Adding Korean Skincare Products Into Your Routine

Korean Skincare Products have been on the rise and becoming increasingly well-known in the UK. This is partly due to the popularity of Korean film/tv shows and K-Pop which has introduced many people to Korean culture, music, fashion and beauty. If you’re looking to add some Korean skincare into your routine, in this post we’ll cover some of the types of products you could look into.

Exfoliators

Exfoliating is an important part of any skincare routine, to ensure that your skin is smooth, free from dead skin cells and impurities, helping you achieve that holy grail “glow”.

Depending on your skin type, you will be looking to use an exfoliator once or twice a week maximum – different exfoliating products will also be more suited to different skin types. Korean products tend to focus on being more gentle than their western counterparts, so it’s perfect if you have more sensitive or dry skin.

While glycolic is the king ingredient many of us know, lactic and mandelic acids are more gentle and often used in Korean exfoliating products. Oilier skin types will find products with salicylic acid in gentle formulations, or a mix of different acids for a powerful product.

Just remember to never overdo it and to use soft washcloths or cotton pads when applying products – no scrubbing!

Toners and essences

Korean skincare routines are all about hydration, and a great way to add some to your routine is to use a toner or an essence. While we traditionally think of toners as the last step of cleansing, Korean toners focus on hydrating your skin once it’s been thoroughly cleansed.

Cleansers have different pH than the natural pH of your own skin (generally, cleansers are slightly alkaline to ensure that dirt is being dissolved effectively) so you may feel like your skin is a bit tight or dry once you’ve removed your makeup and cleansed your face. The toner applied to your skin will balance its pH levels and create a barrier to help keep your skin smooth and protected, while adding extra hydration so your face looks youthful and glowy.

Essences are also aimed at adding hydration to your routine and can be used instead of or alongside a toner if you need it. Their texture is often slightly thicker than a toner so you would apply the essence after the toner. They often contain loads of good ingredients for your skin like hyaluronic acid or antioxidants

Ampoule Treatments

Ampoules, also known as boosters, are concentrated products that directly treat a specific skin concern. That could be dull skin, acne, pigmentation, large pores or signs of aging, for example. Ampoules normally contain a high concentration of ingredients targeting one or a few skin concerns. This is especially good if you are looking for a boost to see a visible improvement in your skin in a short amount of time.

Apply your ampoule after toner or essence and gently tap it into your skin until it’s fully absorbed. Wait a couple of minutes before applying a moisturizer. Ampoules are a great alternative to masks since they are not rinsed off, so your skin can fully benefit from the ingredients.

If you’re not sure where to start and which brands you should start with, many online retailers specialize in Korean skincare – they will have all the cult beauty products, selected products per skin type and sometimes even bundles to get you started!