Your Ultimate Guide to Starting a Korean Skincare Routine
Are you intrigued by the captivating world of Korean skincare but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of products and steps involved? You are not alone. With the rise of TikTok and social media influencers showcasing their extensive skincare routines, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of options and to have even more questions:
Which Korean skincare products should I use?
In what order should I use them?
Where do I buy Korean skincare products?
First of all, it is important to understand that not all products will work for everybody because everyone has different skin types and live in different environments.
But fear not, because we're here to guide you through the basics and introduce you to beginner-friendly Korean skincare products that are loved by Koreans themselves. These are best selling and highly rated products and Brands from Olive Young, Korea’s biggest skincare store.
Olive Young flagship store in Myeongdong, Korea. Image from koreatodo.com
We will also detail how to use these products and the correct order and steps you should use them. And last but not the least, we will share a list of reputable websites where you can buy authentic Korean skincare products.
Understanding Korean Skincare
Korean skincare is renowned for its emphasis on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and protection against environmental stressors. The Korean skincare routine typically consists of multiple steps, each serving a specific purpose to achieve radiant, healthy skin.
Before diving into the specifics of product recommendations, it's crucial to understand the basic steps of a Korean skincare routine:
Cleansing: Start your skincare routine with a clean canvas by using a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, makeup, and excess oil. Double cleansing, involving an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, is a common practice in Korean skincare.
Toning: After cleansing, use a toner to rebalance your skin's pH levels and prepare it to better absorb subsequent skincare products. Toners also help hydrate, soothe and gently exfoliate the skin.
Serum: Serums are concentrated treatments formulated to target specific skincare concerns such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. These potent formulations deliver active ingredients deep into the skin for maximum efficacy.
Moisturizing: Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin. A moisturizer is used to lock in moisture and the effects of the previous products that you used. It also strengthens and protects the skin barrier.
Sun Protection: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen is essential for preventing premature aging and maintaining skin health.
Recommended products and the correct order and steps to use them
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil:
Start your nighttime skincare routine by using the Anua Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil to effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
Heartleaf has many benefits. According to Skin Cupid, it has anti-inflammatory properties, can help fight acne, can help calm the skin, has antioxidants that can protect the skin and can help balance sebum production.
To use, pump some product on your hands then gently massage on dry skin to melt away all the makeup, sunscreen and other impurities. After rubbing thoroughly, emulsify the product by wetting your hands with water and then massaging your face again. Lastly, rinse thoroughly with water.
For the morning, you can skip this step.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser:
After rinsing off the cleansing oil, use a water based foam cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your face. Based on Olive Young, Koreans love the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser. It cleanses the skin well without stripping it dry. A lot of people claim that this cleanser is soothing, calming and moisturizing.
To use, just put a bit of product on the palm of your hands. With water, work up a lather and gently rub your face for around 1 minute. Then rinse with water.
For the morning, you can actually skip this step especially if you have very dry and sensitive skin. But if you’re skin is used to cleansing twice a day, then this would be your first step in your morning skincare routine.
It’s now time to apply a toner to hydrate and rebalance your skin's pH levels. This particular toner is also known to gently exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture and regulate sebum production.
To use, pour a small amount onto a cotton pad or into your palms and gently pat or rub onto your skin.
It would be best to reserve this step for your nighttime skincare routine as over exfoliating your skin can result to a damaged skin barrier which can in turn lead to acne and skin irritation.
Serum:
Numbuzin No 5+ Vitamin Concentrated Serum:
Use this serum in the morning to hydrate and brighten your skin. This is a powerful serum with fantastic ingredients that can help fade dark spots and give you an even and glowing skin tone.
You may already know that one of the most important actives that you should apply in the morning is Vitamin C. But this serum has even more. In addition to Vitamin C, it is also formulated with glutathione, tranexamic acid, alpha-albutin and many more. We’ve personally tried this product and within a week of daily use, we’ve noticed our dark spots fade and our skin tone brighten.
Numbuzin No 3 Skin Softening Serum:
Use this serum at night to nourish and repair your skin overnight. This is another amazing serum from Numbuzin that is packed with powerful ingredients that usually come in very expensive and very popular skincare products.
It has bifida ferment lysate which is also found in the ever popular but pricey Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. Additionally, it has galactomyces which is the main ingredient of pitera that comes in the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, another effective but very expensive skincare product.
The combination of these powerful ingredients will help you achieve smooth, plump and elastic skin.
To apply your serums in the morning and at night, just gently rub and pat a few drops onto your skin.
After serum, follow up with a moisturizer to provide long-lasting hydration and strengthen your skin barrier. This particular moisturizer is packed with ceramides that promises to deliver soothing hydration that will last for 100 hours!
Apply a moderate amount onto your skin and gently massage until absorbed.
At night, this is the last step of your nighttime skincare routine. But for the morning, don’t forget to apply sunscreen before going about your day.
Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum:
Finish off your morning skincare routine with an effective sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays that can be absolutely damaging to your skin.
We love this sunscreen because aside from its effective formulation against UV rays, it leaves your skin glowy and hydrated and without a white cast and patchiness.
Apply a generous amount (2 finger lengths) of product onto your skin and gently rub until absorbed.
Shop all the product recommendations here
Where to Buy Korean Skincare Products
Now that you know which products to incorporate into your skincare routine, you may be wondering where to purchase them. Fortunately, there are several reputable websites where you can buy authentic Korean skincare products:
YesStyle: This website is the ultimate go to place for Korean skincare. It offers a wide selection of Korean skincare products, cosmetics, and fashion items. They often have discounts and promotions, making it a budget-friendly option.
Stylevana: Stylevana specializes in Asian beauty and skincare products, including popular Korean brands. They offer fast shipping and excellent customer service.
Soko Glam: Soko Glam is a trusted retailer curated by skincare experts, offering a carefully selected range of Korean skincare products. They also provide helpful skincare tips and advice.
Amazon: And yes, due to popular demand, Korean skincare products are also available on Amazon. This is a practical choice especially when you have many other things to buy. Just make sure to read the reviews to ensure that the products you will be purchasing are authentic.
Embark on Your Korean Skincare Journey
Starting a Korean skincare routine may seem daunting at first, but with the right products and guidance, you can achieve radiant, healthy skin. Remember to listen to your skin's needs, be consistent with your routine, and practice patience.
By incorporating these beginner-friendly Korean skincare products into your daily routine and following the recommended steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving the coveted "glass skin" glow that's synonymous with Korean beauty. Here's to happy and healthy skin!
