Korean Skin Care Regimen: Emulsion, Essence, Skin Softener?

Interest in Korean cosmetics and skin care brands in America started to grow with the introduction and wide adoption of the product BB Cream (Blemish Balm). Aside from BB cream, there are definitely some other beauty products worth giving a try from a country who values beauty sometimes to extremes. One in five women in the capital of Korea have plastic surgery, according to a survey by a market research firm in 2009. (economist.com). Equipped with some of the latest and most innovative beauty products in the world, Korean women emphasize skin care with special attention to their daily routine.

Example of Korean Beauty: Actress Song Hye Kyo born in 1981. American actresses born in the same year would be Natalie Portman, Jessica Biel and Rachel Bilson.

Song Hye Kyo 2012 Laneige Advertisement

Song Hye Kyo Fresh Face

Song Hye Kyo Little to No Makeup

Below is a common 5 step skin regimen used by Korean women on a daily basis.

The general rule is to apply the lightest/thinnest products to the heaviest/thickest. Also, wait 2-3 minutes in between products to make sure they are not diluted.

Korean Skin Regimen Steps

1. Cleansers
2. Skin Softener / Toner
3. Emulsion 
4. Essence / Serum
5. Moisturizer

Additional:
Facial Massage (can be done every day)
Facial Masks (1-2 times a week after cleanser)
Exfoliation (1-2 times a week)

Double Cleansing

 

Double cleansing is commonly a two step process to be used at night with the use of a makeup oil cleanser first and a foam cleanser second. If you have dry skin, be careful with foam cleanser as it is very drying.

A general rule to follow is 4-2-4. Four minutes of washing and massaging the face with the oil cleanser, two minutes with the foam cleanser, and four minutes with water.

What is Skin Softener?

 

This is another word that refers to "Toner". In Korea, a toner is a must have step to remove dead skin cells and residue left behind by the cleansers. Avoid toners with high alcohol levels, as they can be too drying and harsh, but they can be useful for drying out pimples.

How to use skin softener?

 

Apply a small amount of toner to a cotton ball or pad and pat gently over your face. Wait a minute or two before moving on to next steps.

 

What is Emulsion? 

 

In Korea, emulsion refers to a much lighter, non-sticky face lotion that works with skin's natural oils to promote hydration. It works on all skin types because it is water based and does not clog pores.

How to use moisture emulsion:

 

This product can be used morning and night after cleanser and toner. Shake the bottle first, and apply a quarter size amount to skin in an upward motion.

What is Essence? 

 

Essence refers to a lighter serum. A highly concentrated skin care product with active ingredients designed to treat specific skin problems from oil control to skin whitening to hydration.  Serums penetrate deep inside the pores and lower layers of the skin, unlike emulsion.

How to use Essence? 

 

Use a very small amount. Pour into your palm and rub hands together to warm it up. Use upward motions and dabbing to apply. Serums and essence take at least 5 minutes to be absorbed.

Moisturizer

After this you can finish up with your moisturizer products including eye creams and sunscreens.