Too often we field messages from distressed readers who are experiencing issues like breakouts, redness, or even burning sensations after delving into a new skin care routine. Sometimes the culprit at the source of these concerns is an individual product, but it can also be a reaction to receiving too many new products at one time.

This is why we never recommend adding more than one new product to your routine at a time, and we always recommend patch testing first.

But what should you do if you already went full throttle on a new line-up of products and are now suffering the consequences? Read on below for pro tips from a top dermatologist.

Stop Everything

“When someone is experiencing a reaction to a skin care product but they’re not sure which one, I generally recommend stopping everything other than gentle basics,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. “I recommend they stick to a gentle soap substitute like Dove Beauty Bar and a basic moisturizer like Cetaphil cream until their skin has calmed down and returned to normal.”

RELATED: How to Heal Your Skin From a Bad Reaction to a Product

Another great option for gentle relief is the Etude House Soonjung line. All of these products are made for people with sensitive and highly reactive skin. Take a look at the back of the product packaging and you’ll see a concise group of ingredients free of common potential irritants like fragrance, artificial color, and parabens. We love the SoonJung Cica Balm-Panthensoside 5 to soothe an angry complexion.

For a gentle K-beauty cleanser, we like the Commleaf Rice Purifying Foaming Cleanser because it’s made with natural, non-drying surfactants, is hypoallergenic, and is free of sensitizing ingredients like alcohol and artificial fragrance.

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Reintroduce New Products Very Slowly 

We get it – you just invested some serious cash into new skin care products, so of course you want to use them. But patience can’t be stressed enough when it comes to skin care. Don’t start adding products back into your routine until you’re SURE that your skin has recovered.

Dr King adds that “sometimes people are so pleased with their skin at this point that they want to continue this basic routine and decide to not add back in other products. But if they do want to add other products back into a routine, I suggest they add them in one at a time – a new one every one to two weeks. I would start with the gentler items – those meant for hydrating and moisturizing first – and then if you are tolerating all of those, start to add in products with active ingredients, one at a time.”

This method, says Dr. King, will enable you to figure out if there was a single product causing an adverse reaction. Knowing what ingredients or formulas your skin doesn’t like will be a lifesaver for all future purchases and will most likely save you the grief of frantically trying to heal your skin from another bad reaction.

Remember That Finding the Perfect Routine Is a Process 

Contrary to popular belief, most skin care products don’t perform miracles overnight. Generally, a product doesn’t offer real results until the second or third week of consistent use.

RELATED: How to Ease Into Strong Skin Care Ingredients

Dr. King explains there are also some products, like retinoids, for example, that require a month or more of use to show optimal results. “But a couple of weeks should still be time to see how your skin is tolerating it,” she notes. “And if you’re tolerating it better by day 14 than you were on day 2, then you’ll probably continue to adapt to it.”

Bottom Line

We know it’s tempting to slather on a bunch of new products as soon as you bring them home, but bettering your skin is a marathon not a sprint. Be patient, pay attention to ingredients and how your skin reacts to them and what you’re mixing together and we promise that your skin will thank you for it.

The post The Biggest Mistakes You’re Making with the 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine appeared first on The Klog.

Skeptics or no, I personally saw the results of using a multi-step Korean skin care routine (and Dave did too!), so I put together the official Soko Glam 10-Step Korean Skin Care Set for people to try. Slowly but surely many began to actually take a chance on this set—even those who’ve never even thought of using anything more than a moisturizer.

Since then, I’ve been tracking the reviews for the original set and I’ve got to say, I am SO thrilled about the amazing feedback we’ve gotten! In fact, I’ll share some of my favorite reviews for you here:

Colleen 09/05/15
Never going back

First of all can I just say how dangerous this site is? Like ever since this first purchase I’ve felt like I needed to try everything and anything. Onto this set then. Don’t be intimidated by all the steps or products you need to use. Washing my face is no longer a chore (a chore used to be one acne cleanser + moisturizer, then done). Now I feel like I’m giving myself my own personal spa day for my face every day and night. I’m currently an undergrad student-athlete so you can imagine how stressed I am. After cleaning my face I can actually feel the stress melting away and my energy being rejuvenated. Ever since this one purchase I’ve become obsessed with trying everything so you can imagine how stressed my wallet is, haha. Not saying that these aren’t great prices, because they are!! I highly recommend this set and this website!! I am awaiting my purchase of Beauty Water, the Klairs Vitamin C serum, the SU:M37 rose cleansing stick, and the Iope cushion. I really don’t wear makeup anymore so IDK why I got inspired to buy a compact, but let’s see how it works!! I can’t tell you how fascinated I’ve become with skin care products in the last week just because of this site. Thank you, Charlotte!!

You’ll notice that ingredients and formulas are carefully catered to each of these skin types. The normal/combination products will help regularly maintain your skin.

The 10 step skin care set for “combination” skin types

If you’re dry in some spots and oily in others, the combination skin set will help balance you out.

The 10-step skin care routine for oily skin types

The set for oily skin features ingredients that will help keep your oil in check…

The 10-step skin care routine for dry skin types

… And the dry set contains emollient formulas to help your skin hold in moisture.

