The Korean skincare routine has made its way into the mainstream beauty industry. And like we do with a lot of trends, we just have to question: is Korean skincare a breakthrough or a product-obsessed fad?
The Korean skincare routine consists of a 10-step method divided into four tasks: cleansing, prepping, nourishing, and protecting. Before we weigh the pros and cons, let’s look at each step.
1. Oil cleanser
This removes the first layer of dirt and makeup. The oil dissolves the products and oil-based impurities like sebum from the face to make way for deeper cleaning.
2. Water-based cleanser
This dissolves and removes water-based impurities like sweat and dirt that the oil cleanser might not pick up.
3. Exfoliant
A physical and chemical exfoliation that cleans pores, lifts away dead skin cells and helps other products absorb better and work more efficiently.
4. Toner
Toners remove leftover residue from cleansers, repair the skin’s natural barrier, and help prepare the skin to better absorb the following treatments and moisturisers.
5. Essence
Koreans exalt clear young skin, so essences are important. Essences are lightweight liquids packed with a concentrated blend of hydrating, anti-ageing, complexion-enhancing ingredients.
6. Treatments
The treatments you use depend on which specific skin problems you have. Treatments are boosters, serums, and ampoules designed to directly treat specific skin concerns like acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
7. Sheet masks
These are concentrated versions of an essence designed in sheet form so that, with prolonged contact, the skin fully absorbs the nutrients and moisture.
8. Eye cream
The eye area is usually the first indicator of ageing, which Koreans hate. Eye creams hydrate and prevent dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet which make you look old.
9. Moisturiser
Dry skin is brittle, dull, and unattractive. Moisturisers seal in moisture to plump up the skin, smooth fine lines and leave you looking supple and young.
10. Sunscreen
Sunscreen protects the skin from short and longterm damage from UV rays. To prevent quick ageing, skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and other types of sun damage, you have to apply sunscreen after the routine.
The routine seems like a lot. But if you’ve ever wondered why Koreans look so young and radiant, this is why. Koreans culturally value and obsess over clear, healthy, and youthful skin. This is why they have done in-depth research to combine natural and synthetic ingredients to create the safest and most effective products.
The benefit of this lengthy routine is that, with such an involved skincare regimen, there’s virtually no way your skin will not improve. People who have tried this routine have seen pretty fantastic improvements in their skin across the board: fewer breakouts, a more even tone, a legitimate “glow” that was luminous rather than oily, and noticeably smaller pores.
Also, it serves as a ritual of self-care. Setting aside the time each morning and night to invest in your skin feels good, and it’s a nice way to begin and end each day.
But on the more negative end of the spectrum, the process takes too long. Not everyone has the time to engage in face cleaning, rubbing, and petting. Also, skincare products are not cheap. An effective product can cost thousands of naira and buying ten of them can put a strain on your pocket.
So with all this information, would you consider adopting the Korean skincare routine or is it too much? Comment below.
