Radiant skin the Korean way: 10 essential skincare tips

Hey everyone! So following on from the last post about glass skin, I thought we could follow up on the South Korean skin care theme. I guess this post might kind of overlap with the other post, but hey why not take all the tips and really go all out with your skin! So without further ado, skincare tips South Korean women swear by!

South Korean skincare has taken the beauty world by storm in recent years, with K-beauty products and routines gaining popularity worldwide. South Korean women are known for their flawless, radiant skin, and for good reason – they have some of the most advanced skincare routines and practices in the world. In this blog post, we will explore some of the skincare tips that South Korean women swear by, you might have heard of some of these before, others might be unfamiliar and you might learn something new!

South Korean skincare tips

1. Double cleansing

Double cleansing is a cornerstone of the South Korean skincare routine. It involves using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. This two-step process ensures that all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil are removed, leaving the skin clean and fresh. It’s important to note that the oil-based cleanser should be used first, as it helps to break down makeup and other impurities. This should be done every day, both in the morning and at night.

2. Facial massage

Facial massage is another essential step in the South Korean skincare routine. It’s believed to help improve circulation, which can lead to brighter, more youthful-looking skin. The massage technique involves using upward and outward motions with the fingers to stimulate the skin and help it absorb products better. Some South Korean women use a jade roller or a gua sha tool to massage their faces.

Top tip: give yourself a facial massage while taking a steamy shower. The steam opens up your pores and massaging your skin while damp gives it an extra dreamy glow. Facial massage can be done daily, but it’s recommended to do it at least a few times a week for best results.

3. Sheet masks (particularly charcoal sheet masks)

Sheet masks are a popular beauty product in South Korea. They’re essentially face-shaped sheets soaked in serum, which are applied to the face for 10-20 minutes. Sheet masks come in a variety of formulas, from brightening and hydrating to anti-aging and acne-fighting. They’re an easy way to give your skin a boost of hydration and nutrients. The special ingredient to look for in a sheet mask: charcoal. Sheet masks can be used 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin type and the formula of the mask.

4. Essence

Essence is a lightweight, watery serum that’s applied after cleansing and toning your face. It’s a crucial step in the South Korean skincare routine, as it helps to hydrate and prep the skin for the next steps in the routine (serum and moisturiser). Essences are often packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and other nourishing ingredients that help to brighten and firm the skin. This should be used every day, both in the morning and at night.

5. Sun protection

South Korean women are serious about sun protection, and for good reason. UV rays can cause damage to the skin, leading to premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Many South Korean skincare products contain SPF, and it’s recommended to use a separate sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, regardless of the weather. Sunscreen should be used every day, even on cloudy or rainy days.

6. Sleeping masks

Sleeping masks are another popular beauty product in South Korea. They’re essentially overnight masks that you apply before bed and leave on all night. They’re packed with nourishing ingredients that help to hydrate and repair the skin while you sleep. Some sleeping masks also have a cooling or calming effect, making them great for sensitive or irritated skin. These can be used 2-3 times a week, or as needed depending on your skin’s hydration needs.

7. Tap don’t rub products in

When South Korean women apply facial products, they don’t smear it into their face. Instead, they apply the skincare products using light taps. This stimulates blood flow and allows the products to penetrate deeper into your skin. Don’t go slapping yourself though, it’s supposed to be light taps, and not painful.

8. Give yourself a half bath

A “ban-shin-yok” is a bath where the hot water only reaches your bellybutton and your top half is dry. The temperature difference between the top and bottom of your body helps boost circulation. Also, the steam rising from the hot water helps hydrate your pores.

9. Add tea into your daily routine

Korean women drink tea not only for their health benefits but for skincare benefits too. Some popular teas are ginseng tea, roasted barley tea and green tea. These are a great source of antioxidants to promote smooth and radiant skin. Drink a cup daily and you’ll soon notice the difference to your skin!

10. Exfoliate with a cloth

We all know to exfoliate our skin right? Well, Korean’s have taken it one step further by exfoliating with a damp lightly coarse wash cloth. Dip the cloth in warm water and wring it out. Use the cloth to gently swipe your face, in a circular motion. The coarseness is just the right amount to really get to the dirt and oil in your skin. You can do this exfoliation every day.

In conclusion, South Korean skincare is known for its innovative and effective products and routines. Double cleansing, facial massage, sheet masks, essence, sun protection, and sleeping masks are just a few of the skincare tips that South Korean women swear by. By incorporating some of these practices into your own skincare routine, you can achieve the radiant, glowing skin that South Korean women are famous for.