The 10 Step Korean Beauty Routine

• Oil Cleanser
  Start with an oil based cleanser - this will work to remove oil- based makeup and impurities from the skin. Oil cleansers are meant to be more gentle on the skin and its pH balance.
• Foaming Cleanser
  Following the oil cleanser, use a water-based cleanser to gently remove the oil residue and water-based impurities from the day. When used alone, a foam cleanser is used as a complete cleaner for the skin. When used in a 10-step routine, a foam cleanser is used to remove any further trace of makeup or un-emulsified oil on the skin.
• Exfoliator
  Exfoliation comes in two types: physical (think of a sandy texture) and chemical (ingredients like salicylic acid or lactic acid). Exfoliation helps clean pores and remove dead skin for a brighter and smoother complexion. Exfoliating is shown to help your other skin care products absorb and work more effectively.
• Toner
  Toners are the last step in the cleansing part of a routine. The toners of the Korean Beauty world are meant to hydrate, nourish, and soothe - acting as a skin conditioner to restore the skin’s pH after cleansing. To quote Soko Glam “think of your skin like a sponge – it’s more difficult to rehydrate it when it’s dried up and hardened than when it’s already a bit damp”.
• Essence
  An essence’s function is to get the skin ready for better absorption of serums. Essences are lightweight and packed with concentrated blends of moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients. Essences help with overall cell turnover and can feel refreshing and protecting.
• Serums and Ampoules
  These treatments directly treat problem areas like acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Serums are highly concentrated skin lotions that contain active ingredients to improve the condition of the skin, and typically target one or two skincare issues at once. Ampoules are also serums but are packaged in single servings - they serve up powerful cocktails for the skin and a little goes a long way. Tip: For dry skin, try ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. For oily skin, look for seaweed ferment or honey extract. For anti-aging, look for stem cells and peptides.
• Sheet Mask
  Sheet Masks are loved for their ability to create a spa-like experience at home. They are moist sheets that you place directly onto your face for 10-15 minutes – the sheet’s prolonged contact allows your skin to fully absorb the nutrients.
• Eye Cream
  The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate. The regular use of eye cream can keep dark circles, puffiness and crows feet at bay. Look for ingredients like tea, ginseng, caffeine and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and reduce the look of tiredness. Tip: Use your pinkie finger to gently tap around the undereye area, avoiding the waterline. Don’t rub!
• Moisturizer
  Moisturizers come in many forms, and they seal in moisture to plump up your skin and smooth fine lines. Moisturizers in their various forms provide a barrier to shield the skin from the environment.
• Sunscreen
  We should all be wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from damaging UV rays, even if we are inside most of the day! Sunscreen should be the last step of your daytime routine so it can shield your skin without being diluted by your other products.