More and more people value healthy skin over thick makeup. However, skincare can be costly, and not everyone can afford it. But what if I tell you there’s a way for you to take care of your skin, in a non-wallet-busting way? This is where affordable Korean Skin Care comes in.
What is Korean Skin Care?
Also known as K-Beauty, Korean Skin Care, by definition, is a beauty regimen from South Korea. This skincare routine is focused on the health of your skin, such as cleansing, moisturizing, and hydrating it. Unlike the common skincare routine we know where we focus more on getting smooth skin, Koreans take it to the next level. They invest plenty of time and money in order to get a perfectly healthy skin.
This skincare is not just exclusive for women within a specific age range. Koreans teach their kids the proper skincare routine and which steps to take first in order to get smooth and healthy skin. However, the routine is not strictly for females. Korean men also have an array of skincare products that they use, which makes sense. Having a nice skin shouldn’t be gender exclusive.
Why Do It?
No. 1: Korean Skincare Products Use Natural Ingredients
When it comes to ingredients and raw materials used for skincare, Koreans certainly focus more on using organic and natural ingredients as much as possible. However, this doesn’t mean that Korean Products are free from chemicals and synthetic ingredients. No. Their products still contain chemicals, but unlike most western skincare products, Koreans use less toxic chemicals. They lean more on using naturally-derived materials to boost their skin’s health.
This is why Korean Skincare products are ideal for those who have dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, and other skin types. Using organic and naturally-derived ingredients for their products pose less threat to those who have sensitive skin because well, it’s natural.
No. 2: Korean Skin Care Routine is for Long-Terms
One thing you should know about Korean skincare is that it revolves around making your skin look young. While most of us choose to buy medicated products such as Benzoyl Peroxide (which is highly drying) and Retin-A for these types of skin problems. These products doesn’t last for a long time as it can only nourish your skin during the time that you’re using it. After that, your skin reverts back to its usual state.
Korean skincare products, however, works the opposite way. The more that you’re using it, the healthier your skin gets. This is because Korean skincare is focused more on nourishing your skin without stripping or thinning any parts of it. Instead, it heals it to give you that youthful glow.
No. 3: Korean Skincare Products are Affordable (Yes)
The market for the Korean skincare product is massive. Since the market is very large, the quality for their drugstore Korean beauty products can compete with that of Sephora. With your regular skincare routine, you spend around $30 – $50 per item. But with your Korean skincare products you can buy them at $12 and the quality of the Korean one would just be the same (if not better).
Korean too has high-end skincare products with prices that even rise up to hundreds of dollars. The results of these items would also be able to keep up with the price that was set. However, their drugstore items can give your skin the nourishment and vitamins that it needs.
6-Step Korean Skincare Routine (With Product Recommendation)
Step 1: Clean-Off Your Makeup Twice
Start with removing make-up on your face — twice. The first cleansing is focused on removing the make-up itself. Your face may look clean and pristine. However — it is not. There are still make-up and dirt debris in it. To make sure that no make-up gets left behind, you should apply cleanser, the second time.
There are a lot of types of makeup remover. However, it’s strongly recommended that you use an oil-based makeup remover. Why? Cleaning oil contains more lubrication. Meaning, you’re not going to be stressing your skin out while cleaning it. Aside from that, oil cleansers can even thoroughly clean the sensitive parts such as eyelids where the skin is visibly thinner than the rest.
You can then use your water-based make-up remover for your second cleaning, this is to ensure that there will no longer be residual oil, dirt, and makeup left on your skin. You can also use cleansing foam during this part.
Recommended Cleansing Oils
- Real Art Moisture Cleansing Oil from Etude House – $11.88
- Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm from Banila Co – $17.05
- Olive Real Cleansing Oil from Innisfree – $16.56 –
Recommended Cleansing Water
- Tea Tree Cleansing Water from Benton – $16.89
- Real Cica Micellar Cleansing Water from Neogen Dermatology – $12.99
- Grain Ferment Cleansing Water from Botanic Farm – $15.90
Step 2: Exfoliate
If you want soft and healthy skin, you should get rid of the dead skin cells in your face first. By removing these dead skin cells, you’re encouraging the new skin cells to surface. Our usual products may teach us the scrubs are the best way to do it. However, there are still plenty of ways you can clean your skin than rubbing these dead skin cells away. Korean exfoliation techniques don’t involve any of these. Koreans prefer using gentle chemicals to exfoliate their skin.
Recommended Product
- Super Aqua Max Soft Peeling Gel from Nature Republic – $11.92
- Pineapple Peeling Gel from Skin Food – $12.00
- Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel from Mizon – $10.18
Step 3: Apply Treatment Mask (Optional)
If you have oily skin, it’s highly recommended that you apply a detoxifying mask after exfoliating it. After exfoliating your skin, your pores are exposed, which is ideal for exfoliation. However, if you have dry skin and you’re in great need of skin hydration, do not do this step as often as those who have oily skin.
Recommended Products
- Egg White Pore Mask from Skinfood – $19.95
- Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask from Innisfree – $14.58
- Facial Mask Rice Wash Off from Skinfood – $12.96
Step 4: Apply Toner
Your skin’s protective barrier gets cleaned off after you apply your cleansing. Your pH levels won’t be the usual 5.5. If your skin is dry and sensitive, chances are, your skin has weaker protection. Through the use of Toners, you can bring your pH level back to normal.
Recommended Products
- Wonder Pore Freshner from Etude House – $20.85
- AhA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner from Cosrx – $16.00
- Aloe BHA Skin Toner from Benton – $19.00
Step 5: Ampoule or Serum & Essence Application
A lot of people get confused during this part. So to clear it all up, if you have an acne-prone and oily skin, Essence is for you, and if you have dry skin, you need serums.
Recommended Serums
- Chia Seed Moisture Recharge Serum from The Face Shop – $19.95
- The Green Tea Seed Serum from Innisfree – $19.70
Recommended Ampoules
Step 6: Lotions and Gels
A lot of people get confused during this part. So to clear it all up, if you have an acne-prone and oily skin, Essence is for you, and if you have dry skin, you need serums.
Recommended Products
- Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap from COSRX – $14.44
- Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel from Benton – $16.97
Takeaways
Skincare shouldn’t be expensive. With a good Korean skincare routine, it won’t be long till you have that smooth and luminous skin, you have always wanted.