The Korean routine for a glass skin effect
Are you looking for a routine that will finally suit your skin?
Discover our file dedicated to the Korean routine: we'll share with you all the keys to the right gestures for this technique!
Skincare: beauty standards in Korea
In South Korea (Asia), beauty criteria are quite different from those observed in Europe. In their country, skincare is perceived as a very important part of daily life, not to be neglected.
Let's see how their beauty standards differ from ours!
- Fair complexion: First of all, the ideal for women in South Korea is to have very fair skin. Brightening products and sun creams are very popular to maintain a pale, even complexion. For them, this is the most important criterion of beauty and skincare.
- Moisturized skin: South Koreans emphasize natural and organic skincare products that deeply moisturize for a radiant, healthy complexion.
- Well-groomed eyebrows: Eyebrows are an important part of their beauty criteria, and Korean women ensure that they are always well defined.
- Natural look: Although make-up products are popular, the natural look is also valued. The idea is often to enhance natural beauty rather than mask it.
- Skin aging: Korean women pay particular attention to their Korean anti-aging routine, to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve blood circulation.
- Skincare ritual: Koreans are renowned for their complex, regular skincare routines, often consisting of several steps, including cleansing, toner, serum, moisturizer, facial mask, etc.
Source: O Magazines - Beauty in South Korea
Layering, the key to the Korean skincare ritual
What is "Glass Skin"?
Glass Skin" is an idealized state of skin, where skin appears smooth, hydrated and radiant, to the point of mirror perfection. Skin appears not only plumped, but also radiant. It reflects the Korean ideal of beauty as seen in the paragraph above.
Appreciated for its natural look and luminosity, Glass Skin is the result of a meticulous, regular Korean skincare routine. It is based on very specific skincare principles, such as maximum hydration and elimination of impurities, as well as layering, to achieve a fresh, luminous and almost translucent complexion.
With a growing following on social networks, "Glass Skin" has become the embodiment of the effect sought by many followers of K-Beauty, Korean-style beauty. The process is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, particularly in France.
The quest for the perfect complexion in Korea
To achieve the perfect complexion, Korean women use the layering technique.
This is a process straight out of Asia, which consists of superimposing organic Korean cosmetics on the face in successive layers and in a precise order, to enhance and care for the epidermis.
Choosing the right products for your skin
How do I choose my Korean skincare?
To choose the ideal organic and natural Korean skincare product for you, start by determining your skin type: dry, oily, combination, sensitive or acne-prone. This will help you target the products that best meet your needs. It's important that they match your natural pH and preserve the hydrolipidic film of the epidermis to avoid drying it out.
Then, it will depend on the results you wish to see on your facial skin (brightening the complexion, anti-aging action, excess sebum, etc.).
Finally, opt for organic and natural cosmetics rich in beneficial antioxidants, hyaluronic acids, vitamin C and ceramides.
Beware, however: the Korean organic and natural routine requires patience. It can take several weeks before you see noticeable improvements in your facial skin.
Why is collagen so important?
The active ingredient collagen is important because it is an essential element in maintaining the health of facial skin. It keeps skin firm and plump, contributing to its youthful appearance.
In Korean beauty, it is often used in various forms: creams, toners, serums, masks... It is recognized for its beneficial effects on hydration, complexion radiance and the reduction of signs of premature aging of the epidermis.
It should also be noted that collagen requirements increase with age. Indeed, from the age of 25, collagen production begins to decline, which can lead to the appearance of signs of aging. That's why incorporating collagen into your Korean skincare routine can become essential to maintaining healthy, beautiful facial skin.
Source: Pharm Nature Micronutrition - Why is collagen so important?
The 10 steps of the Korean facial routine
The layering technique for your Korean routine comprises 10 different steps to be applied in a precise order.
Here they are:
Step 1: Cleanse with oil.
Step two: Foaming cleansing.
Step three: Exfoliation.
Step four: Toner.
Step five: Essence.
Step six: Serum.
