Korean women invest a significant amount of time and effort into their skincare, and truth be told, it pays off. Thanks to their special care routine, their skin looks perfectly clean and almost porcelain-like. So, what's the secret?
Korean skincare involves several steps.
Stage 1: Cleansing.
The cleansing process is divided into two stages: removing makeup (preference is given to oil-based products) and washing (cleansing foam).
Oil-based products:
- Hydrophilic oil - a product for deep cleansing the skin, which contains oils, emulsifiers, and vitamins. On contact with water it turns into light milk or foam.
- Cleansing sherbet - the product resembles a thick balm; upon contact with the skin it melts, dissolving cosmetics, penetrating deeply into the pores and cleansing them.
Cleansing foam.
- Cleansing foam — after using the oil, foam is used, it is whipped with your fingers or a special brush.
Stage 2: Peeling.
Peeling gel, or peeling pad, is a special method of skin cleansing. Korean peeling gels provide a unique way to exfoliate the skin. The product gently removes dead skin cells because it doesn't contain abrasive particles that can be harsh, unlike traditional scrubs. Peeling gels often contain cellulose in their formula. When applied to the skin and gently massaged on the face, small rolls or pills are formed. Typically used 1-2 times a week.
Stage 3: Toner/Tonic.
These cosmetics are often confused by thinking that they are the same, but they are not. Toner is the main step in the Asian skin care system, while toner is the main step in the European one.
Tonic – additionally cleanses the skin and tones it. Apply with a cotton pad.
Toner – deeply moisturizes the skin immediately after cleansing and prepares it for the next stage. It often has a thick consistency and is usually applied with a cotton pad or fingertips.
Stage 4: Serum/Essence
Serum - for the face is a product for additional skin care, it comes in a watery or gel texture, and often contains active ingredients in higher concentrations than other products. Serum is applied before the cream.
Essence - maximum saturation of the skin with moisture and nutrition. The product is used after cleansing foam, toner and toner. It is a little similar to serum, but there are differences.
The essence is more liquid and does not contain oil, so it is quickly absorbed and does not leave a filmy feeling on the skin. The useful substances in it are higher than in whey, which is so highly valued. The essence improves the properties of products that are applied after it: creams, serums or masks.
Stage 5: Mask.
A face mask is a skin care product that applies a composition of certain substances to the face to achieve a cosmetic or therapeutic effect. Can be used 1-2 or more times a week.
Stage 6: Eye cream.
Stage 7: Face cream or overnight mask (night).
A night mask is a concentrated cream, often a gel, that is applied to cleansed facial skin at night and does not require rinsing (it is washed off only in the morning).
All these stages of skin care are carried out every day, morning and evening. If it seems to you that all this takes a lot of time, then this is not so, maximum 15 minutes.