Lotte is totally into K-Beauty
Pardon my French, but how many cleansing steps? I thought I was already doing a lot, let's say about five steps, but in the K-beauty world there are at least nine in the morning and evening. NINE. But the extra time it takes is actually not that much. I completely revamped my routine a week ago and now use eight steps in the morning and evening. Pretty neat, right? But what steps are these actually? And which ones am I still missing in my daily routine that experts say are really necessary? Let me go through them with you.
Step 1: first cleansing
This is an oily cleansing. This not only makes your skin feel very soft, it also helps to loosen your makeup from your skin. By gently massaging baby oil over your skin, you remove everything you've had on your face that day. So if you were thinking of skipping this step because you’re not wearing makeup: you’re mistaken, because you also need to remove your SPF and other creams that haven’t been fully absorbed by your skin. Start cleansing at your nose, then move to your cheeks, forehead, neck, and only then do your eyes. Your eyes are sensitive, and you want to have as little trouble as possible with the oily layer.
Step 2: second cleansing
For this step, you can use your micellar water or face wash, for example. Everything that’s still on your skin and hasn’t been removed by the oil can be taken off with this. If you have a blemish, it’s important to do this step as well. Double cleansing is highly recommended by dermatologists to ensure that your skin is completely cleansed of everything that shouldn’t be there.
Step 3: exfoliating
Sometimes this is referred to as a ‘new’ way of scrubbing. There are no grains in it that can damage your skin barrier, but it is a mild (fruit) acid (read here what this exactly is) that doesn’t need to be rinsed off. It removes dead skin cells, allowing new skin cells to come forward, which improves skin condition.
Step 4: toner
A toner removes all remnants of your cleansing and prepares your skin for all the subsequent steps that follow. You should see it like this: your skin is a sponge. It’s hard to hydrate when it’s dry and hard, you know? Hence a toner as preparation.
Step 5: serum/essence/ampoule
This light yet powerful formula gives your skin that extra boost. Such a nourishing ‘shot’ can hydrate your skin, works as anti-aging, soothing, and nourishing. This step creates the glow and we all want that, right?
Step 6: mask
I actually don’t do this daily, more like weekly. You really need some time for this. But in the Korean skincare routine, this step is almost the most important. A mask gives your skin the rest to absorb all the ingredients that your mask contains. Just make sure to use a mask that suits your skin, otherwise, you’ll get the wrong result, of course. Oh, don’t forget: it’s also a moment of rest. Especially in the evening, this is the moment to relax.
Step 7: eye cream
I must admit that I haven’t used eye cream for years. If you use a good nourishing cream, you can also apply it under your eyes. But now I’m using one, and it’s really nice. It smells and feels very refreshing, as if you just came from a spa. I apply the eye cream under my eyes, but also around my mouth, especially around my upper lip where small wrinkles quickly appear. This extra care protects the sensitive skin.
Step 8: moisturizer
Finally, we are at the well-known day/night care. You have them in different types like a lotion, gel, cream, or a sleeping mask (a nourishing cream that takes care of your skin while you sleep). You naturally use what suits your skin.
Step 9: SPF
Last but certainly not least: your skin must be protected every day against external influences. This is the most important step that is often forgotten. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or cloudy: you always apply a factor. Preferably one that isn’t mixed in a day cream or makeup primer, because the SPF percentage in that is actually too low. So really grab an SPF that you also use when you go to the beach.
Do you, like me, have dry but sensitive skin and are you curious about what I use? I’ve gathered everything here for you. Can you let me know what you think?
1. Green Tea cleansing balm, €22.99 Yadah
2. Red yeast rice facial foaming cleanser, €27,- Georganic
3. Calm Soothing toner, €24,- Paula’s Choice
4. Calm 1% BHA exfoliant, €32,- Paula’s Choice
5. Galacto Niacin 97 power essence, €23,- Purito
6. Hyaluronic acid hydra power, €21,- Cosrx
7. Centella green level eye cream, €17,- Purito
8. Mineral water cream, €45,- Georganic
9. Centella green level safe sun, €19,- Purito
And still my old trusty Cethaphil for my body.
10. Hydrating cream, €17.40 The online drugstore
