7 Beauty Secrets Only Korean Girls Know

Whether it’s practicing the 10 step skin care routine religiously, or reveling in trendy beauty products from South Korea, one thing’s for sure… us Westerners can’t get enough of Korean beauty. And with innovative products like BB cream, essence, and sheet masks, can you blame us? To add to this obsession, we’re sharing seven beauty secrets only Korean girls know. From double cleansing to toning to the secret to soft, silky-looking skin, we spill the deets below.

SECRET #1: DOUBLE CLEANSE TWICE A DAY

Double cleansing your complexion is an effective way to remove both oil-based and water-based impurities in the first step of your morning and nighttime skin care routines. The two-part cleanse consists of first applying an oil cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum from your complexion, then following up with a water-based cleanser to get rid of any lingering water-based impurities, such as sweat and dirt. For more on this Korean beauty secret, check out our full guide to double cleansing, here.

SECRET #2: ESSENCE IS THE HEART OF KOREAN SKIN CARE

Used after your toner and before your serums, essence is often considered the heart of a Korean skin care routine. A crossover between toner and serum, essence is a concentrated elixir that can leave your skin with an extra layer of hydration. For more on this innovative skin care product, check out our guide to essence, here.

SECRET #3: SUNSCREEN IS YOUR SKIN’S BFF

Think you only need SPF when the sun is out? Think again! Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine, but especially a Korean skin care routine. Korean girls are serious about sun protection and it starts at a young age. They know the importance of protecting their skin from the harsh (and skin aging) effects of UV rays. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is formulated for your skin type and apply it in the morning (after you moisturize and before you apply makeup) and reapply throughout the day to ensure that your skin is protected from the sun’s UV rays.

SECRET #4: SHEET MASKS ARE THE ULTIMATE, FUSS-FREE WAY TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN

One of our favorite ways to target specific skin care concerns is by giving our complexions a relaxing at-home facial. The only downside? Sometimes removing certain facial masks can be time consuming. Up your masking game with Korean beauty-inspired sheet masks. These fuss-free facial masks are soaked in specially targeted serums or essence, come in individual use packets, and require zero rinsing. Not sure what sheet mask is best for you and your skin type? We share three of our favorites, here.

SECRET #5: INVEST IN A SKIN REPLENISHING HUMIDIFIER

Dry climates can put a damper on your skin— especially in the winter when using artificial heat to stay warm. Both the dry climate and the artificial heat can have low levels of humidity and essentially suck the moisture from the air causing the skin to become dry and uncomfortable. To combat this, invest in a humidifier which can help to add moisture back into the air.

SECRET #6: THE KEY TO SOFT, SUPPLE-LOOKING SKIN IS EXFOLIATION

Check the service menu of most Korean spas and you’ll find “buff,” or body scrub on the list. When it comes to Korean skin care, exfoliation is at the top of the list of important steps in caring for the skin. This is because exfoliation can help to slough off dead skin cell buildup from skin’s surface and make it easier for lotions and body butters to do their job. What’s more? You’re often left with skin that appears more radiant and feels softer than before!

SECRET #7: PREP FOR MOISTURE WITH TONER

Think you don’t need toner? Think again! There’s more to toners than removing leftover, lingering dirt and debris from cleansing. Toners can help to balance the skin’s natural pH level, thus prepping the complexion for moisture. And while there is still much debate over whether or not toner is a necessary step in Western skin care practices, it still remains a vital part of the 10 step Korean skin care routine.

Interested in adopting the 10-step Korean skin care routine? We share the full step-by-step here!