Brides are ruled by the desire to look out-of-this-world beautiful on their wedding day. From home-made facial treatments to dermatologically curated regimes, they try it all. Clear, spotless and radiant skin or the ‘glass skin’ has recently caught the attention of millennials. Surely enough, who doesn’t want a crystal clear, glowing skin on the most special day of their life? Skincare enthusiasts swear by the glass skin trend brought to fore by the Koreans. Known for it sextensive steps, this skincare routine will definitely add an envious glow to your gorgeous face. Wedding Affair brings to you a step-by-step breakdown of the much-talked about Korean skincare.
CLEANSE
The Holy Grail — Oil Cleanser
The stepping stone of Korean skincare routine and the first step to double cleanse, oil cleansers are not only relaxing as you massage them onto your skin but also go a long way in cleansing the skin. Oil cleansers are used to remove makeup and draw out other oil-based impurities caused by sebum, pollution and sunscreen. It works by breaking down the dirt particles and leaving the skin smooth and glowing. Wash your face with water before gently applying the cleanser. Add lukewarm water to emulsify before rinsing. Macadamia oil, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil are the best ingredients to have in your oil cleanser.
The Water Magic — Water-Based Cleanser
The double effort of cleansing twice is recommended by aestheticians and dermatologists worldwide. Double cleansing helps thoroughly in removing any impurities that can cause acne, blackheads, whiteheads and spots. Water-based cleanser dissolve water-based impurities that your oil cleanser
was not able to remove. Apply it on your damp face and then massage in a circular motion for a couple of minutes, so that your pores are deep-cleansed. While purchasing a water-based cleanser make sure that it has either one of green tea, rice extract or pearl extract as the main ingredient. This step renders your face super clean and preps it for the process ahead.
The Glow-Getter — Exfoliator
Exfoliators either physical or chemical, help clean pores and slough off dead skin cells for a visibly brighter and smoother skin. Regular exfoliation ensures that other skincare products work efficiently and are well-absorbed. Gentle exfoliation one to two times a week is highly recommended. While exfoliating, focus on the nose and visible pores on your cheeks. Using an exfoliator that works well for your skin type will not only ensure an even complexion but also keep acne and dark spots at bay. Black sugar, salicylic acid and lactic acid are known to have exfoliating properties.
PREP
Show Some Love — Toner
A toner is the ultimate prep product that removes any leftover residue from your cleansers. Toning helps repair the skin’s barrier, so that it can effectively absorb the nourishing and moisturizing products that will follow. Your skin is like a sponge. It’s more difficult to rehydrate it when it’s dry and stiff than when it’s a bit damp. Toner is also known to balance the moisture and pH. You can either spray a toner on your face or gently pat it using a cotton pad or your hands. Aloe vera is the best ingredient to have in a toner. Liquorice and citric acid are also known to have great benefits for the skin.
NOURISH
The Heart of Korean Skincare — Essence
Essences are lightweight and are known to be packed with a concentrated blend of hydrating, anti-aging and complexion enhancing properties. Essences not only act as food for the skin but also hydrate it and help in cell turnover. The best way to apply an essence is to gently dab it onto your face and neck. One can commonly find ingredients like rice extract, birch juice, hyaluronic acid and yeast in an essence.
For The Perfectly Flawless Skin — Boosters, Serums And Ampoules
Boosters, serums and ampoules are known to be the best skin perfectors. Packed with powerful ingredients, these products are known to target specific problem areas such as acne, fine lines, scars, hyperpigmentation and others. Gently dab the product on the affected area. Soyabean, tea tree and vitamin C are perfect ingredients for these products.
Masks To Your Rescue — Sheet Mask
If the heart of Korean skincare is an essence, the soul lies in the sheet masks. Sheet masks are supposed to be kept on your face for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the skin to absorb the nutrients and moisture from the mask. They also provide quiet and meditative relaxation, which is a cherry on the cake. After removing the mask, one is supposed to pat in whatever extra is left on the skin. Cucumber, green tea and rose sheet masks are quite popular amongst Koreans.
Protect Thy Eyes — Eye cream
Time to pamper the most delicate and thinnest skin on your face. An intensive eye cream not only keeps dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet at bay but also makes sure that your delicate eye area is well-hydrated. Formulated with nourishing, extra-gentle and non-irritating ingredients, eye creams are a must to moisturise the eye area. While applying an eye cream, avoid the waterline. Always tap the product gently with your finger, never rub. Ingredients like honey, ginseng and lily extract are a must in eye creams.
PROTECT
Plump Up Your Skin — Moisturiser
Moisturisers come in many forms like emulsion, lotion, gel, cream and sleeping mask. The main purpose of a moisturiser is to seal in moisture, plump up the skin and smoothen the fine lines. Gently pat the moisturiser twice a day. Koreans swear by ingredients like bamboo, hyaluronic acid and green tea.
Shield It — Sunscreen
According to Koreans, one should always wear SPF even if indoors. It is known to be one of the easiest and most effective way to prevent premature ageing and skin cancer.
