Korean skincare and beauty products (or K-Beauty) were once the elusive, little-known secret to glass-like skin. But, if you’ve spent any time at all in the skincare world of TikTok, K-Beauty is now everywhere, and for good reason. Unlike the myriad of products popular in the U.S. and the Western side of the world full of acids and actives, most K-Beauty focuses on a few specific targeted skincare benefits—they aim to hydrate, calm, and soothe. This means that the products work for every skin type from dry to oily, and are especially good for those who struggle with acne. Plus, they are notoriously cheaper than skincare you might find in Sephora or Ulta!
Diving into the Korean skincare world can be overwhelming with so many products and ingredients to choose from, so we’ve covered the best and most effective from cleansers to SPF.
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Outer layers prepare your skin for the proper treatment. The process starts with double cleansing, using on oil-based cleanser to get rid of any makeup before using a water-based cleanser to remove any lingering impediments. Toner is applied last, hydrating your skin for the layers ahead.
Deeper layers treat the skin in a full-scale routine. First are serums and essences, which use active ingredients to target specific concerns like anti-aging or brightening. Next is emulsion, which is a fluid, lightweight lotion that will nourish your skin. Eye creams come last since they're the heaviest.
Closing the skin seals in all the benefits of the products you've applied. A moisturizing cream provides a protective barrier against outside aggressors. Sun protection is the final step of the routine, shielding your skin from harmful UV ray and preventing premature aging.