Step seven: Facial mask.
Step eight: Eye contour.
Ninth step: Moisturizing cream.
Tenth and final step: Sun protection.
Source: Nubiance - Korean layering: 10 steps to follow
Double-cleaning, an essential step
Double cleansing is an essential step not to be neglected. It's the first step in the layering routine, and perhaps one of the most important, because it cleanses your skin before taking care of it.
It begins with a cleansing oil, applied to the face in circular movements to remove impurities, sunscreen and traces of make-up from the face. The natural make-up remover oil with fermented organic flowers from the Korean brand Whamisa is ideal for this purpose. It perfectly removes all impurities while soothing and moisturizing the skin. Its gentle formula, rich in argan and jojoba oils, is suitable for all skin types.
The second step in the double cleansing process is to apply a water-based cleanser to remove all residues and remaining oil. Whamisa's foaming gel cleanser is the perfect complement to this technique.
But why use two cleansers? Because it allows you to thoroughly cleanse your facial skin. The second product will remove the last residues not removed by the cleansing oil.
The importance of exfoliation and peeling
Exfoliation and peeling are essential steps in achieving perfectly smooth, radiant skin. These exfoliation processes remove dead cells from the surface, stimulating cell regeneration.
There are two types of exfoliants:
- Physical exfoliants, or scrubs, which contain small particles to manually scrub away dead cells.
- Chemical exfoliants, or peelings, which use lactic or salicylic acids to dissolve dead cells.
Depending on your skin's specific needs, you may choose to incorporate one or both types into your routine. However, it is recommended not to exfoliate more than two or three times a week to avoid irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
Using essences, serums and creams
In the Korean organic and natural routine, the use of essences, serums and creams are 3 important steps in Korean layering.
Natural essences are light-textured, moisturizing liquids that help prepare the skin for the next steps in the Korean routine. Apply the product by gently patting it onto your damp face. Deep Rich nourishing essence with fermented organic flowers from K-beauty brand Whamisa plumps, nourishes and stimulates cell renewal. Its aloe vera-rich texture brings immediate freshness to your face. All Whamisa cosmetics are certified vegan, organic and 100% natural, so there's no need to worry about nature with this brand!
The organic and natural serums are formulated with concentrated active ingredients to treat specific problems (hydration, anti-dark spot, etc.). Apply to the face in small quantities, patting gently.
Finally, organic and natural moisturizers are thicker than the two products applied previously, and are used to seal in moisture and provide a protective skin barrier for facial skin. They should be used after the essence and serum, applying to the whole face with circular movements.
The Korean routine for acne and/or oily skin
The Korean routine for acne and/or oily skin requires careful attention to product selection, with an emphasis on those that control sebum production, moisturize and treat breakouts.
- Cleansing: Opt for an organic, natural cleanser that helps regulate sebum production, containing gentle, beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, argan oil or chamomile extract.
- Exfoliation: For oily, acne-prone skin, it's best to use chemical exfoliants, which are generally gentler.
- Serum: Salicylic acid is known to relieve acne. Serums can also help moisturize and lighten acne scars.
- Moisturizing: Even acne-prone, oily skin can benefit from a moisturizing cream, as it combats the dryness caused by certain acne products.
- Masks: Using a natural fabric mask no more than once or three times a week, avoiding the eye area, can help deeply moisturize the epidermis and soothe irritation.
Morning and evening routine: what are the differences?
Morning beauty ritual for a fresh complexion all day long
The natural Korean morning beauty ritual is renowned for promoting healthy skin and a fresh complexion.
For their Korean morning routine, women use the layering technique as seen above with the various products already listed.
Evening routine for regenerated skin in the morning
The Korean evening skincare routine is just as important, focusing on skin repair and regeneration during the night.
This beauty routine begins with double facial cleansing. Then, as in the morning, a toner, essence and serum are applied.
