Korean Skincare: 10 step process

When you hear the word ‘exfoliator’ most of you probably think about some creamy substance with a lot of course granules in it that you buff your face with. Yeah, I’m not a big fan. That is why the Korean way of thinking about exfoliating appeals to me a lot more. See they use AHA, BHA, and PHA that are chemicals designed specifically to gently exfoliate your skin by getting rid of all the dead skin cells and making room for new skin. They are so gentle some of them can even be used daily, although you need to read the label of the specific product that you will use. Some of them are suitable for only once or twice a week. You can read more about these exfoliators here.

Homespun Lab’s AHA+BHA Resurfacing Overnight Tonic contains both AHA and BHA which is fine because it is in one product. Please don’t use both of these chemicals when coming from two different products, it could be damaging.

You can use this product nightly or three times a week, depending on how much you need it. If you have lots of pigmentation, I would suggest using it every day until you can see your pigmentation lightening and then change to three times a week just to maintain your skin.

• Overnight facial tonic
• With alpha & beta hydroxy acids (AHA & BHA)
• Exfoliates & brightens the skin while you sleep
• Helps to prevent congested pores, blemishes & breakouts
• Works to brighten the skin & promote a smoother texture
• AHAs (fruit acids) are also beneficial for blemishes, wrinkles & pigmentation
• BHAs clean the pores, reducing breakouts & blackheads
• Contains liquorice root extract, which helps to lighten pigmentation, dark marks & scars
• Locally produced
• Packaged in glass
• No artificial colours or fragrances

We use toner to get rid of the last bit of impurities that might still be lingering on your face, and also to prepare your face to be more susceptible to the products that you will apply next. I also find that using toner makes my skin absorb my moisturiser better.

Skin Creamery’s Skin Tonic is not for sensitive skin, so if you have very sensitive skin you can opt to use rose water as an alternative toner.

In Korean skincare, the toner is also used to lower the skin’s pH to between 4.5 and 5.5, which the range for healthy skin.

• 50ml
• Two-phase tonic
• Suitable for all skin types
• Beauty Without Cruelty approved
• Silky, luxurious consistency
• Balances and restores tired or damaged skin
• No parabens of preservatives
• No synthetic fragrances or colours
• Developed by a skincare therapist with a passion for organic products

After your essence is fully absorbed into your skin you can add 5 – 10 drops of the Eco Diva Superfood Face Serum to your face, eye and neck areas. Any serum is essence on steroids, so depending on which serum you use, I would only use it at night, as serum can be a bit oily and it can take longer for your skin to absorb this. Also please note that you should not mix products containing Vitamin C and products containing Retinol during the same session. Products containing these actives can make your skin extremely sensitive to the sun. This particular serum contains neither so feel free to use it twice a day!

Serums are sometimes also referred to as boosters or ampoules.

• Natural facial serum with superfood ingredients
• Contains argan & baobab oils
• Sulphate-free, paraben-free
• Moisturises & nourishes the skin
• Helps to improve skin texture
• Creates a healthy natural glow
• Unisex scent
• No artificial colours or fragrances
• Cruelty-free (BWC certified)
• Not tested on animals
• Packaged in glass

In Korea, seemingly the only face masks available are sheet masks – you find them everywhere, even in convenience stores! I really like to use sheet masks when my skin feels a bit dehydrated. I have never used face masks in South Africa, but I use clay masks and they are just brilliant. When I have dull and tired skin, only one clay mask pampering and I’m good to go! Use twice a week.

If you only buy one clay mask every, buy this one. It is worth every cent.

• All-natural facial clay mask
• Reduces the appearance of rosacea
• Reduces redness
• Minimises pores
• Balances complexion
• Hydroquinone-free
• Paraben-free
• PEG-free
• Naturally fragranced with essential oils
• Suitable for vegans and strict vegetarians

Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring ingredient with proven abilities to reduce the appearance of rosacea for a more even, beautiful complexion.

Wrinkles around the eyes is where we start looking older first. I remember noticing my first wrinkles and how unnecessarily upset I got. It is a gift to get older, but we should at least not give up trying to find that fountain of youth!

It is important that your eye cream contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates your skin, so check for it in the ingredients list when buying.

Esse Eye & Lip Cream is packed with active ingredients that combat the signs of ageing. Gentle on skin but highly effective at treating wrinkles. If used consistently you should notice improvement after just two weeks.

• Hyaluronic acid hydrates delicate skin for a fuller, firmer appearance.
• Vitamin K lightens dark circles around the eyes.
• Copper boosts collagen production to keep the lip and eye area looking plump and youthful.
• Barley grass is full of antioxidants like beta carotene, and skin-loving nutrients like chlorophyll.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant, protects against UV damage and has a lightening effect.
• Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT. Dark glass bottles used to ensure fresh ingredients stay pure.

This is probably the most important step in Korean skincare. While some of us might try to get a great tan during summer, Koreans try their best to maintain their porcelain skin. So in addition to various skin brighteners, they also use sunscreen every day.

The best thing you can do for your skin (after cleansing and moisturising) is sunscreen. Listen to Baz Luhrmann if you don’t want to listen to me. Harmful UVA and UVB rays are the number one cause of wrinkles.

Enjoy moments of bliss in the golden South African sun knowing that your skin is protected by SKOON Sunnybonani SPF20 Day Defense Sun Cream. This day defence sun cream is a mineral-based sun cream for your face that’s infused with antioxidant-rich South African botanicals. We love that SKOON Sunnybonani SPF20 Day Defense Sun Cream is made from pure and natural ingredients that are suitable for all skin types.

Give this sunscreen a few minutes to be absorbed before applying your makeup.

The last step in the Korean skincare routine is probably the most decadent as well. According to the instructions you should use sleeping or overnight masks only a few times a week, but they are so luxurious there is no reason why you can’t use this every night to make sure your skin regenerates to the best of its ability.

• Intense moisture repair blend of Organic Coconut and Wildflower Honey
• Infused with Nordic Marine Extract to entrap water molecules on the surface of the skin
• Soothes and hydrates while you sleep
• Proudly preservative free
• Scented with natural vanilla
• Perfect for all skin types, even sensitive

SKOON. Skincare Tip
In summer the texture of Ruby Marine may slightly soften and conversely slightly harden in colder temperatures. A spatula is perfect to help scoop the product out when temperatures drop.