Korean skincare has been gaining popularity worldwide, and for a good reason. Korean beauty products are known for their innovative and effective ingredients that cater to various skin types and concerns. One of the most notable aspects of Korean skincare is their night routine, which is considered just as important as the morning routine. In this post I am introducing You with simple yet effective Korean night skin care routine to help You achieve clear, glowing skin. Let’s dive in!
1. Oil-Based Cleanser:
Start by using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen.
How to properly use oil-based cleanser? To properly use an oil-based cleanser, start with dry hands and a dry face. Take a moderate amount of the cleanser, typically a coin-sized portion, and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions. Focus on areas with makeup, sunscreen, or impurities to effectively dissolve them. As the oil-based cleanser interacts with the skin, it emulsifies, turning into a milky texture. After thorough massage, rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water.
Editor’s choice: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. #1 Cleansing Oil in Korea
Effective in eliminating makeup residue, blackheads and sebum, whilst preventing pore congestion. Essential step for double cleansing, with glowy glass skin results. Formulated for all skin types, Hypoallergenic & Non-Irritation Test completed.
2. Water-Based Cleanser:
Follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove impurities and cleanse the skin.
Using a water-based cleanser is the second step in a double-cleansing routine. Begin with a wet face and hands. Take a small amount of the water-based cleanser, usually a pea-sized amount, and lather it between your palms. Gently massage the cleanser onto your damp face in circular motions, ensuring it covers all areas. Focus on cleansing away water-based impurities and remaining residue from the oil-based cleanser. After thorough cleansing, rinse your face with lukewarm water until all the cleanser is removed. This step helps to purify the skin, leaving it fresh and ready for the subsequent skincare products in your routine.
Editor’s choice: ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser
This soft, watery gel-type foam cleanser purifies and hydrates your skin smoothly. Skin irritation tests have been completed. Unclogs hidden sebum, Clears away dead skin cells.
3. Toner:
Apply a hydrating toner to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps.
In Korean skincare, applying toner is a crucial step to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for subsequent products. Koreans typically use toner in a gentle patting or pressing motion rather than rubbing. Gently pat or press the toner into your skin, starting from the center of your face and working outwards. This technique enhances absorption and promotes blood circulation, ensuring the toner is effectively absorbed.
Editor’s choice: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
Enriched, High-Quality Hyaluronic Acid. The key to strengthening the skin barrier and maintaining skin hydration. Good pick to incorporate in Your Korean night skincare routine.
4. Essence:
Apply an essence to hydrate and nourish the skin.
After toning, pour a small amount of essence onto your palms or directly onto your face. Gently press or pat the essence onto your skin, starting from the center of your face and moving outwards. How to apply Essence: The patting motion enhances absorption and promotes circulation, allowing the essence to penetrate deeply into the skin. Koreans often believe in the importance of layering, so you may choose to apply multiple thin layers of essence for added hydration and nourishment. Allow each layer to absorb before applying the next, and follow with your serum and moisturizer. This technique helps to maximize the benefits of the essence and leaves the skin revitalized and prepared for subsequent skincare steps.
Editor’s choice: Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Skin Essence
One Bottle, Five Miracles: Condense your skincare down to one do-it-all essence. Experience moisturizing, glowing, boosting, balancing, and softening, all in one step. Hyaluronic Acid provides moisture to dry and fatigued skin. This essence is also enriched with elastin, collagen and Zostera Marina extract. Fragrance-free essence is gentle on the skin making it great for all skin types to achieve glass skin by incorporating it in Your Korean night skincare routine
5. Serum or Ampoule:
Use a serum or ampoule with targeted ingredients for your skin concerns.
Koreans consider the application of serums or ampoules as a crucial step in their skincare routine, targeting specific skin concerns. Choose a serum or ampoule that targets Your specific skin concerns during Your Korean night skincare routine. After applying essence, dispense a small amount of serum or ampoule onto your fingertips or directly onto your face. Gently spread the product evenly across your skin, focusing on areas where you have specific concerns. Instead of rubbing, use tapping or pressing motion to enhance absorption. Allow the serum or ampoule to fully absorb before moving on to the next step in your routine.
