Korean beauty seems to be the way to go when it comes to skincare. But between the seven-skin method, double cleansing, essence, and snail cream, there's a lot to keep up with. In fact, for many of us there's still some confusion as to how to actually incorporate these tips into our beauty routines. So we spoke to Alicia Yoon, founder and CEO of Peach & Lily, a one-stop shop for Korean beauty products (with new assortments available at Target), who broke down for us everything we ever needed to know about K-beauty.
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Double cleanse first with an oil-based cleanser.
"A lot of dermatologists in Korea say with proper cleansing, which means you’re not stripping your skin dry and you’re cleansing down to the pores, you can eliminate almost 50 percent of your skincare problems," says Yoon. The first step is to use an oil-based cleanser. This is what really helps remove oil and dirt from the face. "My favorite is the T.E.N. Cremor Cleansing Gel Oil ($32) because it’s very light-weight and almost has this watery texture."
Then cleanse with a foam-based cleanser.
The second step is to cleanse your face with a foaming cleanser. "Not all foaming cleansers are good for you. You want to look for one that doesn't have sulfates like ATOPalm Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam ($23)," says Yoon. It's incredibly gentle and it's actually proven to help eliminate the symptoms of eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis."
The 7 Skin Method will give you a radiant glow.
"You start off by cleansing your face and then you take a thin layer of hydrating toner or an essence that’s not astringent, and you gently dab it all over your face. You do 7 layers of this, making sure to gently press the toner onto your cheeks, forehead, chin and nose," says Yoon. She recommends the Be The Skin Botanica Nutrition Power Toner ($29). You leave the product on and let your skin air-dry naturally before applying a moisturizer.
Don’t over-exfoliate.
"For dry skin, exfoliating once a week is more than enough," says Yoon. "For oily skin, I would say two to three times a week. But over-exfoliating can leave skin very vulnerable and irritated." Try Mizon Honey Black Sugar Scrub ($16).
Use an essence.
Yoon recommends using a toner or essence after cleansing but before moisturizing, to help deeply hydrate skin. She swears by Cremorlab Mineral Treatment Essence ($42).
Do face massages regularly.
"Face massages work when you’re applying all skincare products. Always make sure you’re not tugging. Massaging it on is fine, but usually upward strokes or patting it in is good," says Yoon. “The other thing I like to do is while applying serums is lymphatic drainage. Your lymphatic passages sit very close to your skin’s surface. It’s not part of your circulatory system but when you press too hard you crush it. So you want to gently sweep it out to help drain the toxins from your skin." Check out our FB Live interview with Yoon to see exactly how she does the massages.
You should use sheet masks regularly.
"You can use a sheet mask every day. In fact, I have a really good friend in Korea who is in her 40s and a famous model who looks 21. She said for the last 8 years, whether she’s hung over or has a cold, she never misses sheet masking every single night.” Try Peach & Lily Good Skin Day Drench + Nourish Sheet Mask ($6).
Snail cream will clear your skin.
"Snail secretion filtrate is a popular ingredient in skincare in Korea," says Yoon. She loves Mizon All-In-One Snail Repair Cream ($38). "It hydrates, firms, rejuvenates, helps hyperpigmentation, and it also contains anti-bacterial properties that helps clear acne. You can use this as the last step in your routine right before applying your sunscreen."
Peel-off masks work wonders.
"These rubber masks are used in spas in Korea and they do everything from brightening, to detoxing and anti-aging," says Yoon. If your skin is in need of a good deep cleansing, try Shangpree Black Premium Modeling Rubber Mask ($20).
Clean your pores.
To unclog pores of trapped dirt, blackheads, or whiteheads, try a purifying bubble mask like Caolion Blackhead 02 Bubble Pore Pack ($26).
If you have to skip the 7 Skin Method try a mist.
On a rushed morning, hydrate your skin with a gentle rose-based mist before applying your facial cream to help lock in moisture. Try Saturday Skin Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist ($34).
