K-beauty AM-PM routine
Knowing your skin type is the first step to building a Korean skincare routine that perfectly suits your needs. Each skin type is unique and deserves special attention. Discover the characteristics of each skin type, as well as our tips for adopting suitable skincare, inspired by the gentle and effective philosophy of K-beauty.
Morning routine
1. Clean
During the night, we sweat, our skin produces sebum, dead skin accumulates on our epidermis. Cleansing is essential as the first step of Korean skincare, in order to get rid of this accumulation on the skin and prepare it to receive the next treatments.
2. Tone up
The toner rebalances the pH of the skin after cleansing and prepares it for the next treatment. After applying the toner, your skin is soothed and hydrated.
3. Treat
To treat specific skin needs, such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and blemishes, a serum or ampoule is used. This is a key step in Korean skincare. Adapt the serums according to your concerns. If you are layering several treatments, apply them starting with the lightest textures and finishing with the thickest.
4. Hydrate
In addition to adding a layer of moisture to your skin, this step seals in the skincare you applied beforehand. Moisturizer creates a barrier to retain moisture and protect your skin from external aggressions.
5. Protect
Sun protection is an essential step in the Korean routine, it is even indispensable. It protects the skin from UV rays, the main cause of skin aging and imperfections. It should be applied all year round, even in winter or when the weather is overcast. You will find it in cream format or in sun stick.
Evening routine
1. Double cleansing
Your skin regenerates at night, the more you take care of it in the evening before going to sleep, the more your skin will renew itself and you will have a fresh complexion when you wake up. Double cleansing is the basis of K-beauty. It removes makeup, sunscreen, sebum and all the impurities accumulated on the skin during the day. The cleansing oil dissolves the fatty substances, the water-based cleanser removes the remaining impurities.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that clog pores. When you exfoliate your skin, you reveal your new skin barrier, which protects the new skin cells underneath. This leaves your skin smoother, your complexion radiant, and the absorption of subsequent skincare products is easier. It is recommended to exfoliate your skin 1 to 2 times a week
3. Mask
The mask provides intensive care, which targets specific needs such as lack of hydration, excess sebum, dilated pores. It helps boost your weekly routine. To be done 1 to 2 times a week.
4. Tone up
Just like in your Korean morning routine, toner restores your skin's pH and helps it absorb the next treatments in your evening routine.
5. Treat
Like the morning routine, use a serum or ampoule to target specific skin concerns. Nighttime is when skin is most receptive to care. Take advantage of this time, for example, to use a retinol or retinal serum, which is not recommended for use in the morning.
6. Hydrate
The moisturizer will seal in the previously applied care and thus keep the skin hydrated all night long. I advise you to apply your eye cream first to maintain the suppleness and elasticity of this fragile area and avoid dark circles, bags and fine lines. You can also take the opportunity to use a moisturizing mask for your lips so that they are soft when you wake up.