Have you watched Korean drama movies and get captivated at how beautiful the actor's skin is? It looks bright, porcelain-like, dewy, and luminous without any imperfections. Ok, maybe you don’t watch K-drama, but the trend of how to get that beautiful skin is getting popular, and you hear about it everywhere if you’re a skincare fanatic. Who doesn’t want radiant, smooth, and even-toned skin, right? The good thing is that you don’t have to be Korean to have skin like one. The trick is that they follow a more involved skincare regimen than most with about 8-10 different steps. With its growing prevalence in the USA, you can find products that aren't even Korean brand at Sephora, Ulta, and many other online retailers to jump on the Korean skin care bandwagon!

1. Makeup Remover & Oil Cleanser

The first step of a 2-step cleansing process is to use an oil cleanser to break down makeup and oil-based sunscreen, sebum, and pollutants.

2. Water Based Cleanser

The second step of the cleansing process is to use a water-based cleanser to remove dirt and grime that did not get removed in the first step. Double cleansing is essential because it thoroughly rids skin of impurities that may clog pores and lead to acne.

Skin Authority Daily Cleanser
	BUY NOW!

3. Exfoliator

Use a manual and chemical exfoliator for a deep pore cleansing. Manual exfoliants use granules such as pumice crystals, jojoba beads, and the likes. Chemical exfoliants consist of an alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid such as glycolic, lactic, or mandolin acid. The exfoliating process sloughs off dull, dead skin to reveal healthy new skin that is brighter and smoother. It also allows subsequent treatment products to penetrate the skin better for improved effectiveness.

4. Toner

The purpose of a toner is to remove excess dirt, traces of oil and makeup, and balance moisture and pH level. It preps the skin for the application of other products.

5. Essence

An essence contains a higher concentration of active ingredients to hydrate, fight against aging, and improve the complexion. It moisturizes the skin while boosting cell turnover.

6. Treatments

Boosters, serums, and ampoules are potent in active ingredients to directly treat problem areas such as acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

7. Sheet Masks

Sheet masks come concentrated in essence, so when you apply it to your face for a lengthened amount of time, the skin absorbs the nutrients more.

8. Eye Cream

The skin around the eye area is thinner and more sensitive than other areas on your face. Using a cream formulated specifically for eyes will target dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles without irritating it.

9. Moisturizer

Keeping skin hydrated is important. The moisturizer works by trapping and holding water in the epidermis to plump up the skin and smooth out wrinkles.

10. Sun Protection

The last step in a Korean Skincare Routine is protecting your skin from the sun. UVA/UVB rays cause the most damage to the skin, so it is essential to apply it regardless of whether the sun is out or not. Even on overcast days, harmful UV rays permeate through the clouds and cause damage to the skin.

Although these are all the steps in a typical Korean Skincare Routine, every person has different skin types. Choose the steps that are best suited for your particular skin conditions and concerns.