Skincare goes deeper than just choosing a range of different products with different functions. A perfect skincare routine also takes into consideration the steps that you follow. Specific ingredients, timing, duration, method of application, etc. are all parts of a good skincare routine.
In our daily chaotic lives, we often forget to notice the importance of our skin and its needs. Many of our go-to skincare routines of every day is just washing our face with a face wash and slathering on lotion before we rush to work. But that’s not it.
Korean skincare attaches paramount importance to the right routines. There are numerous products under the K beauty range varying from the common cleansers and moisturizers to newer cosmetics like serums.
But do you know the right order to go about with these? Did you know that the order also differs from day to night? The answers to these matter to your skin and can contribute to quality skin maintenance.
Why is the order important?
Following a systematic way with your Korean skincare products may improve the skin condition drastically.
You have to move from the thinnest product texture to the thickest, that is, from liquids to creams. The reason behind this is that thinner and water-based products like toners are supposed to penetrate deep within the skin to give a better skin absorbant. On the other hand, products like sunscreens are supposed to sit on the outermost skin layer and provide shield protection. If the order is mixed up, the thinner products may not be able to pass the thick cream layers and your entire regimen may get wasted.
Apart from this sequence, timing may be a factor too. Some products may take longer than others to seep into the skin. Serums and ampoules are filled with nourishing active ingredients, which need to be absorbed in the skin. Besides, products such as – sunscreens need to be applied at least 20 minutes before leaving indoors.
Some steps are unique to the timing of the day as well. Morning routines tend to be longer and focused on all-day moisturization and sun protection. In contrast, evening or night routines do not need the sun-screening step; instead, require better cleansing from all the day’s work and residue build onto the skin.
In what order should I apply my skincare products?
The elaborate Korean skincare routines are often 8-10 steps long with a proper focus on all requirements. Here’s the right way to go about it one by one, from start to finish.
Morning skincare routine:
- Cleansing
Cleansing assures that you start with your products on a clean slate. Morning cleansing is important as it removes all the excess oils, bacteria, and sweat from the night.
Avoid ingredients that are too harsh and drying. Non-drying cleansers work well for dry and sensitive skin. Gentle circular strokes stimulate and improve skin circulation. Don’t forget to go over the neck and behind your ears.
- Exfoliating
This step contributes to better cleansing by getting rid of the dead skin cells and buildup. However, exfoliation should not be done daily, rather 1-2 times per week.
Use mild natural products and avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Toner
After cleansing, applying your toner rejuvenates your skin and makes it more permeable for the next products in the skincare routine.
Dabbing toner on your face and neck with a cotton pad cleanses any last remains of debris. A toner balances the pH levels, smoothens, and hydrates. Toners are enriched with active ingredients that can be chosen according to your skin needs too.
We recommend using the Dr. Dream Advanced Facial Treatment Toner. Its verified Korean formulation enhances elasticity, prevents premature aging, stimulates collagen formation, and vitalizes the skin.
Stick to formulas that are suitable for your skin type.
- Serums and ampoules
This is one of the key focus steps that should not be missed. The serum products contain concentrated active ingredients and focus on particular skin issues. They work as immunity boosters.
The Dr. Dream Advanced facial treatment serum focuses on enriching the skin with Multiple Growth factors that lead to collagen and elastin stimulation, keeping the skin supple and youthful.
- Eye-Creams
The eyelid and under-eye skin are very delicate and prone to lines, wrinkling, puffiness, etc. They require additional care from eye-cream products.
If desired, you can skip this step in the morning and use it only at night.
- Moisturize
This is an inevitable step in skincare. Hydration is crucial for all skin types. A lightweight layer of moisturizer locks in all previous goodness and retains hydration in the skin.
- Sunscreen
This last step is crucial to protect your skin from harmful sun rays. Be it winter, cloudy, indoors, or outdoors, don’t forget your SPF. Sunscreens protect the sun rays from penetrating deep and keep away premature aging, sunburns, hyperpigmentation, lines, etc.
Do remember to re-apply it every two hours for complete protection and cover your neck as well.
Night-time Skincare Routine:
- Cleansing
Cleansing becomes more important at night to remove all the dirt, pollution, germs, sweat, makeup, etc. You may stick to double cleansing – first with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve all impurities, and then a gentle water-based cleanser for an added wash.
Massage and wash your face thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Serums, essences, facial oils
Nights are times to let the nutrients soak in. Use ingredients targeting your specific skin needs and nourish them overnight. Make sure to use mild and safely concentrated products that do not irritate the skin.
- Eye-Creams
Well, if not in the day, don’t skip this at night. After a long day of straining your eyes, target your issues of puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles, etc., and follow up with a good night’s sleep.
- Moisturizer
Seal all the moisture with a good layer of your particular moisturizers to hydrate the skin overnight. You can choose a richer formula to serve all night if you have dry skin, whereas, stick to lightweight moisturizers if you have oily skin.
Night-time routines tend to be shorter. It is important to ensure all applied products absorb well in every step.
Remember to follow the right skincare sequence with the right combination of ingredients that your skin needs. You can start minimally and gradually move to the elaborate process. In the end, skincare is all a matter of patience and consistency.
