I started my Korean Skin Care routine when I visited South Korea in 2016. I bought a set with foam cleanser, toner and essence from SEATREE and then, I started researching for more products ad brands - I read reviews, watched videos online and tried samples. It took a while to complete my skin care routine, first - it's expensive and second, I wanted to get the right products for my face. I'm sharing this just in case you're still undecided on which product to buy. The products below are effective on my normal to oily skin but won't necessarily mean that it will do the same for you, so I suggest that you could try samples and test it on your face. I do my skin care routine from Sunday to Friday because Saturday is my face's rest day from skin care products. Step 1: Oil CleanserKoreans are known for their double cleansing technique so we start with the oil cleanser. I got Banila Co.'s hypoallergenic oil cleanser - Clean it Zero (classic) for normal to combination skin types (with pink cover). Using the spatula (included in the box), place small amount in your face. I usually apply it on my forehead, both cheeks and nose. A pinch would already be enough. Massage in circular motion and then rinse with lukewarm water or soft tissue. This small amount of cream will melt your make-up and impurities without irritating your facial pores. (Banila Co.'s website). What I love about this product: After rinsing, my face feels soft and clean. Since I don't wear make-up regularly, I just need a small amount and it's already enough on my face. Step 2: Foam CleanserI've been using facial wash ever since I started having pimples - from Pond's to DermaMed to Celeteque to Cetaphil - tried them all, been there done that. It never mattered to me, I kept trying new products but when I started my skin care routine, I decided to stick with The Face Shop's Herb Day Cleansing Foam. What I love about this product: I specifically love the aloe because aloe products are known for their soothing quality. This makes my face feel hydrated plus its very light, foamy and fragrant. Step 3: Exfoliate (twice a week)I usually exfoliate my face every Wednesdays and Fridays. This is not a Korean brand but I've been using this for the past eight years so instead of testing a new product, I decided to stick with this since it has never failed me. What I love about this product: I've always love the texture and it makes my skin very soft after using it. Step 4: TonerFew years back, my derma prescribed me a toner from DermaMed, she told me to use a cotton in applying the toner on my face. When I started watching videos for Korean skin care, toners are applied on your palms and then pat it on your face. I got really curious, so I started reading about the difference between Western (American) and Asian (Korean/Japanese) Toners. Here's what I've learned, so far: Difference between Western (American) and Asian (Korean) Toners Wester Toners - acts as astringents, which means that your face would feel sensitive after you apply it. It also focuses on removing the oil from your skin and minimizing the pores. From my experience, I don't like how my face feels dry and stiff after applying it. Asian Toners - used to balance (or re-balance) your skin's pH. It focuses on hydrating/boosting the skin again and adding a protective layer for the rest of the products. They say that one of the most important parts of your skin care routine is toner because after the cleansing, your face becomes raw and your pores are vulnerable to oil and dirt. Toners should hydrate and nourish your skin. So after removing all the dirt from your face, the toner will layer it in preparation to the rest of your routine or else, the products won't be as effective as they should be. I got 9PM Centella Recovery Toner because it has Centella as the main ingredient which soothes and whitens the skin. It also moisturizes the skin and eliminates the wrinkles. I put 10 drops on my palm and then pat it on my face. What I love about this product: Centella vitalizes fatigue skin - which is important to me, after a day of commute and work, I need a toner that will heal my stressed skin. This clear liquid gives a moist and hydrated feeling afterwards. (For more details on this product - link) Step 5: Essence/Serum/EmulsionTechnically, these three should be separate steps but for me, I only focus on one product that will help brighten my skin and clear out blemishes/dark spots. Serum - lighter form but more concentrated on ingredients with specific skin problem Essences - thicker creams with essential ingredients focusing more on skin nutrients. Emulsions - lighter creams that are more for sensitive skin, the light concentration won't irritate the skin. (More of these information on Porcelain Face Spa blog) I got a Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Drop Vitamin C Serum because of the pure 5% Vitamin C ingredient which means it provides anti-aging protection and effective brightening ingredient. I put a drop on my forehead and both of cheeks then spread evenly. What I love about this product: It brightened and reduced the dark spots on my face! Super effective and worth it. (For more details on this product - link) Step 6: Masks (once a week)For the masks, I usually hoard sheet masks from Innisfree when I'm abroad but I also use the Aztec clay and Jeju Volcanic Clay Mask. This cult classic is said to absorb sebum and impurities, it also clean the skin cleans and brightens the skin, When applying it, smoothen the product all over your face. It gets dry immediately so you have to balance it out. Avoid your eyes and lips area. What I love about this product: Very concentrated and easy to apply. (For more details on this product - link) Step 7: Eye CreamPeople rarely give importance on eye creams when in fact, the first sign of stress and aging are the fine lines around the eyes. I wasn't actually looking for an eye cream but I got this one in a Green Tea set from Innisfree. After Step 5/6, put a small amount on your index and middle finger, then massage it around your eyes. What I love about this product: It feels cold when you apply it, its very soothing and it relaxes my eyes. Step 8: Moisturizer/Night CreamI never knew the power of moisturizer until I found these two. The Face Shop offers the Jeju Aloe 99% and Fresh Milk Cream, both are amazing. Get a small portion on your palm and massage it all over your face and neck. What I love about this product: For Jeju Aloe, it feels cold when you apply it (even though it's stored in room temperature), it soothes and relaxes my skin. For Fresh Milk Cream, it's very creamy, clears dark spots and helps brightens the skin. Step 9: Lip careLastly, lip care. This is important to me because I love lipsticks and my lips are chapped because of the hot weather. I make sure that I take extra care for my lips because they tend to get very dry especially when I use matte lipsticks. Whenever they get chapped, they hurt a bit when the skin peels off so I got two products - Laneige's lip sleeping mask (once a week) and Smith's Rosebud Salve (everyday). For the lip sleeping mask, apply on your lips before sleeping and then wipe off with a soft cotton in the morning. For the Rosebud Salve, apply it before sleeping and in the morning. I was looking for the "best lip balm" when I found this product. All the reviews were good and so far, I love it. What I love about this product: For the lip sleeping mask, it makes my lips feel clean because when you wipe it off in the morning, you'll see that there are dirt and dead skin from your lips. While for the Rosebud Salve, it made my lips softer and lighter (pinker), it keeps my lips moiturized. It's never too late to invest on your skin.If there's one thing I learned from my research is that the earlier the better. Each skin type has its own needs and you also have your own wants on the benefits. As for me, I want to keep my skin moisturized, clean and free from blemishes or dark spots. It would really take time on finding the right product. It's a trial and error, until you find the right product for your skin. I hope this helps! I'm just a message away if you have questions or clarifications. I would be glad to help you :) xoxo, M.
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She wonders and wandersMonica writes about her life, what she eats, what she reads and where she goes. This space is where her thoughts, experiences, memories and feelings turn into words. She's glad that she can share with you. Archives
August 2021
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