For years, the key to achieving that luminous, glowing skin has felt like a well-kept secret. We’ve all seen that impossibly dewy, “glass skin” that seems to radiate from within, a look we’ve all admired on the stars of our favorite K-dramas.
But the truth is, the women of Korea have already perfected the art of a flawless complexion, and their secret is a simple yet powerful philosophy: they treat skincare as a vital and non-negotiable part of their daily routine.
It’s widely believed that Korean women achieve this unparalleled glow by following an incredibly thorough 10-step skincare regimen. But don’t let the number intimidate you!
We know you’re curious about the principles behind this regimen. Get ready to discover the magic.
We’re about to explore the underlying secrets of this routine so you can finally comprehend how Korean women can look so incredibly beautiful and youthful, and learn how to get that same radiant glow for yourself.
#1 Heathy Diet For Healthy Skin
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Your body is the foundation, and your skincare products are the finishing touches. If the foundation isn’t solid, those finishing touches can only do so much. A beautiful glow starts not with a serum, but with a few simple habits that are the ultimate skincare secrets.
- Sleep is a Beauty Treatment: Sleep is when your body goes into repair mode. When you sleep well, your skin gets to work regenerating cells and healing from the day’s damage.
- Avoid the Saboteurs: Two of the biggest culprits of skin damage are smoking and drinking. They can dehydrate your skin, restrict blood flow, and break down collagen. Avoiding these habits is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your skin’s health and vitality.
By prioritizing these simple lifestyle choices, you’re giving your skincare products the perfect foundation to do what they do best. Your serums will absorb better, your moisturizers will hydrate more deeply, and your skin will finally get that lit-from-within glow you’ve been searching for.
#2 Protecting Your Skin From The Sun
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The truth is, the sun ages skin the most. Those beautiful, warm rays you love so much are also filled with powerful UV radiation that can break down the collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots.
That’s why you must remember to apply sunscreen before going outside, every single day, no matter the weather.
Sunscreen acts as a protective shield, a powerful barrier that blocks those harmful UV rays from damaging your skin. It’s the single most effective way to prevent premature aging and protect your skin’s health for the long term.
#3 A Careful Cleanse
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Double cleansing has recently been common all over the world, but it started long ago in Korea.
First, you use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to remove pollutants that dissolve in oil, like makeup and sebum. The second step is a gentle cleanser that can now go deep into the skin and get rid of sweat and grime.
#4 Exfoliation
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You know that soft, lit-from-within glow you’re always searching for? The key to unlocking it is a skincare step that is often overlooked but is absolutely crucial: exfoliation.
Exfoliation is the magic step that gently sweeps away those old cells, revealing the fresh, healthy, and radiant skin hiding underneath. This process makes your face feel incredibly smooth and allows your skin to truly shine.
Incorporating this step a few times a week is all you need to keep your skin looking luminous and perfectly smooth. It’s a small effort that makes a huge difference in achieving that radiant complexion.
#5 Using A Toner To Balance The PH Of Your Skin
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After cleansing or exfoliating, your skin is clean, but it needs a little help to get ready for what’s next. That’s where toner comes in.
Its two main superpowers are to assist the skin in absorbing the next skincare products and to restore the pH balance of your skin. Think of your skin like a dry sponge; it’s hard for it to soak up anything.
A toner adds a dose of hydration that makes your skin soft and receptive, allowing it to drink up all the goodness from your serums and moisturizers.
#6 Targeted Treatment For Different Skin Problems
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Target-specific treatments for particular skin problems are one of the basic principles of Korean skincare.
To apply this rule, Korean people invented serums, the concentrated formulas that are now common in almost every nation.
#7 Special Care For Areas Around Your Eyes
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The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate and prone to damage.
As a result, Korean people pay special attention to this area and have developed many types of eye creams and serums to take care of it.
#8 A Lot Of Hydration
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The stars of this show are essences and lotions. The essence is the heart of the routine, a lightweight, watery formula that is packed with active ingredients and designed to penetrate deep into your skin.
It’s like a concentrated drink of water for your face, preparing your skin to absorb everything that comes next.
#9 Supplementing The Vitamins Through Sheet Masks
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Nowadays, many young people don’t have time to have a balanced meal and obtain enough vitamins for their skin.
Korean skincare has provided a variety of solutions to this problem, like vitamin-rich face packs and sheet masks.
#10 Locking In The Moisture
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You’ve done all the work. You’ve cleansed, you’ve toned, you’ve exfoliated, and you’ve layered on all those brilliant essences and serums. You’ve given your skin all the love and nourishment it could need.
But before you call it a day, there’s one final, absolutely crucial step that is the key to making sure all your hard work pays off: you must apply a moisturizer.