My Everyday Korean Skincare Routine
All my life I’ve been blessed with naturally clear skin. Normally all I needed to do was wash it with a basic skin cleanser and head to bed. Since the age of 18 however, I guess my hormones finally decided to create a scene, and I started struggling with uneven skin tone, clogged pores, and the consistent appearance of whiteheads. When basic cleansing and moisturizer just wasn’t enough, I stumbled onto Korean skincare on a whim, and let me just say, I’m in LOVE.
Ever since beginning my journey with Korean beauty products I receive so many compliments based on how great my skin looked. Whether I was at work, in church, during a family get together, I got the usual, “wow your skin looks great, what have your been using?” Even when my co-workers found out it was my skin and not foundation, they couldn’t believe it. Truthfully, that’s just how great my skin looks, flawless. Korean beauty products just work- I know that sentence sounds so overrated, but trust me, once you try it, you’ll always buy it.
Here are a few products I use religiously (day & night) to keep my skin happy & healthy:
Shiseido - Senka Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam - The first step to any skincare routine is cleansing, and I love to wash my skin with Shiseido’s Senka Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam. This cleanser has the ability to remove any dirt, makeup, oil, and debris from your skin without leaving a tight, dry feeling like other cleansers do. A little goes a long way with this stuff, as you only need less than a pea-sized amount to get the job done. It almost feels like you're putting lotion on your face before it transforms into a cream like, foamy lather. Also, I’ve noticed if I did have any scabs on my skin from notoriously picking at it, this cleanser somehow is able to lift away any dry scabs or patches. So strange yet so satisfying.
2. Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner - I will be honest, I used to hate this stuff. Something about the way it felt on my skin, I did not like at all, and when I tried to layer the rest of my routine afterward, my skin remained tacky, and took forever to fully dry down. The problem was this toner is extremely hydrating, something my skin did not have in years. Yes I moisturized, yet the products I used was not enough to treat the dehydration. It did take a couple of months before my face could accept the extra love it was getting and now my skin can’t get enough! It’s all in the name, for this toner tones, balances, cleanses and treats my face. Soon enough my dry patches cleared up, my skin tone evened out and day after day after applying my skin is left with a brighter glowing finish.3. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - Snail secretion, who would have thought? Honestly, this was one of the first products I have ever tried and purchased when switching to Korean beauty products, and let me tell you, it’s one of my favorite things (other than my cleanser) I have ever used. This product I layer right after toning, as essences are known to be one of the most important steps in the “10 Step Korean Skincare Routine”. Essences store the key ingredients you are desiring for your skin, and for me that was hydration and repair. This product feels like straight up slime, but then again it is snail secretion. Surprisingly though, it’s not as gross as you would think to be at all. There’s no smell, and the only “weird” part is the slip it gives as you apply it on your face. However, it absorbs sooo effortlessly, and I’m left with radiant skin.
4. Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++ - Before moisturizing, I apply sunscreen on my face to add as an extra barrier of protection. Now, I believe you’re supposed to add sunscreen after applying your moisturizer, but for some reason I do it beforehand. Is there a right or wrong way? I don’t know, someone please educate me—anyways, I love this sunscreen because it does not leave a white-cast, break me out, or feel too heavy on my skin. Sorry, I feel like I need to say this louder for those in the back, this sunscreen, does not leave a white-cast, break me out, or feel too heavy on my skin! It’s amazing. The only downfall of this product however, is the price. It retails for $30 dollars, and it’s a pretty small bottle. Thankfully, this has lasted me six months, a little does go a long way.
5. Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream - Last but not least, I complete my daily skin care routine with a faithful moisturizer. By the time I reach this step, my moisturizer is able to glide on so effortlessly due to all the layers applied already. This product is fairly new to my collection, but ever since I’ve been using it, I have not broken out, felt dry within this sudden winter here in NY and feel refreshed. Just like the Neogen sunscreen, this is not a cheap product (retails for $23) and also is a pretty small bottle. A little goes a long way and when used during my nighttime routine, I wake up with my skin still hydrated and refreshed.
Final Thoughts: Now I know this might seem like a lot of steps, or a lot of products but each product holds a place within your routine to help treat your skin. Not all routines are the same, some do three steps, others do the full ten; it’s all based off of what you need daily. Since not all products are for everyone, here’s a quiz to find out what your skin type is and get your glow up started! Good luck.
- Melissa L.C