Korea is widely renowned as the forebearers of innovation in the world of beauty. The multi-step skincare process has set a whole new standard worldwide, and can be pretty overwhelming to those just starting out (as somewhat of a newb myself I speak from personal experience.) It's no surprise then that their drugstore brands are legions ahead of our own in terms of quality and performance, which is great news if you're on a budget (or it would be if you didn't have to factor in shipping costs!) I have since waived a lot of my 'if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg it's not worth it' attitude and given in to buying more affordable produce. If it works, it works ;P
First thing's first, if you're English and planning on taking a step towards Asian skincare/cosmetics, it is paramount that you check out the ingredients of each product prior to purchase. Case in point:
That is assuming you can't read Japanese/Korean of course. You'll definitely need to find out if something is likely to contain an ingredient that you may be allergic to, plus it's always a good idea to get an insight into the benefiting properties they've got to offer i.e. AHAs/BHAs/vitamins etc; in short KNOW what you're putting on your skin!
Not all of the products I use are Asian; essentially it's the regimen itself that is attributed to Korean skincare practice.
Here's my full routine thus far (please note that I don't follow all of these steps every day and several products are used in rotation.)
Step 1 - Makeup removal:
I use my water based cleanser to remove that first layer of makeup: Bioderma crealine solution - a really gentle yet effective superficial cleanse. The idea is to remove as much as possible in preparation for the next step.
Step 2 - Follow up makeup removal: The face shop rice water facial oil dissolves the rest of my makeup and sufficiently lubricates my skin for step 3.
Step 3 - 5-20 Minute Facial Massage: using my fingers or my jade stone (dependent on the availability of time of course) This stimulates cell renewal and drains excess lymph giving the appearance of a slimmer jawline. If done properly using upward sweeping motions it's also an incredible anti-aging technique as it lifts and promotes skin's elasticity.
Step 4 - Deep Cleanse: Generally speaking oil and water do not mix, so I use a small amount of my favourite clay based cleanser in order to assist in the removal of any last traces of oil with a warm water rinse:
Norwegian brand Neutrogena visibly clear 2 in 1 wash and mask (AHAs: Citric acid BHAs: salicylic acid) this is as close as you can get to the Murad clay mask without spending a fortune (both are kaolin based). Really effective at drawing out any lingering impurities, can use in the shower as a normal wash, alternatively leave a good layer on your skin for approx. 30 mins as part of your purifying cleanse ritual once pores have been fully opened up with warm water or steam. If left on as a mask you'll start to feel it tingling, which unless you've got sensitive skin is always a reassuring sign that something's actually working!
Step 5 - Treatment 1: Blackhead removal Innisfree 3 in 1 nose pack (also containing kaolin). I'll spread lashings of this stuff across my nose where I tend to have the most sebum. As it dries for approx 10-15 mins it acts as a plunger over the enlarged pores sucking a lot of the nastiness to the surface. I then add warm water to gently scrub away the crystalised oil and deep cleanse my open pores. (The root of the blackhead is usually a lot harder to dislodge completely, so unless you're braver than I am and willing to use a removal tool which may or may not damage your skin, they may still be visible, despite being less noticeable than before.)
Step 6 - Exfoliation: I've never really suffered with dry skin, nevertheless I tend to use my konjac sponge in step 4 for a gentle daily exfoliation (or in the shower). For my more intensive weekly exfoliation I apply a couple of pumps of The Cure gel based exfoliating peel onto my skin and gently rub in small circular motions. Japan's leading exfoliating skincare product, again - gentle and effective, complexion is brighter and skin is smoother as a result. Avoid microbead abrasive scrubs at all costs! More often than not the beads are made out of plastic and don't break down, which scours the skin and makes it more prone to acne lesions. Great for your feet mind you.
Step 7 - Toner: The toning step no longer serves as the capper in my cleansing ritual, instead I put a few drops of the Etude House Wonder pore freshener into the palms of my hands, and then gently pat into my skin (note: be careful when purchasing Asian toners as many are often referred to as 'lotions' which may be misconstrued to mean moisturisers, particularly in Japan). Upon opening there was what I thought to be quite a strong alcohol smell, which of course made me worry that it was heavily astringent based. Definitely delivers on its claims to be pore minimising and sebum controlling. Plus it contains hyaluronic acid which is one of my favourite ingredients of all time.
