rich, creamy substance that glides smoothly onto your skin. It's like giving your face a gentle massage while effectively removing makeup and impurities.

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2. Water-based cleanser

The second step of the double cleansing is a water-based cleanser. Water cleansers are used to remove water-based impurities like sweat and dirt after your oil cleanser removes oil-based impurities like makeup and SPF. Go for a gentle cleanser that cleanses effectively.

Some cleansers can be a bit harsh and leave your skin feeling dry. Not all cleansers are like that! We're all about the water-based ones that not only clean but also keep your skin hydrated and balanced. We recommend going for water-based cleansers with a low pH, around 5.5. Why, you ask? Because that's like the sweet spot that matches your skin's natural acidity.

Using a low pH cleanser isn't just about getting rid of impurities; it's about maintaining that happy place for your skin. So, if you've ever worried about your cleanser being too harsh, dive into the world of water-based cleansers with us. Your skin will thank you for the hydrating and balancing functions they bring to the skincare table!

Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser

€14.06

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Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

€15.82

3. Exfoliator

Exfoliation is such a great addition to your skincare routine! While cleansing takes care of dirt and oil, exfoliation goes a step further by gently removing dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull or clog your pores. It helps leave your skin feeling soft, looking fresh, and ready to soak up all the goodness from the rest of your skincare products.

Now, depending on the exfoliator's strength, the golden rule is usually once a week. Some chemical exfoliants are soft enough to use daily, but here's the lowdown: start slow, my skincare lovers. Start using an exfoliant once a week. And when you think that your skin can take more, build it slowly up.

Especially when using chemical exfoliants, it's particularly important to remember to use sunscreen! Chemical exfoliants, such as BHA/PHA/AHA, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

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4. Toner

Toners help remove leftover impurities, rebalance the skin's pH level and prep your skin for the rest of your routine. The hydration brought to your skin by a toner helps other products to be absorbed more efficiently.

We're flipping the script on traditional Western toners and diving into the world of Korean skincare toners, where the game is all about hydration and a lot less irritation. Unlike traditional Western skincare toners, Korean skincare toners are not astringent or contain drying alcohol contents.

The application of Korean toners traditionally involves employing either a cotton pad or a delicate patting technique. This method ensures a gentle and refreshing experience for the skin.

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5. Essence

Essences are lightweight, water-based treatments that focus on hydrating the skin and also further prepping the skin. They typically contain active ingredients that help address skin issues but in lower concentrations than a serum.

One of the Korean Skincare routine's defining qualities. Essences are water-based treatments that are lightweight and packed with moisturizing, protecting, and anti-aging ingredients. They help keep skin hydrated, healthy, and balanced. In combination with cleansing and toning, they help enhance the effectiveness of the treatment products applied afterwards.

When skin is healthy and sufficiently hydrated, it is less susceptible to irritation and dullness and more capable of effectively absorbing nutrients.

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6. Serum/Ampoule

Serums and ampoules contain more concentrated and potent active ingredients to address skin concerns. They do not contain emulsifiers (stabilizer) or emollients (makes the skin soft) to allow active ingredients to absorbs into the skin faster.

Serums contain potent ingredients that address specific skin issues such as fine lines, dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. They are more concentrated in active ingredients and typically more viscous than essences.

Another product that can also be used as Step 6 is an ampoule. Ampoules are even more concentrated and potent than serums. While serums can be used daily, most ampoules should only be used once a week or if you need big results for an event.

Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum

€24.26

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7. Face mask

Sheet masks are like a mini-facial that replenish your skin's nutrients and moisture, this giving it an extra boost. It's recommended to use these once or twice a week, but you can use them as much as you'd like.

Masks are the heart of your Korean skincare routine. Sheet masks are a semi-weekly ritual that replenishes your skin's nutrients and moisture. Wash-off masks help remove deeply rooted impurities in the skin while helping exfoliate. Sleep masks help add an extra layer of moisture while you sleep.

Adding face masks to your routine gives your skin that extra boost while also being very relaxing and rejuvenating to use.

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8. Eye care

Eye care includes creams and eye patches that address the super sensitive skin around the eye area. These are specially formulated with extra gentle ingredients to help brighten dark circles and decrease fine lines.

Eye creams and eye patches care for the most sensitive and delicate skin areas while targeting concerns such as dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. All of our eye care products are specifically formulated with extra-gentle ingredients.

We recommend you to use your eye cream daily, both morning and night. For eye patches, they can be used daily or as desired throughout the week.

Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

€16.38

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9. Moisturizer

Moisturizers come in various forms, including creams, gels, lotions, and oils. Some even contain sun protection.

They come as a last step to help lock in all the super hydrating products used before it. While it does help introduce more hydration, its main job is to prevent moisture from leaving the skin (transepidermal water loss).

Many people like to use a different moisturizer in the morning than they do at night. It's common to use a lighter, gel moisturizer during the day and a heavier, more emollient moisturizer at night. What's most important is to use a moisturizer that best suits your skin type.

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10. Sunscreen

During your morning routine, you should always wear sunscreen on top of a moisturizer. Look for sunscreens that contain broadband protection, meaning they have both SPF (UVB protection) and PA (UVA protection).

Sunscreens typically are categorized as chemical or mineral based on their active ingredients. Chemical sunscreens use chemicals to filter out the sun's damaging UV rays. Mineral sunscreens use active ingredients that reflect the sun's rays. While both are effective as sun protection, we typically recommend mineral sunscreens for those who are pregnant or have more sensitive skin.

Old sunscreens can have a bad reputation for leaving white-casts or having a strong, chemical smell. However, newer, Korean Skincare brands' sunscreens have improved significantly. Many blend into the skin without leaving white-casts and also have more pleasant smells (or are fragrance-free). Furthermore, most sunscreens nowadays contain skin beneficial ingredients and are very hydrating.

Most importantly! Always remember to re-apply sunscreen throughout the day for full coverage protection.

Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

€14.49

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Final thoughts

No one is required to do all 10 steps. And doing all 10 steps will not always guarantee you perfect, glass skin. The most important thing is to find a routine that works for you, whether that be a 3 steps skincare routine, or 5, or 10, or somewhere in-between! Everyone's skin is different, and everyone's lifestyles are different.

The fun and joy of skincare come from trying new things, testing out new products, and finding new and exciting ways to take care of our skin. Let this article be a starting point for you on your skincare journey. And along that journey, we encourage you to take all of the freedoms and liberties you want in your skincare routine because it's YOURS. Be patient with yourself, and the results will come.

Overall, remember you're already beautiful. We at Korean Skincare believe in doing skincare because we're all about showing the glow from within. And whenever you might feel confused about products or have questions, the KS team is always here to help.

Take care and until next time.

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