Korean Skincare Routine Part 1
Over a year ago I ran across an article about Korean skincare. Although I did not think much of it at first- I mean how different can a skincare routine be? I was so wrong and it has changed my life.
Korean skincare is comprised of a 10+ step process and I am now a true believer in this multi-step process that half the world has been using for centuries. Think about it- we layer our makeup to make it work properly: moisturizer, primer, more primer, foundation, concealer, powder, etc., the same mentality works for skincare too. Each layer helps prep the layer after and helps the layer before. They all work together to give your skin the attention ti deserves. Let’s begin!
First- the Double Cleanse. I cannot stress the importance of this enough for all skin types. As an oily skinned gal, this was a no brainer. First you start out with an emulsifying oil based cleanser. This may sound scary- it’s not. Oil based cleansers really help breakup your makeup, remove sunscreen and extract excess oils. Oil based cleaners are applied to dry skin, massaged into the skin and also lightly around the eyes (depending upon your sensitivity and the type of cleanser you’re using) and then emulsified with a little water. Once your face is swirled around with all your makeup, simply rinse with water.
There are so many fabulous velvety oil based cleansers on the market, like the Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Oil. But my personal fav way to remove makeup is a cleansing balm, like BANILA CO Clean It Zero Purity or Heimish All Clean Balm. Full Review HERE. Cleansing balms like these start out as a soft solid and turn into a liquid upon warming up on your skin- think coconut oil. These babies melt my heart. Get it… Both balms break down and remove my makeup like no other and feel so velvety smooth on your skin and your face wash turns into a facial massage.
Next is a foaming facial cleanser. I did not realize before how important it is to use the right facial cleanser…but I have seen the light! It is very important to use a gentle cleanser with a low pH- my all time fav is Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser. First, Cosrx is one of my favorite trusty brands- I’ll go into that in a separate post. This cleanser foams up easily, has light tea tree smell which make me feel like I’m doing something healthy for my skin (which I am) and leaves my skin so soft with no irritation at all. I never even knew my skin felt irritated after I washed my face before until I tried this- I was like, oh, that’s how my skin should feel? You mean it shouldn’t feel tight and slightly itchy? And I was using what I thought was good facial cleansers before… I’ll cover that in a separate post!
After your skin is so fresh and so clean clean- it’s time to start layering on your products. Rule to follow when in doubt: apply thinnest to lightest.
Generally after washing it’s Toner time! And no- this is nothing like American toners that sting your face and only use on oily skin. Asian toners help bring your skin to life and balance your skin after you’re finished cleaning it. My personal favorite is has a cult following and has lived up to its reputation, Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, super easy name right? (Pictured above) This bad boy is thicker than most toners, which typically feel like water, and glides on your skin easily and absorbs quickly. My skin instantly feel nourished and plump. On super lazy days I swear this is all I would need to put on my face and I would feel ready to go. Another great toner that gives an extra punch of benefits is the Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner. While this does not plump or feel hydrating, it has aha/bha action to keep clear congested skin and dramatically helped with the texture of my skin.
The next step for me is a First Treatment Essence (FTE). The history behind FTEs is that years ago people began to notice how youthful and beautiful the women’s hand were who worked in the sake factories throughout Asia and the cosmetics industry went to work and began making products that focused around galactomyces ferment filtrate found in fermented sake. The Rolls Royce of FTE is the SK-II First Treatment Essence, but since that made it’s debut, many many other companies have copied (for lack of a better word) their holy grail product and have made it actually affordable for normal people. The one I am currently using is the Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence. Like with most FTE, I do absolutely notice a “glow from within” in my skin and feel like it provides me with an overall healthier complexion. Is it a miracle worker? No. Will you be like “OMG I cannot live without it!”? Probably not.. but that’s been my experience with all FTEs and I still have and will continue to make sure I use it religiously because honey, I want that glow!
Next I move on to “actives”…. in Part 2!