Editor’s choice: SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Ampoule
SKIN1004’s signature ampoule with a light watery texture and non-sticky formula. Only consists the single most effective ingredient and nothing else to ensure maximized benefits. Immediately calms and hydrates sensitive skin. Good for all skin types.
6. Eye Cream:
Gently apply an eye cream to address specific eye area concerns.
When applying eye cream in the Korean skincare routine, generally follow a gentle and specific technique. After applying serum or ampoule, take a small amount of eye cream on your ring finger, as it exerts less pressure on the delicate eye area. Dab small dots of the eye cream along the orbital bone, starting from the inner corners of your eyes and moving towards the outer corners. Avoid applying the eye cream too close to the lash line to prevent irritation. Gently pat and press the product into the skin using your ring finger, ensuring it is absorbed. Incorporating eye cream in Your Korean night skincare routine helps address concerns such as dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles, contributing to a comprehensive skincare routine.
Editor’s choice: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal
Rapid Results: 2% liposome-stabilized retinal transforms into retinoic acid, delivering fast-acting wrinkle reduction. Gentle formula for comfort and efficacy. Ginseng & Retinal Duo: With 10% ginseng extract and 2% retinal liposome, our serum delivers a powerful, trusted formula to combat wrinkles and achieve resilient, youthful skin. Perfect addition to Korean night skincare routine!
7. Moisturizer:
Use a moisturizer to lock in hydration and provide a protective barrier.
In the Korean night skincare routine, applying night moisturizer is a key step to lock in hydration and support skin repair during the overnight hours. After applying your eye cream, take an appropriate amount of night moisturizer onto your fingertips. Gently spread the moisturizer evenly across your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Allow the night moisturizer to fully absorb before moving on to the next step or going to bed. This step ensures that your skin is nourished and adequately moisturized as you sleep, contributing to a well-rounded nighttime skincare routine.
Editor’s choice: Seoul Ceuticals Multi-Function All-In-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream
Considered to be more effective than other snail creams as it contains a higher concentration (97.5%) of snail mucin filtrate. Other snail cream products are not as potent or effective. This snail cream is NON comedogenic, so no need to worry about clogged pores. It’s packed with super nutrients that are guaranteed to provide you with a brighter more youthful complexion.
Additional Steps to Incorporate in Korean Night Skincare Routine:
1. Exfoliation (2-3 times a week)
Exfoliation is an essential step in the Korean skincare routine, typically done 2-3 times a week. After cleansing, and before applying toner, take a small amount of your chosen exfoliator onto your fingertips. Gently massage the exfoliator onto your damp face using circular motions, paying extra attention to areas with rough or uneven texture.
2. Sheet Mask (1-2 times a week)
The sheet mask step is a popular and indulgent part of the Korean skincare routine, often done 1-2 times a week. After applying essence or serum, carefully unfold the sheet mask and place it on your face, ensuring it adheres well to your skin. Smooth out any air bubbles and adjust the mask to fit the contours of your face. Relax and leave the sheet mask on for about 15-20 minutes, allowing your skin to absorb the rich essence or serum infused in the mask.
3. Sleeping Mask (1-2 times a week)
After applying your night moisturizer, take a small amount of the sleeping mask and evenly apply it over your face and neck. Gently massage the product into your skin, ensuring an even distribution. Unlike regular moisturizers, sleeping masks are designed to be left on overnight, providing intense hydration and treatment while you sleep. Koreans often use sleeping masks to address specific concerns such as dryness, dullness, or uneven skin tone. Wake up to a revitalized and nourished complexion by incorporating a sleeping mask into your Korean night skincare routine. Remember to choose a sleeping mask that suits your skin type and concerns for optimal results.
In conclusion, the Korean night skincare routine is not just a series of steps; it’s a holistic approach to self-care that embraces the importance of nourishing and pampering your skin. From the meticulous double cleansing to the layering of essences and serums, each step is carefully curated to ensure your skin receives the attention it deserves. To learn more read my post that walks You through simple Korean skincare routine steps. Read more…
Sweet dreams and radiant skin await on your journey to a K-beauty-inspired nightly ritual!
