K-Beauty: the 10 steps of the Korean beauty routine

Asian women have always managed to keep their skin radiant by giving a very important role to facial care, integrating this as an item of cultural recognition. Western countries began to pay attention to them and the knowledge and way of understanding beauty in South Korea became a trend. Do you know the 10 steps of the Korean routine and the benefits of each one? We explain them to you!

K-Beauty: Korean beauty routine with 10 steps

The Korean beauty routine, which we can also call K-Beauty has its origins in the Asian continent. It is understood as a series of steps that pursue effective skin care, making it look healthy. Magazines, web portals, blogs and other platforms have echoed this ritual and, about five years ago, South Korean products began to be exported around the world.

If something stands out about K-Beauty, it is the presentation of the products. Various colors, prints, striking packaging that capture the attention of buyers. Small details that make them recognizable and that, together with their exotic ingredients, invite you to try them. It emerged as a novelty and today it has been integrated in many countries thanks to its good results. In addition, the Korean beauty routine advocates pampering the skin to look better on the outside but also on the inside. That is why he argues that we must be aware of what our skin needs in order to obtain the benefits we are looking for. If we want our skin to look radiant, with a youthful and fresh appearance, we must know it.

The distinctive feature of this ritual is that it is divided into 10 steps, each one with an essential function for skin care. Do you want to know what they are and what products to use? We list them below!

Step 1: Oily makeup remover oil/balm

A basic pillar in skin care is keeping our face clean . To achieve this, the Korean routine relies on double cleansing to achieve this goal. The first cleaning is the one that corresponds to this step, using an oily makeup remover to eliminate traces of makeup , cosmetics and other residues that can clog the pores, generating future problems. Its format can vary between solid or liquid but its texture is just as pleasant. If the makeup remover is in liquid format, massage your face with the product and rinse it later with warm water ; On the other hand, if it is in balm format you should take a portion with your fingers, distribute it with a small massage over the face while it melts and then rinse it with warm water.

Step 2: Water Based Cleaner

This is the common soap that we all know. It is the second step of the double cleansing and will help you eliminate impurities caused by pollution and dead cells. It is very important that you choose a soap suitable for your skin type, whether in its classic bar form or with a dispenser. Its application is very simple, you will only have to pour a small amount into your hands, apply it to your face using circular movements and rinse it with warm water. Your face will be ready for the next steps!

If you want to know more about double cleaning, we recommend this article .

Step 3: peeling

In addition to illuminating, Korean peeling has an exfoliating effect that helps achieve a deeper clean . One of the most positive features of Korean peels is that they are less aggressive with the dermis and, therefore, avoid irritation and redness. It is very important to note that you should not do this step every day, once or twice a week is enough.

Step 4: Toner

Fourth essential element in the Korean routine. Using a facial toner will help you regulate the pH and prepare the skin. Among its benefits we can highlight that it hydrates the skin, calms the skin after double cleansing, refreshes it, helps close pores and even reduces redness. You can apply it in several ways, choosing to place the liquid on a cotton pad and distribute it over the face and neck in circles; You can apply it as a mist if your toner has a dispenser of this type; or you can even pour a small amount of product into your hands and, with small touches, apply it to your face.

Step 5: essences

In addition to hydrating the skin, giving it shine, essences help prevent irritation problems. They are products with a very liquid texture that provide nutrients and vitamins to our skin, formulated for all skin types . Like the toner, it offers three types of application. You can opt for its mist version, apply them with your hands with gentle touches or use a cotton pad to spread them correctly.

Step 6: serum

The serum is a concentrate of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that penetrate deeply into the skin, helping to combat problems such as lack of luminosity, dryness or irritation. One of its great advantages is that its texture is very light and with just a few drops you can achieve great results.

Step 7: mask

They have become one of the most important pillars of the Korean routine, already being a recognizable element for buyers. Single-use masks can be made of cotton, hydrogel or biocellulose and the product is impregnated in them, a simple way to apply it to the face. As with the serum, you should choose the one that best suits your skin according to its needs. You don't need to use it in your daily routine, a couple of times a week will be more than enough.

Step 8: eye contour

The skin around our eyes is extremely sensitive and needs special care to prevent signs of aging. Thanks to the eye contour you can help hydrate this area, reduce dark circles and bags, as well as treat wrinkles. You should apply it to the bones of your cheekbones and the arch of your eyebrows, using your ring finger to distribute it well. Additionally, if your contour has a metal applicator, the cold will help you decongest the area.

Step 9: moisturizing cream or lotion

Korean moisturizing creams are the first in the ranking in terms of hydration. The essential thing is to find the one that best suits your needs and skin type because it will be your best ally in the routine. Revitalizing the skin, regulating sebum secretion, nourishing and hydrating are some of its benefits. And the fact is that the cream, in addition to all this, has a simple application: take a small amount of it, distribute it over the face from the inside to the outside and do not rinse it, let your skin absorb it completely. Don't forget to also apply it to your neck and décolleté!

Step 10: sunscreen

It is impossible to understand the Korean beauty routine without the much-needed sun protection. The sun is the main cause of skin aging and that is why we must use it every day of the year, no matter the season, since this way we can avoid premature aging and the appearance of spots on the face.

Why is sun protection so important?

In addition to advice, guides or beauty routines, Asian women have also shared and transmitted to us the need to protect ourselves from the effects of the sun every day. In large cities, such as China, there is a very high level of pollution and this produces harmful effects such as hyperpigmentation, which is why its inhabitants apply sunscreen, creating a skin defense shield.

Japan and the customs of Japanese women could be considered a reference in terms of sun protection. They are disciplined and follow the advice of dermatologists such as touching up every two hours, even when they are wearing makeup! And they not only protect their face but also their body by using clothing with ultraviolet filters and barriers such as hats that reduce their direct exposure to the sun. They know how to adapt to any situation by choosing their ideal sunscreen and they do so in a very conscious way, taking care to maintain good health and an impeccable dermis.

Now that you know the 10 steps that will help you take care of your skin and the importance of using a good sunscreen, remember to be consistent and patient. The changes in your skin will not occur overnight, but little by little you will notice that your skin is more cared for and protected.

When you realize it you will be an expert!

If you want to know more sun protection and types of protectors, we recommend this article.