You’ve heard the hype, you’ve added glass skin to your skincare goals after your latest K-drama binge. But if the notion of a multi-step skincare routine is keeping you from experiencing the wonders of Korean skincare, take heart in the knowledge that it no longer has to be high maintenance. With a growing shift towards skin minimalism, Koreans have been following suit.
Why has K-beauty moved towards minimalism?
After years of propagating the 10-step routine, why are Koreans decluttering their skincare shelves? The answer lies in our ever-increasing grasp over skincare. With dermats noticing an uptick in compromised skin barriers, inflammation and sensitivity, minimalist skincare routines are being prescribed for feeding the skin only what it needs.
Multi-step routines can often flood the skin with several potent actives all at once. If you were to layer vitamin C, retinol and glycolic acid, your skin likely won’t thank you for it. With increased awareness about skin sensitivity, experts are now advocating a pared-back routine to help the skin recover from the onslaught of actives.
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How to develop a minimal Korean skincare routine?
Before developing any kind of skincare routine, it helps to pay attention to what your skin is trying to tell you. If multiple actives leave behind a trail of redness and increased sensitivity, then feel free to pare back your routine further. The end goal, after all, isn’t to just find a skincare routine—it is to find the best skincare routine for your skin. Here are some steps to keep in mind when you’re devising yours.
Step 1: Cleanse
If your hectic schedule doesn’t leave you with time for double cleansing, factor in the demands of your lifestyle when choosing skincare products. If you happen to wear makeup often, an oil-based cleanser can help break down the most stubborn pigments. If you tend to spend prolonged hours outdoors, look for a water-based cleanser to wipe away all the sweat and debris; and leave your face looking—and feeling—fresher.
Tira recommends: SKIN1004 Cleansing Duo – Combo
Step 2: Treatments
Not a fan of toners? Skip and head to the treatment part of your skincare routine. Depending on the specific needs of your skin, you can strategically add some actives to your regimen without overdoing it. Skin feeling dry and fatigued? Give it an extra shot of hydration with snail mucin. Hoping for a quick boost of brightness? Reach for a vitamin C serum.
Tira recommends: Beauty of Joseon Revive Ginseng + Snail Mucin Serum
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Face Serum
Step 3: Moisturise
Everybody needs moisturiser—yes, even if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Making your purchases wisely will mean that your moisturiser won’t leave your skin feeling oilier than before. When you are shopping for skincare products online, filter your search to gel moisturisers that won’t leave any residue behind. If you are dealing with dry skin, a creamy formula will help you get the hydration you need.
Tira recommends: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
Step 4: Sun protection
Lastly, you will want to ensure that your skin is protected from harsh UV rays, even if you spend time indoors or it is cloudy outside. Beyond looking for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, opting for a lightweight formula will ensure that it absorbs easily into the skin and doesn’t leave any residue behind.
Tira recommends: Innisfree Tone Up No Sebum Sunscreen
Good to try: Exfoliation
Depending on the specific needs of your skin and the weather, you can opt for routine exfoliation with an at-home peel to slough away all the grime and excess sebum collecting in your pores—once a week, or as needed.
Tira recommends: Quench Botanics Mama Cica Oil Fix Exfoliating Gel Mask
