Here is everything a bride to be needs to know about the famous Korean Skincare Routine!

The buzz around Korean skincare routine doesn’t seem to die! Americans won’t shut up about this beauty regime that gives you ‘glass skin’. Basically it’s the key to younger looking, plumper and healthy skin. Now who doesn’t want that? Koreans have always put skin first, makeup second and honestly that is my philosophy as well. It’s a great regime that enhances your skin’s quality.

But the korean routine has its own drawbacks – the major ones being that it is time consuming and quite expensive. Nevertheless, let me walk you through the 10 step beauty regime!

Cleanse

1. Oil Based Cleanser

The first step is to use an oil based cleanser to remove all makeup, pollution and sebum. It breaks down oil based debris as you gently massage it in your skin. Use the cleanser twice a day- morning and night. Gently massage and rinse it with lukewarm water.

2. Water Based Cleanser

Double cleanse is a widely accepted concept. The second step of the cleansing programme is to use a water based (foam/gel) cleanser. Double cleansing will ensure that all the water based impurities like  dirt and sweat are dissolved. Saves you from breakouts and acne!

Use the cleanser twice a day- morning and night. Gently massage onto a damp face and rinse it with lukewarm water.

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliation will help you to clean the pores and slay the dead skin. Exfoliate with a gentle or natural scrub like sugar and focus on your nose. This step has to be done only twice a week. Excess exfoliation will cause irritation and strip you off of your skin’s natural oils.

Prep

4. Toner

Toner is an ultimate prep product. It helps your skin to absorb moisturizers that are going to follow. It also helps to maintain your skin’s pH levels. Use a mild toner twice daily.

Nourish

5. Essence

Essence is lightweight and hydrates your skin. It is packed with anti ageing and hydrating agents. Just spray some on your hands and lightly pat on your face. Look out for the ones with rice water, for they are the best!

6. Serums or Ampoules

Serums or ampoules act like boosters and target problems such as acne, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Pat lightly on your face, focussing on the problem prone places.

7. Sheet Masks

Some beauty blogger said and I quote, “Sheet mask is like the soul of Korean beauty!”  Your skin absorbs all the moisture and nutrients once in contact with the sheet for a prolonged time. Place a sheet on your face, sit back and relax for the next 15-20 minutes. Gently massage the excess liquid on your face once you remove the sheet.

8. Eye Cream

I’ve met many people who don’t care about under eye creams but beauty gurus swear after it! The skin under and around your eyes is the thinnest and an eye cream will help you keep dark circles and puffiness at bay.

9. Moisturizer

As you know, moisturizer seals in the moisturizer, plumps up the skin and smoothes fine lines. It is the last step in your night time regime so hurraaayyy!

10. Sunscreen

The sunscreen is the last but most important step in the entire beauty routine. You cannot miss this one! A good SPF will block the harmful UV rays and save your skin. Reapply throughout the day!

A few pointers to keep in mind-

• You can skip a few steps and select a routine that suits you the best. But I suggest you don’t skip the double cleanse, toner and sunscreen!
• Don’t trust the moisturizers that say they have SPF in them. You have to use a separate sunscreen preferably with SPF 50 during summers and SPF 30 during winters.
• Don’t change your routine just a few days before the wedding. All good things take time and this will too! Adopt this routine at least 3 months before your wedding.

It ain’t easy, but it is worth it!