During the first lockdown, a lot of people turned to Korean dramas and music, and have gotten deep into the Korean culture. Many people have started to prefer Korean dramas rather than the usual Indian television dramas. This wave of Korean culture that has taken the world by storm is known as Hallyu. And while we all are riding the Korean culture wave and deeply loving it, we have also begun to learn more about their beauty industry and how we can achieve perfect glass skin like them.
Tip: Make this easy homemade face toner for that glowing skin.
Korean skincare is not about makeup but more about having healthy skin. Although it has a list of products, they are made to suit every specific skin type. If you want to achieve healthy skin using the Korean skincare routine, here is a guide you can follow.
10 Steps To Healthy Skin
1. Make-Up Remover Or Oil-Based Cleanser
You should begin your skincare routine with a double cleansing technique. A makeup remover or oil-based cleanser removes all the stubborn makeup, sunscreen particles and dirt from your skin without stripping the natural oil in your skin. An oil or balm based cleanser works best in this step.
How To Do It:
- Take a small amount of oil-based cleanser and apply it to your face and neck
- Rub the product in circular motions for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Macadamia oil
- Jojoba oil
- Grapeseed oil
TC46 Recommends:
- Plum E-Luminence Simply Supple Cleansing Balm
2. Water-Based Cleanser
The next step of your routine is to cleanse your skin with a face wash. Using a foam or cream cleanser works best here. Use gentle circular motions to remove any residual sweat and dirt from the skin. Choose a gentle, hydrating and low pH water-based cleanser to help sweep away anything like dirt or sweat that the oil-based cleansing didn’t pick up. The two steps combined thoroughly cleanse the skin.
How To Do It:
- Take a small amount of water-based cleanser and apply it to your face and neck
- Rub the product in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Make sure you get all the makeup residue off
- Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Salicylic acid
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
TC46 Recommends:
- Mamaearth Tea Tree Foaming Facewash
3. Toner
Toners are the ultimate prep product that repairs the skin’s barriers to effectively absorb the moisturisers. A toner that restores pH level and hydrates, giving you a dewy finish. You can use the product with a cotton pad or your fingers, and pat it into your skin.
How To Do It:
- Dab a small amount of the product on a cotton pad or your fingertips
- Gently pat in on your skin and neck
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Apple Cider
- Witch hazel
- Aloe vera
TC46 Recommends:
- Bellissimo Creazione Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
Shop for apple cider vinegar toner from the Red Dot Shop here.
4. Exfoliator
Exfoliating once or twice a week can help slough off dead skin cells, promote skin cell turnover and repair sun-damaged, ageing or skin discolouration. Use a physical exfoliator or chemical as per your skin type. Consult with a dermatologist to find your match. Check out a few all-natural DIY face scrubs here.
How To Do It:
- If you are using a chemical exfoliant, make sure you do this step after cleansing and toning
- Apply a thick layer to cleansed, dry skin avoiding the eye area
- Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing off using lukewarm water
- Increase to twice per week if your skin can tolerate it
- Use sunscreen of SPF 30 or above is a must when using this peel
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- AHA
- BHA
TC46 Recommends:
- Minimalist AHA+BHA+PHA Peeling Solution
5. Essence
Essence is sort of like serums, they are concentrated, lightweight blends of anti-ageing, skin-boosting ingredients. As they are lightweight, they quickly absorb in the skin. Pour a few drops of your preferred essence into your palms and pat it onto your face and neck.
How To Do It:
- Dab a small amount of the product on a cotton pad or your fingertips
- Gently pat in on your skin and neck
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
TC46 Recommends:
- L’oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence
6. Treatments
Whatever your skin problem is, there is a serum or booster with an active ingredient to address your concern. These are highly-concentrated formulas packed with active ingredients to address acne, wrinkles, redness, large pores, and pigmentation. You use these directly on the problematic areas. To add more moisture to your skin, use hyaluronic acid. Click here to know more about the product.
How To Do It:
- Apply the product depending on the type of product and its use
- For spot treatments apply less than a pea size on the area, otherwise, dab the product on the skin and neck
- Gently pat it on your skin and neck and wait for a few minutes till it absorbs
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Retinol
- Niacinamide
TC46 Recommends:
- Olay Night Serum: Regenerist Retinol 24 Serum
7. Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are super affordable, relaxing and perfect for a day when you want to unwind. They are soaked in all the right ingredients, nutrients and moisture and directly supply it to your skin.
How To Do It:
- Apply the sheet mask on your skin and leave for a few minutes
- Remove it and let the serum from the mask dry out on your skin
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aloe vera
- Tea tree oil
TC46 Recommends:
- The Body Shop Sheet Masks
8. Eye Cream
Did you know that the skin near your eyes is the thinnest and delicate area? It needs a little extra care. Applying an eye cream gets rid of and treats dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and puffy eyes. The ingredients for this product are extra gentle and don’t cause irritation. When using an eye cream, remember to never rub, pat it into the area. And also avoid your water line.
How To Do It:
- Apply the eye serum on your under eyes, do not touch your water line
- You can also gently dab it using the tips of your fingers
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Jojoba oil
- Rosehip oil
- Sweet almond oil
TC46 Recommends:
- Bellissimo Creazione Under Eye Serum
Buy an under eye serum to reduce dark circles and puffy eyes from the Red Dot Shop here.
9. Moisturiser
Moisturisers come in various forms like emulsions, lotions, gels, creams or sleeping masks. They seal the moisture, plump the skin and smoothen fine lines. They also act as a sealing layer to lock in all the previous added products and help them work better. One must always remember to get a moisturizer that is suitable for their skin type. Learn how to make luxurious body butters here.
How To Do It:
- Post your shower or face wash, take a generous amount of moisturizer and gently apply it to your face
- Do not forget to apply it to your neck
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Niacinamide
- Sweet almond oil
- Hyaluronic acid
TC46 Recommends:
- Neutrogena Oil-free Moisturizer
10. Sunscreen
It is said that all your skincare products are a waste if not used with sunscreen. Sunscreens are the easiest and most effective skincare product. Sunscreen is vital for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and slowing down the skin ageing process. Ensure that SPF skin protection is a daily addition to your routine. Check out the ultimate sunscreen guide here. You can also check out reviews of popular sunscreens here.
How To Do It:
- Post your skincare routine, during day time, apply a generous amount of sunscreen
- Apply at least 2 fingers worth of sunscreen to your face and neck
Ingredients To Look Out For:
- Oxybenzone
- Zinc oxide
TC46 Recommends:
- Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
Check out a range of desi skincare and beauty products at the Red Dot Shop here. Buy products ranging from facial cleansers to moisturisers, balms and toners. Visit the Red Dot Shop now!
Bonus Skincare
Finish your 10 step skincare routine with lip balm. While your face receives all the love and pampering, don’t forget your lips! Click here to learn how to make your own lip scrub or visit the Red Dot Shop to buy a beautiful all-natural lavender lip scrub, here.
Skincare is a huge industry and it definitely has all the right products to suit your skin. But before you commit to a routine, consult with a dermatologist. Especially if you have skin problems like acne. They will guide you better with the right kind of products.
And you are all prepped to getting the skin goals of your dreams!