Today I want to share with you, in case you haven’t heard, the latest skincare trend known as the ‘Korean Skincare Routine.’ The first time I came across this skincare regimen I was blown away. It’s a daily morning and night skincare routine that involves multiple amounts of products layered for maximum absorption. Personally, I think it’s a bit ridiculous. I’ve never used that many products at any one time, EVER. All I can think of is, who has the time to do all of this pampering with so many products every day? Or the money, for that matter?! And, that maybe all those products are going to end up on your pillows anyway. So, I decided to dig a little deeper, watch more videos and eventually try it out for myself and give you the heads up on it…
The Basics Behind The Korean Skincare Routine
To break it down to its simplest form, a traditional Korean Skincare Routine consists of: double cleansing, exfoliating, sheet masking, applying toner (7 of them!), essence, serums, eye cream, and finally face cream and sunscreen. Do this every single. Day. And. Night. Sounds like a lot, huh? That’s because it is.
Personally I can’t handle all of this, nor do I want to. I find this to be overly exaggerated. I mean, seriously, how many toners do you really need before you can get adequate hydration for your skin? And when can you pin-point which one is actually working for you?
But I don’t want to completely write off this new routine as I do feel that there are some benefits to it. That’s why I’m sharing my version of the Korean Skincare. I’ve managed to modify the amount of products for morning and night, and you can too. And because my skin is on the dry end, I must admit the benefits are much more noticeable since I began my new routine.
MY NEW MORNING KOREAN SKINCARE ROUTINE
CLEANSE Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t ‘wash’ my face in the morning. Unless I go to bed with makeup, which happens once in a while, I literally don’t wash my face in the morning. Instead I just rinse it well with cold water. There is nothing to wash off but leftover facials from the night before and sebum buildup, which happens to be a good thing for the skin. So, a very cold rinse (which also helps with reducing puffiness) is all I need to start fresh. After which I pat my face with a towel and leave it damp. Then the fun begins…
TONERS While the skin is still moist this is the first product I use after washing or rinsing my face. I’ve been using Lancome’s Tonique Confort Hydrating Toner for as long as I can remember. It immediately restores my skin’s pH balance and hydrates it. I used to apply this with a cotton swab but now I just pat it onto my entire face with my hands. Next I apply Thayers Natural Remedies Milky Hydrating Face Toner. I recently started using it and so far I love it! It is a slightly thicker toner and because it has hyaluronic acid it helps in delivering hours of hydration. I make sure to apply all these products on my face, neck and down to my décolletage.
SERUM Since learning about the Korean Skincare method I’ve begun using both of my serums at once for day and night. I start with Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It’s a hydrating facial serum with 100% pure hyaluronic acid in a water-like formula. I’ve been using it for months and like it very much. Next I layer on the Biossance Squalane + Copper Plumping Serum. I began to use Biossance products months ago and absolutely LOVE them! This is another powerful hydrating serum that instantly and visibly plumps skin with hydrators and collagen boosting copper peptide. Use my code rosamdiana20 for 20% off your Biossance order.
EYE CREAM For the eye area I start with Biossance Squalane + Marine Agae Eye Cream. It helps firm, hydrate, smooth and moisturize the delicate eye area. I follow up with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream. It contains Hyaluronic Acid in a water gel-cream formula and absorbs quickly. It has the long-lasting moisturizing power to quench the delicate skin’s thirst.
FACE CREAM For day I use Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C. I love this moisturizer. It’s a great antioxidant that brightens and nurtures while fighting signs of aging. And it smells wonderful. Then I finish with a sunscreen. I’m using CeraVe Tinted Suncreen SPF30. It has a universal tint for all skin tones that instantly leaves skin with a healthy glow and offsets the white-cast typically associated with mineral sunscreens. It is hydrating, can be worn alone or under makeup and is suitable for all skin types. Supergoop Glowskin SPF40 with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide is another fantastic option.
Korean Skincare Routine
@ashleysmixon Good morning, my loves! @Caudalie @Vivier Skin Care @anua.skincare_us @COSRX Official #advancedskincare #healthyskin #glowy #toner #morningskincare #beautymom ♬ original sound – Ashley S Mixon
MY NEW NIGHT KOREAN SKINCARE ROUTINE
CLEANSE Here is when I forgo the ‘double cleansing’ thing from the Korean Skincare Routine. I typically cleanse my face with Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Cleansing Gel. It does a fantastic job at cleansing and removing dirt, sweat and all of my makeup. It melts off everything without stripping my skin. If you use a cleanser that already does a good job then there’s no need to double cleanse! If I’m in a hurry I’ll use the cleansing wipes and they do a pretty good job too.
EXFOLIATOR St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Facial Scrubs has been a go-to skin care brand that I’ve used for many years. I love this new scent and with aloe vera it is gentle enough to use frequently. I exfoliate once a week and only when my skin needs it. I can tell when it needs it when my T-zone feels a little bumpy or scaly. I usually exfoliate during a hot steam shower which helps open up pores which in turn helps to cleanse better.
TONER I follow the same regimen and products that I use in the morning…
SERUM I follow the same regimen and products that I use in the morning…
EYE CREAM As in the morning I start with Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye. For night I also apply the Smooth Landing Retinoid Eye Balm which literally melts into the skin. It has granactive retinoid, which is a safer, less irritating form of retinol that reforms texture to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. I’ve been using VERSED products for a while and can honestly say they too are incredibly good! Use my code rosamdiana10 for 10% off your order.
FACE CREAM For night I use Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream. This is an ultra-hydrating repair cream that improves the appearance of fine lines. I combine this cream with a couple of drops of Neutrogena Retinol Pro+. This serum is very powerful for my sensitive skin so I use it two to three times a week. I’m trying to build up to using it nightly. Just two drops mixed into the cream and then I apply on my skin for firming, improving the look of wrinkles and to target dark spots.
What is the verdict on the Korean Skincare Routine?
I can only describe it in one word, extensive. Having said that, I’ve begun to get used to my new routine, or method. It’s basically a layering of skincare treatments that you do every morning and night. I’ve organized my products in such a way that it’s become easy for me to reach for and I won’t forget in which order to use.
Does it work? Well, that’s for you to find out. Personally, I like the way my skin feels. It’s definitely much more subtle and hydrated than it’s ever been. Will I be purchsing more products than usual? Yes, because I’ll be going through them a lot quicker. And there are a couple other products that I’m likely to add to my skincare arsenal, like the Snail Mucin Serum which is highly recommended due to it’s repairing and anti aging properties and Tretinoin, which is only available via prescription. I think the pros outweigh the cons. Besides, I don’t use nearly the amount of products that the typical Korean Skincare Routine suggests because I choose not to.
Is this a trend? I don’t know, maybe, but I think I like it. It’s an interesting way of pampering oneself but also a great way of building good skincare habits. I’m sure to keep up with it and I’ll teach my daughter to do so as well. After all, prevention is the best way to fight off early signs of aging. So, my take on it? Chances are you already have most, or similar skincare products in your drawer. Why not give this method a try? Obviously adjust it to your personal needs. It definitely can’t hurt. 😉
SHOP SKINCARE
