Get it right
When it comes to taking care of my skin, I like to keep it to a minimum. I look for products with specific ingredients that go to the source of my facial problems and solve those issues immediately. So when I heard of the Korean skincare routine and looked it up, I was a bit flabbergasted, and I thought to myself this sounds a bit overwhelming, but have you seen those Korean girls and the way their skin looks? I doubt they were all born with glass looking skin; their skin is almost porcelain looking. I said to my self there must be a reason their 10 step beauty routine is trending
What exactly is glass skin?
The “glass skin” look refers to incredibly moisturized and luminous skin, it’s almost translucent and mimics clear glass. It has become more popular than the matte look as it gives the illusion of healthy skin. “Your hands are the best tool for creating a plump beautiful skin texture and to drain some excess fluids with a lymphatic massage and even to apply your own make up. On that note, make sure your hands are clean throughout these steps.
1. Cleansing oil – At the end of the day, it is imperative to cleanse your skin, whether you applied makeup or not. Double cleansing is a big part of the Korean skincare routine. The first cleanser is mostly an oil-based cleanser. Using an oil-based cleanser like Banila Co cleansing balm, which is a 3-in-1 cleanser will melt away makeup, sunscreen, and at the same time, draw oil and impurities out of your pores.
2. Face wash – The second step In this routine involves using a water-based face wash for a deeper cleanse. With this step, it is vital to choose a face wash that is best for your skin type. If you have oily/acne-prone skin, a cleanser with salicylic acid will help give you a deeper cleanse. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, therefore, washing out gunk, bacteria, and dirt from your pores.
3. Exfoliator – To get the Korean ”glassy” skin that we all so desire, exfoliating is a step that you can not skip. Exfoliating your skin will remove dead skin cells that make your skin look dull and tired. Exfoliating will help your skin regenerate at a faster pace, and it will also help other skin products to absorb better into your skin and work to achieve its purpose. Some of the best ingredients to look for include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and if you have sensitive skin, opt for mandelic acid.
4. Toner – After exfoliating, use a toner to calm and soothe your skin. Toners have been controversial in the beauty industry – some experts argue against it on the basis that toners strip the skin of needed hydration, but this happens when your toner is choke-full of alcohol. Recently, alcohol in toners has been done away with, which is good. Most Korean toners are made to inject the skin with hydration to plump the skin.
5. Essence – Korean women adore their essence; this is the step where you are using a product to help your cell turn over to reveal brighter skin. A skin essence is thinner in consistency compared to serum. Essences are highly concentrated with powerful ingredients that help give your skin hydration, repair your skin barrier, and even out your skin tone.
6. Serum – Serums are the bedrock of the Korean skincare routine. Everything you have done in steps one through five preps your skin for step six. A serum is packed with potent ingredients to treat your skin. If you suffer from acne, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, dehydrated skin, a serum is the product to take care of all your skin issues. Look for ingredients such as niacinamide, retinol, peptides, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, matrixyl 3000 to help treat your skin issues.
7. Mask – Sheet masks pack a lot of hydration, and most sheet masks are infused with serums, so after you have applied your sheet mask and waited the allotted time, take your mask off, and gently pat the rest of the product into your skin.
8. Eye cream – If you carefully study the face of Korean women, you will notice they don’t have under-eye bags or dark circles, amazing! It is said that they start using eye cream at a young age. They usually use creams that have ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and snail filtrate, which is full of elastin and proteins.
9. Moisturize – After all the hydration your skin has received, it is time to lock it all in with a moisturizer. Cream, gel moisturizers, or facial oils are best.
10. SPF – Last but not least, do not forget your sunscreen.