It’s not a secret that Koreans are obsessed with healthy, supple skin. And, in fact, you should be too because no amount of makeup can do the job if your skin looks all tired and full of breakouts. The good thing is that, as far as skincare is concerned, there’s a lot to be learnt from Korean. Just understanding the brands, they swear by and the skincare routine they follow can do wonders in getting you a clean and clear skin.

So, let’s decode Korean skincare today, by outlining the things they use and the order in which they use them. For the record, you will find all of these products in a k-beauty online store, so starting with this routine will not be an issue. And, now let’s get started!

Oil-based cleansers

Korean skincare relies heavily on double cleanse, which is believed to completely free your skin of all impurities that can lead to pimples and acne. Oil-based cleansers are great for makeup removal and drawing out all the harmful effects of pollution and sebum. Gently massage these cleansers into skin and rinse with lukewarm water.

Water-based cleansers

The second step of cleansing is done with water-based cleansers. These are known to draw out the sweat and dirt that could not have been picked up by an oil-based cleanser. The process of applying these cleansers is almost the same, except in this case you should start with a damp neck and face.

Exfoliator

Proper exfoliation has a lot to do with the smooth and bright skin of Koreans that is everyone’s envy. Exfoliation helps in cleaning the pores and remove dead skin cells from the surface. You should use a gentle exfoliator at least two times a week. Focus on your cheeks and nose while exfoliating.

Toner

Toners are basically the bridge between cleansers and moisturizers. This is the step where you remove any residue that the cleanser might have left and prepare your skin for the moisturizer. Toners have to be used each time you use cleansers. Take the product on a cotton pad and swipe it across the face.

Essence

Essence is something that targets the dullness of skin, along with fine lines and wrinkles. These are lightweight formulations that are packed to the brim with anti-aging and hydrating ingredients. You can spritz it directly on to the face from the bottle, and just let it soak in.

Treatments

Korean skincare is also big on using several products for treatments. Some of the popular products that are used for treatments include ampoules, serums, and boosters. These mainly target particular areas of the skin and address specific concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and pimples. Follow the instructions given on the product when using skin treatments.

Sheet masks

Sheet masks are the heart and soul of any Korean skin care routine. The sheet is packed with ingredients that come in contact with your skin to let it absorb the moisture and nutrients completely. One of the main reasons why sheet masks are so popular is because you get a hydrated skin and a soothing feeling at the same time.

Eye creams

The skin around the eyes is highly delicate and needs special care. Proper use of eye creams can keep issues like puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles at bay. You can even use eye masks from the Korean brands for the same purpose. Tap the cream around your orbital bone, while avoiding your water line.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers come in multiple forms, and the kind you choose depends on your preferences. You can go for creams, gels, lotions, or emulsions. The purpose is to lock in the moisture in your skin so that it looks supple and the appearance of fine lines is reduced.

Sunscreens

Forgetting sunscreen will not just make you susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines, but also increase the chances of skin cancer. Thus, make sure you never step out of the house without a generous dose of sunscreen applied all over your face and neck.

It’s time to give some tender love and care to your skin by following the Korean skincare routine. Let’s not wait anymore and get started on it soon!