How to Do the Korean Skin Care Routine for Indians

One of the most effective ways that has taken the world by storm is the 10-step Korean skincare routine. This routine does not depend on how many products you own, but how you layer them. While each step is important in this practice, it is very flexible. All you need to do is understand which products will go with your skin type – oily, sensitive or dry. You also don’t need to spend your entire day when you follow this routine to maintain your skin. We’ve also included a table of locally available products to help you devise your own Korean Skin Care Routine.

Step #1. Double Cleanse – Oil Cleanser

The first and foremost step of Korean skincare method is removing excess oil from your skin through oil cleansers. An oil cleanser is able to remove your makeup foundation, mascara, SPF and pollutants, much better than a regular makeup remover. It is also an essential part of the Korean skincare routine for dry skin.

How to apply: Gently massage your face with the oil for a minute or two. Next, use a cotton pad to wipe off the oil.

Step #2. Double Cleanse – Foam Cleanser

After cleansing your face with oil, cleaning it with water-based foam cleanser forms the last part of the double-cleansing process in the Korean skincare routine. This removes all the remaining impurities including sweat and dirt that are left after cleaning your face with an oil-based cleaner.

How to apply: Apply this like any other face wash. Rinse it with water.

Step #3. Toner

The role of toners in the  Korean skincare order is to prepare your skin to rehydrate your skin after using soap on your face, as well as restoring the pH balance of your skin.

How to apply: You can either use a cotton ball to gently dab on your face or just use your fingertips to rub them across the skin.

Tip! You can try out The Face Shop Dr. Belmur Daily Repair Toner. It is hypoallergenic and is perfect for combination skin types.

Step #4. Sheet Masks

Sheet masks let your skin get a second layer of nourishment and help you relax. They also come in varieties for different skin concerns, so choose the mask that works best for your specific skin problem.

How to apply: Sheet masks should be placed on your face for 15 to 20 minutes so that all the ingredients are soaked up. You don’t need to use a sheet mask daily. Applying a mask 2-3 times a week will give you the results you’re looking for.

Step #5. Essence

The essence is one of the main products in the Korean skincare routine. A lightweight concentrate, it nourishes your skin and gives it a natural glow.

How to apply: This product needs to be gently patted on your face and neck.

Step #6. Emulsion

Emulsions are lighter than moisturisers. They are either water or gel based and get absorbed into the skin. Their purpose is to help seal in the moisture of your essence and later your face cream.  Oily skin types can apply an emulsifier alone and skip applying a face cream altogether.

How to apply: Since it spreads easily, take a small amount of emulsion and massage it into your face.  

Step #7. Ampoule/Serums

Face serums, ampoules, and boosters have highly concentrated ingredients that tackle very specific skin problems, ranging from skin lightening and treating acne scars, to reducing the signs of aging. They help in maintaining your skin’s health over a considerably long period of time.

How to apply: You can either take a small amount and massage it all over your face, or apply it over specific problem areas.

Tip! Go for Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum. This Korean moisturiser is for dry skin, as well as for sensitive skin. Out of the many important ingredients in this serum, the Citrus Limon Peel Oil helps in restoring the skin’s moisture levels. You could go for a pack of Dermal Charcoal Collagen Essence Mask. It contains glycerine, which makes it a sought-after Korean face mask sheet for acne.

Step #8. Eye Cream

Dark circles are quite common and with aging, the area around the eye develops wrinkles. These typical skin problems, however, can be easily resolved with the application of eye-creams and it is an important part of Korean skincare.  

How to apply: You should just use your little finger and gently spread over the area where the dark circles are noticeable. Be careful to not apply it on the waterline.

Step #9. Moisturiser

As you may have noticed moisturisers play a big role in this skin regime, especially for dry skin. Oily skin types can skip this step since emulsion will keep your skin moisturised enough.

How to apply: You can use moisturisers daily but you should not apply too much at once. It is best to apply onto your face both morning and night.

Step #10. Sunscreen (for mornings)

The most essential aspect of protecting your skin is applying sunscreen creams. These products prevent UV rays from entering into your skin’s pores, regardless of the skin type you have.

How to apply: Apply sunscreen lotion on your face at the end of your Korean skincare routine before you are heading out under the sun. If you are heading out again after sometime when the sun is still out, apply it again.

Korean Skincare Products (With Prices)

Last Words on the Korean Skincare Routine

A 10 step routine can be quite tiring! Here are a few things to keep in mind to make things easier in case you are thinking of trying out the Korean skincare routine:

• You don’t have to do every step. Conversely, you don’t have to buy every product. There are DIY natural options available that you can try out. For example, use rose water as a natural toner.

• You don’t have to do each step every day. For example, sheet masks can be applied twice a week

• If you’re short on time, you can follow a simple 5 step routine in the evenings. Do the double cleanse with oil and foam, the serum, eye cream, and lastly, moisturiser.  

And finally, all you need to do is know your skin type, layer the cleansers and moisturisers accordingly and get the best results.