I grew up thinking that it was enough to have a 3-step skin care routine. Wash – tone – moisturize. Only recently, i learned that it would take more steps if you want to really take good care of your skin. Korean and Japanese women are known to follow a 5-step skin routine.
The 5-Step Skin Care Routine is Korean women’s biggest beauty secret to flawless skin.
Here’s the 5-step routine:
1. Double cleansing —> 2. Massage & mask —> 3. Tone —> 4. Essence —> 5. Moisturize
Phew! Let’s find out in detail what each step is all about.
1. Double Cleansing
Thoroughly cleanse your skin with makeup remover and cleanser before going to sleep. Never ever go to sleep with your makeup still on!
Have you heard of Cleansing Oil? It is a washable oil that is emulsified with water to quickly remove all makeup, grease and dirt. One very famous brand is the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil. It removes all traces of makeup gently yet effectively as well as other types of pore clogging dirt while maintaining skin’s natural sebum levels
2. Massage & Mask
Facial massage is the secret to glowing skin. Apply a massage pack or cream and massage your face. You could even use a gentle scrub. It is exercise for your skin.
A facial massage improves blood circulation and is a great stress reliever!Facial massages also stimulates the flow of oxygen and nutrients to improve the elasticity of your skin. The skin temperature rises, opening pores and pushes out the dirt embedded deep within the skin. Your skin will look visibly fresher, younger and glows after a massage.
Incorporate a facial massage into your beauty regime at least 2 – 3 times a week for visible results.
A word of caution for those with acne or oily skin, massaging will agitate the oil glands and increase oil secretion. So refrain from massaging.
On the days you do not indulge in a facial massage, apply a mask on your face. There are many types of masks out there in stores, but the two that are most important are clarifying mask (deep cleanses the skin) and moisture mask.
Facial masks should be applied 1 – 2 times a week, after cleansing and preferably at night.
3. Tone
Some might think that toners are useless. But toners actually remove dead skin cells and residue from cleansers. Choose a toner that is suitable for your skin type.
4. Essence/serum
Essence or serums are very light, liquid concentrated treatments to correct skin problems. Essence is easier absorbed and penetrates deep into your skin, better than regular moisturizers.For best results, wait 5 minutes after applying serums before applying your moisturizer to allow maximum absorption. Because of their concentrated affects, serums are generally more expensive.
5. Moisturize
Choose a moisturizer suitable for your skin and use it diligently.
I am not one who is blessed with flawless skin, but i have learned that no matter what your skin type, you could make it better by paying extra attention to your skin care routine.
We recommend:
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
Decleor Cleansing Oil
Kose Seikisho Perfect Cleansing Oil
SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil
Related:
Beauty Tips from a Korean Makeup Artist
