What Do Koreans Do for a Healthy Skin?

All You Need to Know About Korean Skin Care

For years people have looking at Koreans for getting flawless skin. Korean skin care routines have even inspired the production of skin care products.

But what exactly do Koreans do for their skin? It is a combination of beauty steps for taking care of their skin, as well as a healthy diet. We have broken down all of their steps here for you.

Cleansers:

Using cleansers is the first step of skin care routines, used by Korean men and women. There are two types of cleansers that the Koreans use; one of them is an oil-based cleanser and the other one is a water-based cleanser.

The oil-based cleanser is used to remove makeup as well as other impurities from the surface of the skin whereas the water-based cleanser removes the remaining residues that make it hard for the skin to exfoliate and enlarge the pores.

The key is to find a product suitable for your skin, which will not leave your skin dry and it will not nor make it greasy.

 

Toners:

Koreans swear by clean skin. They never leave it there after using a cleanser, since cleansers only clean the surface level impurities. The next step is applying a suitable toner so as to clean out the skin pores more deeply.

The toners that hydrate the skin, balance the pH of the skin, and moisturize it are the most popular products with Koreans.

Always remember to clean your face with first a cleanser, and then apply toner every night. Nothing compares to clean skin, that has the ability to exfoliate and breathe naturally.

Essences:

After cleansing comes hydrating and moisturizing. One of the Korean skin care tricks is the use of essences. Compared with serums, essences are more fluid and less concentrated. There are a variety of essences with different functions, main purpose are to keep the skin hydrated, moisturized, bright, and purified.

Unlike toners, you don’t need to spray essences on a pad in order to use them. You can spray them directly on your face.

Imagine your skin to be a sponge, once it is plumped with water, everything else will be absorbed more easily and quickly. So you can use it for layering and adding other products like moisturizers.

Serums and ampoules:

The products that are formulated with the active ingredients target specific needs depending on the skin type and the needs of the skin, such as fine lines, loss of the skin firmness and dehydration.

Generally, serums are known to be more viscous in texture than essences. Ampoules are more concentrated versions of the serums. Both of them are great for the skin and are being used by the Koreans regularly. These products can be used in any order, but generally, the thicker products are used later.

 

Moisturizers:

A daily application of moisturizers is mandatory to maintain the skin’s moisture and to keep it safe from the environmental damages which can affect your skin.

These moisturizers act as a lock. This means that they help to keep the products you have already used to stay on your skin. Another function of moisturizers is keeping your skin safe from wrinkles and fine lines.

 

Sunscreens:

When it comes to sunscreen, for Koreans it is not optional, but essential. The other name of the sunscreen is sunblock. Before heading out of the house, the application of the sunscreen is mandatory. Sunscreen keeps the skin safe from the UV rays of the sun which can damage your skin.

It is important to use moisturizers then apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out. And this means even on cloudy days you need to have your sunscreen on.

Apart from all these routines, the Koreans use other side skin care products as well. It is not necessary to use these products every day. They are used on especial occasions, or whenever there is time for caring a little bit more for the skin. Let’s have a look at them.

Exfoliants:

Exfoliants are products which remove dead skin cells and unwanted particles, such as pollution, from the surface of the skin. As a result, the skin cleans deeper, rough cells are removed from the surface of the skin, the skin gets softer, and looks younger. Regular exfoliation for 2-3 times a week can promote the turnover of the cells.

Gentle scrubs fall in this category. Another product is Gommage peels which are used extensively by Koreans. The product allows the dead skin to roll off with a mix of the extracts from fruits and botanicals.

Sheet masks:

Sheet masks are one of the easies skin care products to apply. You can do it at home, no need to visit a parlor for it or do extensive training for using it. You just need to pick the right sheet masks for your specific skin.

The sheet masks act like serums which can be used when necessary. A good sheet mask will enable you to customize your routine and get a glowing skin.

Sleep masks:

Another favorite skin care trick with Koreans is using sleep masks. Sleep masks are packed with ingredients that are very active. Because of their lightness, they are easy to use and stay all night on your skin. The only problem might be your sleeping habits. You don’t want the mask on your pillow.

Applying a mask and leaving it over the night while you sleep can have a better and more long-lasting effect on the skin.

While it is important to use the right products for the skin and maintain a skin care routine, diet also plays an important role to achieve a healthy skin.

Most of the Koreans’ diet consists of fresh vegetables, greens, and sea food. All of these elements contain high levels of fiber and vitamins. The nutrients absorbed by eating, help digestion and metabolism. The result is fresher, tougher and brighter skin.

As you see, the Koreans’ secret to a healthy looking and glowing skin is not a complicated formula. Your skin needs to be clean, hydrated, moisturized, and nourished. All you have to do is to purchase the right products for your skin type and pick up a healthy diet.

There you go. Have a happy and healthy skin like a Korean and don’t forget to let us know if this was helpful.