Many have noticed that Korean women look great even at a more mature age, and it is very difficult to guess how old they are just by looking at their faces. This is certainly influenced by genetics, diet, lifestyle, etc., but regular and thorough skincare also plays an important part. Specifically, South Korea has deeply rooted traditions regarding how women care for their skin. Morning and evening skincare routines are an important part of every Korean woman’s day. In the following, we will talk about how Korean women care for their skin, what the famous traditional Korean skincare consists of, and how using Korean cosmetics helps take your skincare to a new level.
Traditional Korean skincare and Korean cosmetics in general, unlike the European approach, are focused more on preventing problems and aging rather than eliminating the consequences. For example, Korean women start using wrinkle prevention products quite early, rather than waiting until wrinkles have already appeared. In Europe, however, for some reason, there is a widespread fear of anti-wrinkle products, and they tend to be used at a more mature age when deep wrinkles have already formed and getting rid of them is very difficult, if not impossible.
Korean people tend to think ahead and try to prevent skin problems. Also, in Korea, significantly more attention is paid to skincare specifically, rather than decorative cosmetics, because if the skin is beautiful and healthy, there aren’t as many imperfections to hide with makeup. You could say that they prefer to invest in skin health rather than dealing with hiding or eliminating skin problems that have already arisen. This approach is supported by the multi-step Korean skincare system, which consists of using several products with different effects step-by-step in the correct order to affect different layers of the skin more effectively. Such thorough skincare is a deeply rooted tradition among Korean women, taught by mothers to their daughters from generation to generation. Has your mother taught you how to take care of your skin?
The original Korean skincare routine consists of 10 different steps. For Korean women, this seems completely normal, but for a European person, it might seem too complicated and time-consuming. In this article, we look at a slightly simplified skincare system. It takes a bit less time and is manageable for every woman to follow, yet this system is still very effective and helps significantly improve the condition of the skin. Such a system adds up to a perfect home skincare routine, which is a very good investment in your skin’s health.
Korean cosmetic products and their order of use
Step #1: makeup removal
One of the most important steps is definitely makeup removal and skin cleansing. If the face is not cleaned thoroughly enough, pores become clogged, the skin cannot breathe, blackheads form, pores enlarge, and improperly cleaned skin also doesn’t absorb cosmetics well. Another problem is that if cosmetic products are applied to skin that isn’t clean enough, dirt and various harmful substances floating in the city air and remaining on the skin’s surface can penetrate the skin along with the cream. You could say that if the skin is not clean enough, using the rest of the cosmetics makes no sense—it’s a waste of money because the skin won’t absorb it. Facial cleansing is therefore the foundation of everything. For example, if you have limited funds and are forced to choose between buying high-quality facial cleansers or an expensive cream, definitely choose good and high-quality facial cleansers, because without them, even a good cream won’t do anything.
Korean women generally remove makeup with a special makeup removal oil (hydrophilic oil). This is a special oil that turns into an emulsion upon contact with water. The resulting emulsion easily dissolves even the most stubborn cosmetics and removes makeup residue from inside the pores. A great advantage of the oil is also that it moisturizes the skin instead of drying it out like many makeup removers. Makeup removal oil is an integral part of Korean cosmetics.
Essential Cleansing Oil – moisturizing allergen-free makeup removal oil
After the oil, it is recommended to also use a cleansing foam to remove oil and dissolved makeup residue. In the morning, only cleansing foam is used.
Egg Corset Foam – cleansing foam with egg yolks
Step #2: toner
After cleansing the skin, the next step is toner (Toner). The purpose of the toner is to moisturize and soften the skin, restore pH levels, tone, and prepare it for the application of the rest of the cosmetics. If you wash your face with water, especially if the water is hard, the skin starts to dry out immediately. As surprising as it may be, water dries out the skin. Toner should be used within 5 seconds after washing your face to prevent it from drying. If the skin is dry, it doesn’t absorb cosmetics as well. Toner is therefore very important, because without it, the skin again won’t absorb the remaining products. A common misconception is that toner is for removing makeup. Toner, as the name suggests, is actually for toning the skin.
Vital Bright Toner – toner with Vitamin C
Step #3: serum/essence
A serum (or essence) is a product with a very light texture but highly concentrated nutrients and active ingredients. The serum penetrates deep into the skin and affects the lower layers of the skin from the inside. Since the serum is concentrated, you don’t need much—a few drops are quite enough. There are different types of serums; some come with a pipette, some with a pump. Korean serums have very good absorption; they are very light and do not leave the skin sticky. Instead of a serum, you can also use an essence (similar, but with a slightly different texture). Concentrated serum is one of the cornerstones of Korean cosmetics, without which no Korean woman’s skincare routine is complete.
Marine Active Serum – moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid and seaweed
Step #4: emulsion
After the serum, Korean skincare calls for the use of an emulsion (Emulsion). An emulsion is a very light cream, sometimes even liquid. The emulsion penetrates deeper into the skin than a regular cream and affects the middle layers of the skin. Since the emulsion has a light texture, you can, for example, apply only the emulsion under makeup in the morning and either a cream or both—emulsion and then cream—in the evening. An emulsion can also replace cream in the summer if you want something lighter. Many Korean cosmetic brands produce emulsions because they are considered even more important than face cream.
Aloe Fresh Emulsion – moisturizing and soothing emulsion with aloe
Step #5: face cream and eye cream
Face cream affects the surface layer of the skin the most. Korean skincare suggests that face cream should only be used if you feel your skin needs even more hydration, nourishment, or protection. Face cream is therefore not mandatory; it should be used as needed. If the skin is in good condition, the emulsion is quite enough.
Wrinkle Snail System Cream – anti-aging and restorative face cream with snail mucin
A special eye cream should be used around the eyes, not a regular face cream, because the skin around the eyes is much more delicate and needs special care.
Wrinkle System Eye Cream – firming eye cream with collagen
As you can see, there is nothing complicated here, just 5 steps. This kind of every evening and morning ritual doesn’t take much time at all. Find just 10 minutes for yourself in the morning and evening and your skin will thank you! The Korean skincare system works wonders for the skin, but it must be done thoroughly and regularly. Many Korean cosmetic companies produce their product lines to include all the necessary products according to the Korean skincare system. Following such a system is an investment in your skin’s health, which ensures natural beauty. Remember, beautiful skin is healthy and well-cared-for skin!
The 10-step Korean skincare system is described here: https://sokoglam.com/pages/the-korean-skin-care-routine