Korean skincare: the fundamental steps for perfect K-beauty
Korean skincare, also known as "K-Beauty," has become a global phenomenon in recent years due to its emphasis on a meticulous, consistent and precise skincare routine, often comprising between 8 to 12 steps, to ensure deep nourishment and hydration for the skin, ultimately achieving the radiant "Glass Skin" effect.
Let’s explore more about Korean skincare: the best steps and products for each phase.
What is Korean skincare?
Korean skincare is a beauty ritual consisting of a series of targeted steps focused on skin care, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients and deep hydration. A distinctive feature of Korean skincare is the adoption of layering, a technique that involves the sequential application of products in thin layers to optimize hydration and nutrient absorption. This method helps to improve skin quality and preserve its health over time and also transforms the entire skincare routine into a moment of pleasure.
The philosophy behind Korean skincare
The approach of Korean skincare goes beyond the simple search for quick fixes or covering up imperfections, traits often associated with the Western vision of beauty. At the heart of K-Beauty lies the Eastern belief that glowing, perfectly smooth and healthy skin is the result of careful and ongoing commitment. This vision implies not only the adoption of specifically formulated products but also the use of a meticulously planned beauty routine.
The global influence of K-Beauty has stimulated significant change in the international cosmetics industry. The incorporation of elements and products inspired by Korean skincare by Western companies has enriched the market, offering consumers a wider range of options and setting new standards of quality and efficacy. This cultural exchange has had the positive side effect of promoting a more thoughtful and tailored approach to beauty, highlighting the importance of personal care in the journey towards well-being. This philosophy aligns perfectly with that of Thermae, which has been committed for years to offering thermal cosmetics that provide not only skin health but also moments of true pleasure and well-being, both physical and mental!
The 7 steps of Korean skincare
One of the hallmarks of Korean skincare is its detailed and step-rich approach, which stands in stark contrast to the quicker and more synthetic routines typical of other contexts. The beauty of this method lies in the appreciation of slowness and precision, inviting one to dedicate time and attention to the skin care ritual. This philosophy not only emphasizes the quality and effectiveness of the treatments but also promotes a moment of intimate connection with oneself.
However, before diving into the detailed sequence of steps, it is crucial to lay the groundwork with a careful selection of products, as choosing formulas and treatments suited to the specific needs of one's skin is essential to enhance the results and ensure a truly personalized and effective experience.
Now, let’s see what the main 7 steps of Korean skincare are and the best products to use.
1. Double cleansing
Double cleansing is a fundamental technique in Korean skincare, designed to ensure a deep cleanse that prepares the skin to effectively absorb subsequent treatments.
The first step involves using an oil-based cleanser, effective at removing impurities from the face such as sebum, makeup and sunscreen. Our Olea Cleansing Oil is ideal for this purpose. Its formula, rich in natural oils, gently captures impurities without attacking the skin, leaving it soft and perfectly clean. It is applied to damp skin, massaged gently in circular motions to dissolve all traces of makeup, thanks to its oily texture that facilitates cleansing without irritation.
After the oil, you move to the second cleanser, which is mostly water-based and helps remove any oily residue left by the first step and other hydrophilic impurities like sweat and dirt. The Adamante Exfoliating Mousse, used once or twice a week in synergy with Olea, fits perfectly into this step as it not only cleanses but also provides a gentle peeling action that facilitates the detachment of dead cells, also stimulating cellular renewal, while maintaining younger-looking skin longer thanks to its antioxidant function.
This way, it is possible to ensure a deep cleansing of the facial skin, effectively removing makeup, sebum, SPF and impurities accumulated during the day. The goal is not just to clean superficially but to penetrate deeper to keep pores free and improve the overall health of the skin.
2. Toner application
Immediately after completing the double cleansing, you can begin the actual treatment phase with the toner application. This step is not just a bridge between facial cleansing and subsequent treatments, but a ritual that aims to restore the skin's pH balance, ensuring that the skin is purified of all residues and ready to receive the maximum benefits from the applied products.
