The Korean skin care routine shocked everyone once it made its way to the west. Before it happened, most of us had a pretty basic set-up.
Wash. Tone. Moisturize. Rinse. Repeat.
But the Korean method involved ten whole steps. This was so sensational that everyone couldn’t help but talk about it. (Especially when the phrase ‘double cleansing‘ popped up.)
I found out about K-Beauty the early 2010’s. Now, almost a decade later, there are some important methods that have stuck with me that I’ll do for the rest of my life.
Once I got the hang of all ten steps, it wasn’t that bad. It sounds involved, but I promise it’s not.
The philosophy surrounding Korean skin care can translate to your routine – no matter what that looks like.
Here’s three big ways that it changed my life. And one thing I wish I knew before I dove in.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
The Korean Skin Care Method Has NO Brand Loyalty
I don’t know about you, but before I knew about Korean skin care, I would usually shop for cleanser, toner, and moisturizer from one brand and one brand only.
Obviously, it benefits a company for us to shop that way as consumers, but it doesn’t mean you’re getting what you need.
For example, there are some cleansers that I may absolutely love from a particular brand. But they may not have a toner or moisturizer that I love just as much.
And that’s not to speak poorly of that brand.
It’s just that their cleanser works wonders for my skin, but their other products don’t.
And that’s okay!
Not every brand is going to get it right 100% of the time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a full set of anything with approval clear across the board. It’s usually a product or two that shines for that particular company.
The fact of the matter is that it’s impossible to please everyone 100% of the time.
And for this reason, the Korean skin care method encourages mixing and matching.
We all have different skin needs. Environments change. Hormones change. Your skin is dynamic and your products should be too.
So mix and match to your heart’s content! I’ve fallen in love with how much variety my skin routine has. And it’s encouraged me to try products that I normally wouldn’t have.
Prevention is the Most Important
Westernized skin care focuses more on getting rid of your skin problems as they arise.
If you have acne, you rush to grab something to treat it. If you find you have hyperpigmentation, you can find a product that specifically treats that.
But if you already know your skin is prone to acne, or hyperpigmentation, or whatever your case may be, your routine should focus more on preventing it before it starts.
That way, it’s less likely to happen. And this isn’t to say it never will. Skin problems happen for any number of reasons.
But you’ll be better equipped for when it does.
Even if you have a balanced skin type, you may consider putting anti-aging products into your routine. You may not have signs of aging, but let’s be real, it’s inevitable that you’ll age.
And if you can age gracefully by taking care of your skin now, why would you not?
At the time of writing this, I’ve been dealing with a breakout which leads to hyperpigmentation as it heals. But I already know that my skin is prone to hyperpigmentation and my routine is set up to heal and minimize the effects.
Thanks to the products I use, I can already see my breakout marks fading away within the same week. This is the power of knowing your skin.
Korean Skin Care Has a HEAVY Moisture Emphasis
The ideal Korean skin type is called glass skin. It’s moisturized, dewy, glowing and refreshed. And it’s achieved by layering moisturizers and liquids on your skin to keep it looking that way.
Why?
Because water is life! Literally!
Our bodies are composed of 70% water. We need it to survive, inside and out. A good rule of thumb to help your skin is to drink and wear your water.
One of the fastest ways to age your skin is dehydration. So say it with me: moisturize often!
I know a lot of people – particularly on the oily side – tend to stray away from this step because they’re worried they’ll make themselves more oily.
But PLEASE find a moisturizer that works for you.
I have two water based creams that I find myself going back to consistently: Belif’s Aqua Bomb and Kiehl’s Calendula Water Cream. They’re incredibly light weight, and absorb effortlessly with no tacky residue left behind.
Oil isn’t water and it isn’t moisturizing on its own. Oil creates a barrier so you don’t lose excess water from your skin.
Your skin still needs water to thrive, look its best, and have staying power. So get your fill!
You Don’t Always Need 10 Steps
When I hear about any trend, I have a tendency of leaning in as hard as I possibly can. The Korean Skin Care trend was no different. I bought everything to follow every step.
It made me feel really bougie, for sure!
But you don’t need all ten steps over time. I know this might be controversial or debatable depending on who you ask.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a great idea initially. That way you can get the feel for what you like and what works best for you.
And of course that can be subject to change.
I’ve moved a few times and I’ve had to switch up my skin care routine as a result.
My skin needs in Florida were FAR different than my skin needs in Chicago. My winter skin is different than my summer skin no matter where I am.
Also, my skin in my 20’s had different needs than my skin does in its 30’s.
Sometimes you may need all ten steps. And if you don’t, it’s perfectly okay if you cut back.
The point is to bring your skin into balance and keep it looking healthy no matter what life throws your way.
If you’re new to having a skin routine, there’s no judgment here! I have a super awesome newsletter to give you tips along the way to demystify the process. Sign up to get tips and tricks monthly.