The How-To Guide: Adopting Korean Skin Care for Men

7.Eye Cream

An additional step, often seen in Western skincare routines, eye creams focus on the delicate periorbital region (surrounding the eyes), incorporating skin-fortifying proteins such as peptides. Within this category, there are eye gels (suited for youthful skin or individuals targeting puffiness) and eye creams (ideal for mature skin seeking lifting, tightening, and firming effects). While dark circles are often hereditary, a brightening eye gel can assist in reducing their appearance.

Purpose

Hydrates and illuminates the skin surrounding the eyes.

When to Apply

Morning and evening, delicately tap around the entire eye socket using your ring finger.

8.Emulsion

For those unfamiliar, fear not, you're likely not alone in this. Emulsions serve as lightweight moisturizers, especially beneficial for men's skincare routines, and can also cater to individuals residing in humid climates who prefer not to feel weighed down by thick creams. Similar to moisturizers, emulsions lock in moisture following the preceding seven steps, delivering their own blend of hydrating agents, vitamins, and active compounds. However, unlike traditional moisturizers, their typically smaller molecular structure enables deeper penetration into the skin layers.

Purpose

Nourishes the skin and enhances moisture retention.

When to Apply

Morning and evening, gently massage onto the face and neck.

9.Moisturizer

Available in diverse forms—gels, creams, oils—moisturizers play a crucial role in sealing in the benefits of the preceding nine steps. Renowned for their ability to preserve the skin's moisture, they effectively lock water into the dermis, preventing evaporation. Over the years, the realm of skincare has witnessed a proliferation of moisturizer options, catering predominantly to dry, dehydrated, and aging skin types.

Purpose

Locks in moisture to promote a smooth and supple complexion.

When to Apply

Morning and evening, gently massage onto the face and neck.

10.Sun Protection

In Korean skincare, to overlook the final step after meticulously following the previous nine is almost unthinkable. Sun damage stands as the leading culprit behind a myriad of external skin woes, ranging from pigmentation issues to dehydration and premature aging. In Korea, where a flawless complexion is highly prized, the sun is viewed as a formidable foe. A wide array of sun protection measures are embraced, including visors, sunglasses, gloves, but above all, sunscreen.

Purpose

Shields the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays and sunburn.

When to Apply

Reapply periodically throughout the day to the face, neck, shoulders, and ears.

(Simplified) Korean skincare procedure

While the 10-step Korean skincare routine offers exceptional benefits, it can be daunting to find the time (and budget) to commit to it entirely. However, don't despair just yet. Thankfully, you can still achieve remarkable facial results by condensing the routine into five simple steps.

1.Double Cleansing: Even with a simplified routine, double cleansing remains essential, regardless of whether you use makeup, sunscreen, or prefer a natural look. This step is particularly crucial for urban dwellers, as they face elevated levels of pollution that can infiltrate pores and penetrate deep into the skin's layers.

2.Exfoliation: Male skin tends to be around 30% thicker than female skin, resulting in increased natural oil and sebum production. To address this, incorporate BHA (beta hydroxy acid), such as salicylic acid, into your skincare routine to dissolve excess oil and maintain clean pores and a clear complexion.

3.Hydration: Consider your skin akin to a sponge; while a moist one can absorb effectively, a dry and parched one struggles. Essence serves as a hydrating solution that primes your skin, optimizing the efficacy of your serums.

4.Serum: With your skin cleansed, prepped, and eager, it's time to indulge in the potent goodness. Korean skincare emphasizes patience, ensuring each prior step is thoroughly absorbed before introducing serums. Embrace customization without hesitation, blending and matching to tailor your skincare regimen to address specific skin concerns.

5.Sunscreen and Moisturizer: Simplifying your skincare routine can be achieved by finding opportunities to combine steps. In recent years, moisturizers with added sun protection have become available, offering a convenient solution. While they may not offer identical benefits to standalone products, they serve as a practical option for efficient skincare.

Dos and Don’ts Remember a few essential guidelines. Avoid skipping steps and refrain from expecting immediate results. Just like in life, patience is a virtue in skincare.

Personalizing Your Routine Skin, much like personality, is unique to each individual. The 10-step regimen serves as a flexible guide rather than strict rules. Feel empowered to modify, supplement, or omit steps as needed. The key is to tune in to your skin's needs.

Lifestyle and Diet for Enhanced Skin Health While skincare products play a significant role, it's essential to recognize that our skin reflects our dietary and lifestyle choices. Stay hydrated and nourish your body with wholesome foods. Additionally, prioritize mental well-being for a radiant glow—remember, positivity and tranquility are essential ingredients for healthy skin.