Toners, enriched with moisturizing and soothing compounds like our Fiordaliso, start working on the skin by introducing a first phase of hydration and nourishment. Their application, performed with gentle movements and light patting, not only promotes absorption but also stimulates superficial blood circulation, contributing to a more toned and vital appearance.
At this stage, it is also advisable to integrate Nebula, which, with its remineralizing properties, brings a concentrate of essential minerals to the skin, enhancing the rebalancing effect of the toner and preparing the skin to more effectively receive subsequent treatments.
3. Mask application
Face masks are an intensive treatment widely used in Korean skincare to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients to the facial skin. After applying the serum, a fabric, gel or other type of mask can be placed on the face, perfectly adhering to the contours of the face. The most common are the sheet masks - fabric masks - which can be used 2 to 3 times a week, are impregnated with serums and essences and offer targeted benefits such as deep hydration - also offered by our Ra mask -, brightness or a soothing or rebalancing effect.
4. Serum application
The serum is the next step in the Korean skincare routine, formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients targeted to treat specific needs of facial skin such as dark spots, wrinkles, dehydration or loss of elasticity.
There are various types available to fulfill specific tasks (for example, our Gocce di Luce serum is perfect for a brightening treatment) and contain effective active ingredients for every imperfection. These are true concentrates of ferments, vitamins and plant extracts. Apply 2-3 drops, depending on the product you have chose and spread it with gentle taps, avoiding rubbing, to stimulate circulation and facilitate the absorption of active ingredients.
5. Application of an eye cream
The step dedicated to the eye contour in Korean skincare emphasizes the importance of treating this sensitive area gently, which often betrays the first signs of age and fatigue. After performing all the previous treatments, it is advisable to focus on the eye contour before moving on to the hydration phase with the application of a specific cream for this area that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. Our Aquagen cream leaves the skin deeply hydrated and firmer, also stimulating increased production of collagen and elastin, but for mature skin, there’s the Expression anti-wrinkle cream.
6. Hydration
Hydration is a fundamental step in any skincare routine, Korean or otherwise, but in K-beauty, it takes on even greater importance, as deep hydration of the face helps give the skin a shinier and brighter effect that this approach aspires to. Therefore, apply a moisturizing cream to seal the moisture and active ingredients into the skin, choosing the product based on skin type to provide the right balance between nourishment and lightness.
7. Sun protection
The last step of the Korean skincare routine is the application of sunscreen during the day. This step is considered extremely important, regardless of weather conditions or outdoor commitments. Daily use of adequate SPF prevents damage from UV rays, which can lead to premature aging, dark spots and other facial skin issues.
For those who do not want to or do not have the time to, perform all the steps, hybrid cosmetics like the BB Cream Thermae can be used to hydrate, protect and cover the skin with a single product or incorporate the hydration and protection phase into one step with the application of Decomposée day cream, which also offers SPF 15 protection.
Korean skincare for men
Korean skincare is not exclusive to women, in fact, in recent years, more and more men have begun to embrace this detailed and layered approach to skin care, recognizing its benefits for a healthy and well-groomed appearance. The philosophy of Korean skincare for men follows the same principles as that for women, emphasizing the importance of prevention, hydration and meticulous care. However, considering the specifics of male skin, which tends to be thicker and oilier and more prone to irritation due to shaving, the products and routines need to be slightly adapted to these needs, while still maintaining the essence of care and attention that characterizes K-Beauty.
Listen to your skin and personalize your Korean skincare
Adaptable and inclusive, K-Beauty offers routines and products for every skin type, age and gender, encouraging everyone to dedicate time and attention to their skin health. Listening and observing your own skin are crucial to adjusting the care routine and the products used. Far from being forgotten or sidelined, as often happens with other current trends, Korean skincare continues to grow and its impact goes beyond aesthetics, promoting a cultural shift towards greater self-awareness and care.
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