Your Ultimate Guide to A 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

Healthy skin starts with a good, consistent skincare routine. Korean skincare is by no means new – and it is so popular because it actually works! More than a routine, it slowly becomes a part of your lifestyle, and can be therapeutic too – it all depends on how you see it.

While it may be overwhelming to apply so many products, it does well to remember that each skincare product serves a specific purpose. It’s all about picking the right products, which contain the right ingredients, in the right order. So let’s break it down, shall we? 

Step 1 

Oil-based cleanser:

Oil cleansers are the first step of any good skincare routine. They break down debris, makeup, oils and dirt, revealing soft, clean skin. They also effectively break down SPF, which can sometimes be hard to cleanse. Incorporate the Mon Cherry Dirt Dissolving Balm into your skincare routine, and take those few minutes to massage your skin. 

How to: Take a dime-sized amount of the cleansing balm with the spatula and apply it to dry skin. Massage it in for a minute and splash some water to emulsify it. Rinse thoroughly. 

Step 2 

Water-based cleanser: 

To complete your double cleanse, follow up with a water-based cleanser like the Mama Cica Pore Clearing Exfoliating Face Wash. It contains hydrating cica, which deep cleanses your skin without stripping it. Don’t forget to pay special attention to your neck! 

How to: Massage a small amount all over your face and neck. Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry. 

Step 3

Exfoliation: 

This is an important step. Skin can only glow if there’s no dead skin cell layer on top! Use a chemical or physical exfoliant like the Mama Cica Instabright Peel Pads, which is infused with glycolic acid. It gets deep into the pores and removes dead skin cells, debris and regulates oil production. Exfoliate 2 or 3 times a week if you have sensitive skin – over-exfoliation can compromise your skin barrier! 

How to: Gently swipe 1 peel pad all over your dry face and neck. That’s it! 

Step 4

Toner:

After cleansing and exfoliating, the skin is in a really fragile state and it needs some balancing, soothing and hydration. This is where the super-gentle Mon Cherry Brightening Face Mist comes in. Made using cherry blossom and pearl extracts, it balances the skin’s pH levels and gives it a boost of hydration. If you’re using a run of the mill toner, make sure it doesn’t contain sulphates and alcohol as it can strip your skin of moisture! 

How to: Hold the bottle 6 inches from your face, and spritz generously!

Step 5

Essence:

This is truly the most vital part of the Korean skincare experience. It calms and heals your skin while providing it with some much-needed moisture. Think of it as a serum, but thinner and more watery for easier absorption! Try the crowd-favourite Mon Cherry Brightening Face Essence to give your skin a boost of glow and hydration. 

How to: Take a few drops and pat it into your skin till absorbed. Don’t rub it in! 

Step 6

Serum/Ampoule: 

The essence preps your skin to better absorb your serum. A serum or ampoule is a supercharged version of the essence and tackles specific issues – like zits, hyperpigmentation, lacklustre skin – you get the gist. For a soothing, acne-preventing (and busting) serum, try the Chialeader Zit Fix Serum which contains omega fatty acids to give your skin some much-needed nourishment while ridding it of acne. 

How to: Take a few drops of the serum and apply it all over your face using tapping motions. It should absorb quickly, leaving you with no greasy residue! 

Step 7

Sheet mask:

Hands down, our most favorite part! And of course, this step needs no preamble. Pick a mask that targets the issue that you wish to address – dryness, oiliness, dullness, maybe even hyperpigmentation! This isn’t a daily step – we recommend you mask up once every week or as and when your skin needs a bit of TLC. For that coveted glass skin glow, add the Mon Cherry Sheet Mask for Bright and Clear Skin to your routine. 

How to: Place the sheet mask onto your face, aligning the holes to your eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 15 minutes and remove it. Pat in the serum until absorbed. 

Step 8

Eye cream:

Under eyes are the first area of the face to show signs of ageing. Giving it a bit of extra love will keep dark circles, fine lines and crow’s feet at bay for longer! Try the super-soothing Mama Cica Dark Circle Fading Under Eye Cream to give your under-eye area a boost of hydration. 

How to: Use the in-built rollerball applicator to apply the cream under your eyes. Use gentle, sweeping motions and massage it in until fully absorbed.

Step 9 

Moisturize: 

This is probably the most important step as it seals in the goodness from all the products you’ve used before this step! Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer like the Chialeader Oil Control Moisturizer and sneak in a quick massage to boost blood circulation. Even if you don’t follow all 10 steps, this is one step you should never skip!

How to: Use the rollerball applicator to apply this moisturizer in a mess-free way. For a traditional moisturizer, massage it in with your fingers using gentle, upwards strokes.

Step 10

AM - SPF:  

If you plan to step out, follow your moisturizer with a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen. Apply a generous layer all over your face and neck and any other body part that may be exposed to the sun. 

PM - Overnight mask:

At night, follow your moisturizer with an overnight mask so that your skin has all night long to soak in the goodness and you can wake up with soft, plump, super hydrated skin. Try the Mon Cherry Overnight Peeling Mask for supple, blemish-free skin. 

How to: Apply a thin layer of the mask and go to bed. Rinse off in the morning! 

So, you might have noticed that the Korean skincare regime places a ton of focus on hydration as opposed to treatment. That being said, there is no one-size-fits-all skincare routine. Find yours through trial and error – and lots of research!

P.S. To know more about Korean skincare, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!