The Correct Way of Doing Korean Skin Care Morning Routine

The wildly popular 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine can be daunting for some people. Although this skin care method is favorable for most existing skincare brands like Dr Jart, time and budget constraints may demotivate people to get into their own version of this routine. We’re going to break down this comprehensive routine so it becomes more manageable for you.

[ photo: pexels.com by rawpixel.com ]

Here’s a guide for doing your morning Korean skincare routine right:

1. Wash with water

Start your morning skincare routine by gently rinsing your face with water ONLY. Do not use oil cleansers or facial washes. Our skin naturally produces oils at night oils keep our skin’s pH levels balanced.

Also, you want to keep in the added nourishment from your night moisturizers, and our skin isn’t exposed to dust, pollution, or makeup upon waking up. Water cleansing is enough to cleanse light impurities and keep in all the nutrients absorbed overnight.

2. Toner

Apply toner after washing your face with water to remove any impurities left off from water cleansing and to further balance your skin’s pH levels. Toners also hydrate your skin and prep it up for for the next products you’ll be applying.

3. Essence

Essences are lighter than ampoules and serums. Essences help unclog pores, control excess sebum, and alleviate dull skin, scars, and acne. They added an extra layer of moisture for your skin to further absorb nutrients from serums and ampoules. Essences also aid cellular turnover for a brighter, younger-looking complexion.

Essences may be skipped over or replaced with a serum or ampoule, but it is great for adding nourishment and moisture especially during summer months. Essences are generally watery like toners and most also have a cooling effect on the skin.

4. Ampoules

Ampoules contain a high amount of active ingredients that help correct more serious and advanced skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, skin discoloration, and sagging skin. Ampoules are instant spot correctors that rapidly target these skin concerns. 

Ampoules contain concentrated amounts of plant botanicals and acids that immediately make your skin look plumper and deliver optimal amounts of nutrients deep in your skin cells. Furthermore, ampoules are also lightweight, watery, and quick absorbing, making it easy to apply on your skin especially if you’re in a rush without skipping skin nourishment. Ampoules are preferable over serums especially if you have oily skin and more suitable for use during summer.

5. Serum

Serums are similar to ampoules in deeply nourishing your skin and targeting advanced signs of skin aging. However, serums are more viscous and thicker in consistency compared to ampoules. Serums are also credited for giving your skin a glossy sheen, thus helping you achieve that ‘glass-skin’ look that is popular among skin care aficionados. Serums are also great for hydrating the skin and is perfect for dry sensitive skin and also preferable for use during colder months or winter season.

6. Eye cream

The skin around your eyes display the first signs of aging like fine lines, dark circles, and sagging eye bags because it’s thinnest and doesn’t have sebaceous glands to produce natural oils. Thus, it is important to apply extra care and moisturization to your eye areas because it’s very sensitive and vulnerable. Indeed, eyes are truly windows to your soul (and lifestyle).

Apply deeply nourishing and hydrating eye cream to effectively moisturize your eye areas, preferably the ones with added skin firming ingredients like collagen or hyaluronic acid. Also, use your ring finger when applying eye cream since the ring finger exerts the least amount of pressure, making it ideal for the sensitive and thin skin around the eye area.

7. Moisturizer

Apply a moisturizer to seal in all the previous nourishing and hydrating layers from toning, essences, and serums or ampoules. Moisturizers protect your skin’s barrier to help lock in nutrients and maintain skin moisture levels.

8. Sunscreen

Cap your morning routine with a sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Sunscreen is a very crucial part of your morning routine -- you should never skip this step and go out unprotected. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that shields you from both UVA and UVB rays, and choose products with at least 35+ SPF. Leave on skin for at least 30 minutes before going out, and reapply often as needed.

Building a solid skincare foundation while you are younger is the best way to prevent skin aging and keep your skin youthful and radiant. It requires discipline to maintain a consistent skin care routine every day, but it’s worth your time and effort in the long run.