What's the deal with Korean Skincare? | By Limese Connect

Step 1: Oil Cleansers are the first step in a ‘double cleanse’ routine. Double cleansing helps breakdown waterproof product - such as sunscreen, makeup etc., and any other oil residue. They can be liquid or balm-like.
Options: Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil, A by BOM Ultra Watery Eoseongcho Cleanser

Step 2: Water Based Cleansers are the second step in a double cleanse routine and come after an oil cleanser so that it can remove any water-soluble impurities, such as sweat or pollutants.
Options: Make P:rem Safe me. Relief moisture cleansing foam, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser

Step 3: Exfoliants will help remove dead skin cells and impurities that build-up on the face to reveal clearer skin. There are two types - physical and chemical exfoliators.
Options: Physical Exfoliator: Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish Chemical Exfoliator: COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Step 4: Toners contain ingredients that gently hydrate your skin, restore its pH level and improve absorption of the products that follow. They may sometimes also contain ‘active ingredients'
Options: Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner, COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner, Make P:Rem Safe me. Relief moisture toner

Step 5: Essences are lightweight formulations, made with slightly concentrated active ingredients that help with nourishment, hydration, anti-oxidation etc.
Options: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

Step 6: Treatments include a vast range of serums, ampoules, spot creams and boosters - which are products that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients. They work on a number of skin concerns ranging from hydration to pigmentation to ageing etc.
Options: Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum, Limese Purifying Ampoule, Make P:Rem Safe me. Relief moisture green ampoule, COSRX Centella Blemish Cream, COSRX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream

Step 7: Masks, be it sheet or clay or bubble or peel off, are packed with nutritious ingredients like snail slime, hyaluronic acid, fruit-infusions, essences etc. They are usually a more potent form of treatment and are a leave-on step.
Options: A by BOM Ultra Royal Leaf Mask, Make P:Rem Safe me. Relief moisture mask 15, Eunyul Clay Mask Set

Step 8: Eye Care in the form of eye creams and serums help tackle concerns such as dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet etc. These products can be applied during the day and at night.
Options: A by Bom Ultra Time Return Eye Serum

Step 9: Moisturizer helps lock in all the moisture & nutrients from the treatments applied thus far. Available in various textures- such as gels, lotions, emulsions, thick creams, and even sleeping packs, there is a moisturizer for everyone.
Options: Limese Supertasker Cream, A By BOM Ultra Botanic Serum Lotion, Make P:Rem Safe me. Relief moisture cream 12, COSRX Oil Free Birch Sap Lotion

Step 10: Sun Protection is a crucial step to slowing down skin ageing, as well as preventing skin issues from developing. Wearing it every day is a must! 

NOTE: it’s also important to consider textures and the key ingredients of each product. Generally, Oily skin prefers gel-like consistencies and oil-moisture balancing products. Acne-prone skin enjoys ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, Snail Mucin (*cruelty free of course), BHAs etc. Dry skin prefers thicker formulations that help lock in moisture.
While routine building is personal, you can check out our sample routines for Oily Skin, and Acne-Prone Skin!

Thanks for reading! We hope this gets you building your own skincare routines for the skin you're in. If you do need any help, you can always reach Team Limese on Instagram - @limese_connect. Now take this knowledge and go forth into the wondrous world of skincare!

-Mallika Desai, Team Limese
A digital content creator and strategist, skincare addict and cat lover.

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That's all for today! Let us know what you'd like us to talk about in our next blog. 

Until then, 

Stay #freequal. Stay curious. 

Illustration: Gabs Martins