You can then continue this routine with an organic and natural or vegan night mask, depending on your skin concerns, one to three times a week, followed by a night cream. If necessary, depending on your needs, you can apply a facial oil for intense nourishment throughout your sleep, using circular movements.
Last but not least, don't forget your lips! Apply a lip balm to keep them moisturized throughout the night, and wake up with baby-soft lips!
The importance of masks in the Korean beauty routine
The benefits of fabric masks for the skin
Fabric masks play a key role in the Korean beauty routine. They enable facial skin to benefit from intense hydration and a concentrated supply of active ingredients.
They are generally soaked in a serum rich in beneficial ingredients, and can be used totreat a variety of skin problems.
They are also reputed to deeply purify the skin.They form a barrier that retains moisture, leaving the face softer and brighter after each use.
In just 15 or 20 minutes, fabric masks recharge your skin's batteries!
The Korean brand Whamisa offers 3 with different ingredients for different problems on our e-shop:
- The natural hydrogel face mask with fermented organic fruit: moisturizes and revitalizes the skin, evens skin tone and tightens pores.
- Hydrogel face mask with fermented organic seeds: smoothes and firms facial skin, with anti-aging benefits thanks to antioxidant agents.
- Hydrogel face mask with fermented organic flowers: instantly evens and brightens the complexion, while intensely moisturizing.
How often should I use a beauty mask?
An organic beauty mask should be used 1 to 3 times a week, applying for 15 to 20 minutes to clean, pre-cleansed skin, avoiding the eye contour area. If the eyes are affected, rinse with clear water.
Cloth masks can also be used according to your individual needs, such as when your epidermis needs a boost, but it's generally recommended to make them a regular part of your Korean routine.
Source: Quiriness - Facial Tissue Mask: Effects, Use by Skin Type
The long-term benefits of a Korean routine
Adopting a Korean skin care routine over the long term can bring many benefits.
Firstly, this natural routine promotes intense hydration, essential for maintaining radiant, plump skin. This is due to the regular use of moisturizing products such as organic serums, lotions and creams, which saturate the skin with nutrients and moisture.
Secondly, it helps prevent and combat the signs of aging. Korean routine products are often packed with active anti-aging ingredients, such as collagen, the active ingredient that helps keep the epidermis firm and smooth.
Finally, the Korean routine aims to protect the face from external aggressors, particularly UVA rays, through the daily use of sun protection. This step is crucial in preventing long-term skin damage caused by the sun, such as wrinkles and age spots.
Your opinions on Korean skincare products on our e-shop:
"This is the third time I've ordered it, and it's perfect. I had fallen for the Evolve Beauty one, but found it too thick, difficult to smooth over the face, and disgustingly scented. This one, on the other hand, is a must: it glides over the face, removes all make-up in the blink of an eye, I love it. Sad that it has no scent, but it's better than a strong one..." - Opinion of Candice, about the product: Whamisa Organic Fermented Flower Cleansing Oil.
Rating: 5/5 stars. Price: €35.70
"I discovered this product in the 2022 Advent calendar and it has become a real favorite for me! Its scent is really soft and pleasant and it leaves a feeling of comfort on the skin." - Lucie's opinion about the product: Deep Rich nourishing essence with Whamisa organic fermented flowers
Rating: 5/5 stars. Price: €51.15
"During the 20-25 minute pause, the sensation of freshness is very pleasant. The scent is very light. When the mask is removed and the excess is massaged into the face, the skin remains a little sticky/powdery, which can't be very pleasant in the morning. In the evening, however, there's no problem. There's no need to apply a serum or cream afterwards, just leave the skin to rest overnight. And in the morning, the results are clearly visible on mature, sensitive and reactive skin: the skin is deeply moisturized, plumped and smoothed in a lasting way. A real rejuvenating bath." - Anonymous review, about the product: Whamisa organic fermented seeds hydrogel face mask
Rating: 5/5 stars. Price: €7.40
Now you know all about the Korean routine. If you'd like to learn more, we invite you to visit other articles depending on the results you want to achieve on your face:
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