We have now ensured the skin is super clean, exfoliated and prepped for further treatment. Exciting eh? ;P
First thing's first, if you're English and planning on taking a step towards Asian skincare/cosmetics, it is paramount that you check out the ingredients of each product prior to purchase. Case in point:
That is assuming you can't read Japanese/Korean of course. You'll definitely need to find out if something is likely to contain an ingredient that you may be allergic to, plus it's always a good idea to get an insight into the benefiting properties they've got to offer i.e. AHAs/BHAs/vitamins etc; in short KNOW what you're putting on your skin!
Not all of the products I use are Asian; essentially it's the regimen itself that is attributed to Korean skincare practice.
Here's my full routine thus far (please note that I don't follow all of these steps every day and several products are used in rotation.)
Step 1 - Makeup removal:
I use my water based cleanser to remove that first layer of makeup: Bioderma crealine solution - a really gentle yet effective superficial cleanse. The idea is to remove as much as possible in preparation for the next step.
Step 2 - Follow up makeup removal: The face shop rice water facial oil dissolves the rest of my makeup and sufficiently lubricates my skin for step 3.
Step 3 - 5-20 Minute Facial Massage: using my fingers or my jade stone (dependent on the availability of time of course) This stimulates cell renewal and drains excess lymph giving the appearance of a slimmer jawline. If done properly using upward sweeping motions it's also an incredible anti-aging technique as it lifts and promotes skin's elasticity.
Step 4 - Deep Cleanse: Generally speaking oil and water do not mix, so I use a small amount of my favourite clay based cleanser in order to assist in the removal of any last traces of oil with a warm water rinse:
Norwegian brand Neutrogena visibly clear 2 in 1 wash and mask (AHAs: Citric acid BHAs: salicylic acid) this is as close as you can get to the Murad clay mask without spending a fortune (both are kaolin based). Really effective at drawing out any lingering impurities, can use in the shower as a normal wash, alternatively leave a good layer on your skin for approx. 30 mins as part of your purifying cleanse ritual once pores have been fully opened up with warm water or steam. If left on as a mask you'll start to feel it tingling, which unless you've got sensitive skin is always a reassuring sign that something's actually working!
Step 5 - Treatment 1: Blackhead removal Innisfree 3 in 1 nose pack (also containing kaolin). I'll spread lashings of this stuff across my nose where I tend to have the most sebum. As it dries for approx 10-15 mins it acts as a plunger over the enlarged pores sucking a lot of the nastiness to the surface. I then add warm water to gently scrub away the crystalised oil and deep cleanse my open pores. (The root of the blackhead is usually a lot harder to dislodge completely, so unless you're braver than I am and willing to use a removal tool which may or may not damage your skin, they may still be visible, despite being less noticeable than before.)
Step 6 - Exfoliation: I've never really suffered with dry skin, nevertheless I tend to use my konjac sponge in step 4 for a gentle daily exfoliation (or in the shower). For my more intensive weekly exfoliation I apply a couple of pumps of The Cure gel based exfoliating peel onto my skin and gently rub in small circular motions. Japan's leading exfoliating skincare product, again - gentle and effective, complexion is brighter and skin is smoother as a result. Avoid microbead abrasive scrubs at all costs! More often than not the beads are made out of plastic and don't break down, which scours the skin and makes it more prone to acne lesions. Great for your feet mind you.
Step 7 - Toner: The toning step no longer serves as the capper in my cleansing ritual, instead I put a few drops of the Etude House Wonder pore freshener into the palms of my hands, and then gently pat into my skin (note: be careful when purchasing Asian toners as many are often referred to as 'lotions' which may be misconstrued to mean moisturisers, particularly in Japan). Upon opening there was what I thought to be quite a strong alcohol smell, which of course made me worry that it was heavily astringent based. Definitely delivers on its claims to be pore minimising and sebum controlling. Plus it contains hyaluronic acid which is one of my favourite ingredients of all time.
We have now ensured the skin is super clean, exfoliated and prepped for further treatment. Exciting eh? ;P
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