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The Korean skincare routine introduced
And simplified, for the the time (and monet)-poor
Our thirst for borrowing beauty tips from the Koreans shows no signs of slowing. With innovative technology harnessing ancient traditions, we too want in on the wacky hacks and 10-step skincare methods right now. But where to start?
Korean beauty and lifestyle blogger of Sorabelle.com, Vicky Lee, has the brains - she founded a software company in Silicon Valley - as well as the beauty. Her native knowledge of Korean skincare means she defies her 40 years and 4 children and luckily the skin-sider has shared her tips with us. Here she explains the 8 and 10-step beauty rituals (plus how to do it in 5 steps if you're busy) and her ultimate tips for ageing well. All hail.
THE KOREAN MORNING ROUTINE
"It may sound extensive, but most Korean women use an 8 and 10-step skincare routine each and every day to help keep their skin looking healthy and beautiful" Vicky explains. "Although it's quite a bit of work compared to the average skincare regime, their effort does not go unnoticed – these women take pride in knowing they have some of the best skin in the world!" These are her key steps for morning:
Step 1: Wash with water
First thing in the morning, cleanse your skin with only water, not cleanser. Water removes the few impurities that settle on the face during the night, and keeps skin hydrated, too.
Step 2: Toner
To balance the skin's pH levels, it's important to apply toner; otherwise the skin can become dry and dehydrated. Toner further helps to absorb the next products you apply.
Step 3: Essence
Essence is a hybrid between a toner and a serum. It works perfectly to hydrate the complexion, aiding cellular turnover for a youthful appearance.
Step 4: Ampoule
Similar to serums, ampoules actually comprise an even higher number of active ingredients to target specific skin care concerns. They're used for a finite amount of time as a booster when your skin badly needs the extra help.
Step 5: Serum
Concentrated formulas with an unprecedented amount of active ingredients, serums target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, dark spots, and dehydration.
Step 6: Eye cream
Smooth a light eye cream across both the brow and socket bone moving from the inner to outer corner of the eye. Here, the skin is at its thinnest as there are no sebaceous glands to produce natural oils, so it's important to keep this area hydrated and protected all day long.
Step 7: Moisturiser
Next apply a soothing moisturiser in a light layer across the skin for long lasting all-day hydration.
Step 8: Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen shouldn't be reserved for the summer holidays. Protecting the skin on a daily basis from UV rays will avoid the development of dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines.
For you who are busy in the morning
THE KOREAN WAY TO SIMPLIFY IT
"As a Korean woman and beauty expert, I can attest that our extensive routine is definitely worth trying out. After testing many different techniques and products over the years, I have found that this process has provided me with the most hydrated, healthy skin I could ever have hoped to achieve" Vicky explains. However, if you have a busy schedule like her, or if you are new to the idea of a Korean skincare routine, it can be a little intimidating. "This is why I have created a condensed version of the classic 10-step regime below, which saves time and still yields amazing results." Using the same techniques as above, try this simplified version:
Step 1. Wash with water
Step 2. Toner
Step 3. Serum/Ampoule
Step 4. Eye Cream
Step 5. Moisturiser with SPF
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