While browsing the internet or walking into your local Ulta, you’ve probably noticed products or signs catering to one of the hottest trends in the beauty industry: K-beauty. Between all the mystery, the hype, BB Creams, the 10+ step skincare routines, it can all become quite confusing.
WHAT IS THE POINT OF KOREAN SKINCARE?
Is it a gimmick or something everyone could benefit from participating in? This post is by no means absolute or the be all end all on the topic and it is not an attempt to convince you one way or the other. It is simply as a way of explaining the method and its perceived benefits.
Check out our review if Korean Skincare is worth the hype, that we posted last week.
In this installment on Korean skincare, we will discuss various products and their users in a routine.
Products and Classifications
Oil Cleansers
The first step in a nighttime routine, oil cleansers begin the process of creating a clean canvas to apply skincare. They were created with a like removes like philosophy and easily break down makeup better than traditional removers. The two most common forms are liquids such as The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil and balms such as Banila Co. Clean It Zero Sherbet Oil Balm Cleanser.
Cleanser
Depending on your skin type, there are a variety of options to choose from. Common forms include, foams, gels, and bars. Regular cleansers are necessary to use after oil cleansers to ensure oil and makeup residue ya completely removed.
Mask
Masks are used 1-2 times a week to address skin concerns. Exfoliating masks are common, such as the infamous Skinfood Black Sugar Wash off Mask as well as various clay masks, yogurt masks, even bubbly masks! The options are endless.
Toner
Toner is a skincare essential across the board, both inside and outside of a Korean routine. Oftentimes they are misconstrued as products to remove excess of sebum/impurities from a poor cleansing job, but this is wrong. A toner is meant to reset the pH of the skin and prepare it for products to come.
Essence
Essences are another layer of moisture, a little thicker than a toner but more runny than a serum. They hydrate the skin, as well as penetrate and help with absorption of upcoming products.
Serums and Ampoules
Serums and ampoules are thicker, more concentrated products that are meant to address specific skin concerns, such as texture, acne, dryness, oiliness, redness, etc. There is some debate between the specific differences between the two products, but generally, ampoules are slightly thicker than a serum.
Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are generally used twice a week, but may be used more or less depending on skin concerns and affordability. A sheet mask is typically a paper mask soaked in a serum and are worn for 15-20 in order to drench the skin in the ingredients.
Eye Cream
Eye creams provide moisture and hydration to the delicate area around the eyes, they can also target concerns such as dark circles, wrinkles, and milia.
Moisturizer
The last, thickest layer of moisture used to lock in the previous products. Moisturizers come in a variety of consistencies such as gels and creams to suit a variety of skin needs. A secondary moisturizer, known as Night Pack can be used to further promote hydration.
Sunscreen
Used only in the day, sunscreen is the most important skincare step to prevent aging. Korean sunscreens come in a vast array of varieties and consistency, so it is worth seeking out the perfect product for you.
Hopefully, this was an informative yet simple dive into the world of Korean skincare. Try it out, and see if it makes a difference in your skin!