What is his philosophy?

The global beauty trend that transforms our skin, k-beauty or Korean beauty, comes from South Korea. Koreans are lovers of flawless beauty and believe that superficial treatment or prevention does not bring long-term results.

On the contrary, for the maximum effectiveness of care, the nutrients of the products need to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, through the appropriate preparation of the skin.

You have surely heard terms such as glass skin, cloudless skin, or honey skin, which refer to the philosophy of Korean skincare, and aim at achieving healthy and hydrated skin, which looks naturally flawless and radiant. With K-beauty, there has been a turn away from heavy makeup, heavy chemical ingredients, and extended exposure to the sun, towards healthy and hydrated skin, using ingredients derived from nature and protecting the skin from UV radiation.

Why choose Korean skincare products?

Korean beauty products focus more on protecting and strengthening the skin barrier and microbiome to combat wrinkles. When the microbiome is balanced, it protects against external environmental aggressors and enhances the skin's defense. Additionally, it can contribute to strengthening the function of the protective barrier. On the other hand, a disrupted barrier can make the skin appear dull, dry, irritated, and with more wrinkles.

What are the steps of the k-beauty routine?

Below you will see the steps you need to follow to achieve a radiant face, as well as some Korean skincare products that are worth incorporating into your daily skincare routine. 

Of course, it is not necessary to follow all the steps of this routine every day, but you can choose the ones that best meet the needs of your skin.

Step 1. Cleansing - Makeup Removal

According to Korean philosophy, cleansing is perhaps the most important step in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. So, to properly remove makeup, Korean experts recommend using a cleansing oil, balm cleanser, or micellar water. Their composition breaks down makeup, mascara, even waterproof, and cleanses the skin leaving it soft and hydrated.

How to apply: Apply a small amount of oil to dry face and neck and massage gently. Then, wet your fingers with lukewarm water so that the product creates a light foam, and continue the massage for a few seconds. If you use micellar water, gently cleanse your face with a makeup remover pad. After successfully removing the makeup, rinse well.

Tip: Cleanse your skin this way even if you don't wear any makeup to remove impurities.

Step 2. Double cleansing - Water-based cleanser

Double cleansing? It may seem strange to you, but Koreans claim that after removing your makeup, it's important to cleanse your skin with a foaming product that can be rinsed off with water, in order to ensure the removal of any residue from dirt, oil, and makeup.

How to apply: Wet your skin and apply a small amount of cleanser to your palms, creating a lather. Then, gently massage your face and neck and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 3. Exfoliation - Scrub or Peeling

You don't need to exfoliate daily, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, it is necessary to do it 1-2 times a week, in order for the skin to remain smooth and bright. Removing dead cells is a basic requirement for the absorption of the remaining cosmetics you apply afterwards. In addition, it activates blood circulation for immediate cell renewal, leaving the skin smooth and bright.

How to apply: Put a small amount on your fingers and gently massage in circular motions on your face. Rinse well. If you have combination/oily skin, do a scrub 2 times a week, if you have normal skin, 1 time a week, while if you have dry skin, 1 time every 10 days.

Step 4. Moisturizing toner

Toner, also known as toning lotion, is applied after cleansing. It cleanses your facial skin more deeply, moisturizes it, stabilizes the pH of your skin, and prepares it to better absorb the ingredients you will apply next. 

How to apply: Soak a cotton pad with toner and gently dab it all over your face, neck, and décolletage.

Step 5. Essence or Mist

This is a thin fluid composition that resembles water and you may have heard it referred to as "essence", "mist" or "hydro mist". The moisturizing concentrate is perhaps the most basic step in any skincare routine, regardless of skin type or age. Its role is to give vitality to the skin and strengthen its ability to retain moisture. It usually includes complexes of plant-based antioxidant extracts that care for and enhance the skin's defense.

How to apply: Place a few drops in the palm of your hand and gently pat onto the face, neck and décolletage until absorbed.

Step 6. Serum

In this category belong boosters, serums and ampoules. These are concentrated formulas that add another layer of hydration, enhance the action of each cream and cover a targeted need of the skin: anti-aging, radiance, firmness, whitening, wrinkle filling, elasticity, reconstruction. Choose according to your needs.

How to apply: Put the required amount on your fingers and gently apply it to the skin.

Step 7. Sheet Masks

Fabric masks: The special step that you may not have the opportunity to enjoy every day, but it provides maximum nourishment to the skin and offers a touch of luxury and relaxation.

How to apply: Use it 1-2 times a week. The application is simple: Place the soaked fabric on your face and relax for 15-20 minutes. After the time has passed, remove the sheet and gently massage your face, neck, and décolletage to better absorb all the mask's ingredients.

Step 8. Eye Cream - Gel

The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive compared to the rest of the face, so it requires special treatment. A product that targets the needs of this area will provide the hydration and protection it needs.

How to apply: Apply a small amount of cream-gel around and above the eyes. Gently pat with your fingers, without rubbing the area, until the product is absorbed.

Step 9. Moisturizer

The moisturizer comes in many forms: gel, cream, lotion, or milk. Choose the one that suits your skin type and needs, in order to seal all the care products you used above.

How to apply: Apply the moisturizer and make gentle circular motions, starting from the center of the face towards the cheeks and the hairline.

Step 10. Sleeping mask/cream

Alternatively, for nighttime, choose to apply a sleeping mask, whose rich and creamy composition will further hydrate your skin while you sleep.

Step 11: Sun protection

For Asian women, perfect skin is bright, even, without discoloration and spots. That's why the Korean morning routine ends with a sunscreen that has a high protection factor. Sunscreen is your weapon against photoaging. 

Attention: Apply it last, so as not to interfere with the other compositions penetrating the skin. 

How to apply: Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the house. 

Dedicate as much time as you can every day to yourself and your skin.
With patience and consistency, you too will achieve the results of flawless and radiant skin. As for the future of K-beauty, we believe it's here to stay.

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