Glow Getter: The Korean Skin Care Routine for Radiant Skin

The trend of Korean skincare in India started after a certain blogger flaunted her skincare regime around 2015-16. And because of several reasons like Korean pop culture and social media, this trend gained popularity. Another reason Korean skincare has become increasingly popular is due to their use of natural ingredients such as rice water, Chia seeds, bamboo, avocado, tea tree, Jeju orange, carrot, ginseng, and others in their product formulations. These natural ingredients are believed to provide various benefits to the skin, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a more natural approach to skincare. Korean beauty standards may seem specific and strict to some, but they also reflect a deep cultural appreciation for beauty and self-care. This blog will discuss the 10-step skincare routine for glowing skin. The first step to any perfect skincare routine is determining your skin type. This is because different skin types require specific care and treatment. The five major skin types are oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and normal skin type. Therefore, identifying your skin type lets you determine what product will work for your issues.

Does the Korean skincare routine work?

There was a serious misconception in our country to associate beauty with fairness. But as we learn to accept and love ourselves, skin color is no longer a fixation for anyone. In today's era, all Indian skin tones are celebrated equally and many have learned to embrace their natural skin. People just want to enhance their beauty and have a brighter complexion. It is fascinating to note that in Korea, many individuals look younger than their actual age. This can be attributed to their strong focus on skincare. The Korean market is known for its highly sought-after anti-aging skincare products which have gained immense popularity.

Everyone might have their own basic skincare routine. If not then this blog is your sign to start doing it. Basic skin care can help you but starting Korean skincare will help you to achieve healthier and glass-like skin according to data. In the world of K-beauty, their unique and inventive concepts set them apart from the rest. According to research, “Korean cosmeceuticals, using snail secretions, starfish powder, botanical extracts, green tea, and red ginseng, show promise in improving skin health and reducing signs of aging”. It's not just the innovative ingredients they have been using but the 10-step skin care has also been very effective and is widely popular because of the results.

The 10 steps in Korean skincare routine : 

Korean skincare has become very popular in recent years due to its effectiveness in achieving a flawless complexion. It involves several steps that are time-consuming but deliver remarkable results. 

• The very first step is using Oil Cleansers to remove makeup, this step involves dissolving makeup and impurities. Find a gentle yet effective oil cleanser and give a quick facial massage. It's common for many of us to feel hesitant when it comes to removing our makeup before bed. However, sleeping with makeup on your face can lead to numerous adverse reactions and cause damage to your skin. As a result, this step is a must to follow for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Some people might wonder if oil cleansing is a good choice or not for oily skin. Fret not! Oil cleansing is good for all skin types but choosing a good oil is important. Jojoba, rosehip, olive oil, coconut oil, and all can be used for this but understanding your skin type and choosing accordingly should be the priority.
• The second step is using a foam cleanser. Choose a cleanser that is formulated for your specific skin type as there is a chance that using a product for oily skin on your dry face will end up making your face drier, worsening your issues. If there is any dirt or residue after the oil cleansing, foam cleansing with a good product will clear your face without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
• The third step is to Exfoliate. It is important to approach this step with caution as incorrect execution can cause harm. But this will help you get a smoother and brighter complexion by removing dead skin cells from your face.
• This one is my personal favorite! Toner is a vital step in the Korean routine and is very refreshing to do. Spraying it on your face is not just fun but it helps in balancing the skin's pH levels thus prepping it to absorb the other skincare products we are about to use.
• The next step is to apply essences, this works wonders by providing moisture to the skin that penetrates deeply, encouraging suppleness, and a vibrant complexion. These products are enriched with powerful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and snail mucin, known for their potent revitalizing properties.
• Serums and ampoules are potent solutions that target specific skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging. They are packed with active ingredients that can effectively address these issues. These ingredients include Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, and Salicylic acid, each with its unique specialty. Niacinamide for oil control, even tone, Hyaluronic for plump and baby-soft skin, Salicylic for whiteheads and blackheads, alpha arbutin for anti-pigmentation, and so on. Incorporating these ingredients into your skincare routine can help you achieve healthy, youthful, and glowing skin.
• Sheet masks are cost-effective and at the same time an item that gives luxurious vibes. Applying this for fifteen minutes will provide an instantaneous and remarkable surge of hydration, increasing skin plumpness. These masks are highly recommended in any skincare routine as they deliver an immediate and noticeable improvement in skin quality.
• The next step is to provide care for the skin around your eyes. According to a paper published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”Dark circles under the eyes are caused by multiple factors, including dermal melanin deposition, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, periorbital edema, superficial vasculature, and skin laxity”. The area around the eyes is very delicate and requires special attention as it is prone to aging. Therefore, the use of eye creams can help to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. By using these eye creams regularly, you can maintain the skin around your eye.
• Moisturizing your face is the most fundamental step to keep your skin hydrated and soft. Once you're done cleansing and toning, it's time to apply a good moisturizer. This step helps lock in the moisture and ensures your skin stays hydrated throughout the day, so if you want your skin to look and feel healthy never skip this part.
• The key part of any skincare routine should be applying Sunscreen. It protects your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and can host other skin problems. Sunscreen prevents them from penetrating your skin by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays. To get the maximum benefit from your sunscreen, choose a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with a minimum SPF of 30. Try to buy mineral sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as these are proven to work better. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating, even if it claims to be waterproof or sweatproof. With regular use, sunscreen can help keep your skin looking healthy, youthful, and radiant.

Although, understandably, some people might find these 10- steps too tiring to follow. But at least four steps of using a toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen should be followed. These products help in maintaining healthy and hydrated skin while protecting it from damage caused by UV rays. 

All these products now come for different skin types, for oily skin gel-based products, dry skin cream-based, and combination skin people can try both and see what suits them the most. I’d suggest people with sensitive skin visit a dermat before using things on their face. There are many affordable medicated products in the market that are effective too. Ideally Sensitive skinned people can try the gel-based as they keep you hydrated. The only thing is to find the underlying cause of whatever problem you are facing and treat it accordingly.

Reminder:

The 10-step routine is generally safe, but it is important to start any routine slowly, so introduce new products one at a time to identify any sensitivities. Do a patch test first on your inner arm and wait 24 hours and if you experience any irritation, stop using the product.

You are beautiful just the way you are and should realize the fact that all these skin care products and makeup products are only for the sake of enhancing the beauty you are born with. Everyone is beautiful in their own way and setting a standard by categorizing “this is what beauty means” is a very toxic thing to do. “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” and to each person, the idea of beauty varies. Avoid comparing yourself to someone else's idea of "beauty”. It's important to stay true to yourself and not let external standards dictate how you view yourself.

The beauty industry can be overwhelming, and it's easy to feel like we can never measure up to the beauty standards set by society. However, the Korean skincare routine offers a refreshing perspective as it prioritizes self-care and promotes healthy, glowing skin. Following this routine with consistency can help you achieve the flawless skin that you've always dreamt of. So why not start this journey today? Your skin deserves the best, and by investing in a Korean skincare routine, you are giving it the love and attention it needs.