To help you get the most out of them, I want to set the record straight on some of the most common questions I get about the 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine:

1. Do I have to use 10 steps every day?

You can, but of course you don’t have to! 10 steps really signifies the different skin care steps you can take in total, but it’s not necessary to do each and every step morning and night. For example, unless you are Marty McFly and you have a Delorean to travel back in time (or Hermione Granger with a Time Turner), sheet masking and exfoliation are steps you likely won’t have time to do every day.

As for me, I usually do six to seven steps on the daily. When I’m rushing out of the apartment to tackle the day, sometimes that number drops to four. I add a sheet mask or exfoliate about twice a week. Also, if you don’t have concerns about fine lines or brown spots, you may not need a targeted treatment like an eye cream or serum.

2. Must I use only Korean products?

No, of course not! Even Korean women love their Lancome and their La Mer. However, I do tend to hear feedback from people that in general Korean skin care products are more gentle, hydrating than products they’ve used before. I discussed this with an AmorePacific R&D specialist and he mentioned Korean people tend to identify as having sensitive skin, so cosmetic companies in Korea seriously consider this when formulating their skin care products.

Again, it is all about YOUR skin and what YOUR skin needs. I hope these new skin type-specific sets will help you get healthy, glowing skin and you love them! Let me know what you think after you’ve had a chance to try.

What is your current skin care routine like? I’d love to hear your routine and the products you use and what has worked for you or things you’re looking to improve. Comment below!

xx Charlotte

The post The 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine—By Skin Type! appeared first on The Klog.

When I first got to Korea, I was motivated to start up with a Korean-style routine because my coworkers thought I was so barbaric for my complete lack of one. They would say (rather bluntly) in passing, “I could see your dark circles from way over there,” or, “What is growing out of your skin?” or my favorite, “brush your hair.” So they obviously didn’t get the whole wavy California beach hair look, but their well-intentioned rudeness did get me thinking about my skin. And I’ll admit, I was (still am) shallow enough to be influenced by the flawless-faced actresses in Korean dramas—and I watch them all in HD! How Jun Ji-hyun has better skin in My Love From Another Star than when she starred in My Sassy Girl 13 years ago is just beyond my comprehension.

To those who believe they aren’t high maintenance enough for that bright, dewy skin: I didn’t either. But, like our American moms always said while shoving (their version of) Korean stir-fry into our mouths: just try, you might like it!

Step 1: The Eye Makeup Removal
Remove your eye makeup gently with good makeup remover or Skinfood Rice Brightening Cleansing Tissue, because expecting a normal cleanser to do a detailed job is what leaves you with week-old mascara on your lashes. And the last thing you want to do is tug the skin around your eyes, because, like most things in life, it will hold up better if you treat it gingerly. Also, use it to remove any long-wear lipstick.

Step 2: The Cleanse
Rule of thumb is, if you’re going to spend 30 minutes putting on your face, you should spend the same amount of time and care when cleaning it off. Use an oil cleanser like Banila Co Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm and use gentle, circular motions with your fingers to massage and clean off that foundation and BB cream. Koreans (and Into The Gloss) believe that massaging the face increases circulation, which equals brighter skin.

Step 3: The Exfoliator
Exfoliating with a natural scrub like the Dr. G Deep Crystal Peeling or the Neogen Bio Peel Gauze Peeling Wine really brings your skin back to its glory days when it was as soft as a baby’s butt. Twice a month is plenty, just concentrate on the t-zone or where blackheads frequent. When it comes to facial exfoliation, Korean women often believe less is more.

Step 4: The Refresher
What we in America think of as “toning” is an essential step. It’s believed to help remove pollutants along with any residue from your cleansers, while also restoring your skin’s pH balance. It soothes and preps your skin to absorb the next step—the essence. I’ve found Korean toners are less harsh and drying than other kinds that I’ve tried, which is maybe why they’re called “refreshers.” And they’re made from more interesting ingredients—the Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin contains snail mucin Or the Son & Park Beauty Water that double as a toner and gentle exfoliator. Dispense the toner onto a cotton pad and wipe your face and neck—and don’t be surprised at the dirty streak left on the pad.

Step 5: The Essence
Considered the most important step to Korean women, yet still a mystery to many. Soak your face in Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence  because it affects skin on a cellular level, speeding your cell turnover rate which makes skin smoother and brighter. I’ve had the most noticeable results from adding this this to my regimen.

Step 6:  The Ampoule
Ampoules are super-concentrated versions of essences, and are often referred to as serums and boosters out West. The Missha Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule contains the key ingredient bifida ferment lysate, (As does the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair! See, we’re not that different.) which helps brighten skin, fading sunspots, and smoothing fine lines.

Step 7: The Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are a twice-a-week ritual, or more if your face is very dry. The wet, papery, Jason-like masks (I love Manefit Masks), are soaked in ingredients like collagen, which they in turn soak into your skin. The fun is in the variety; some masks contain avocado extracts (containing tons of antioxidants) or Vitamin E  (anti-aging). The secret to sheet masks? They force your skin to absorb the nutrients and moisture better than if you just applied a cream or serum—before the product has a chance to evaporate. The immediate effects are addicting, after one use your face is slightly more plump and much brighter due to all the moisture your skin just absorbed.

Step 8: The Eye Cream
This is a self-explanatory product, but take note of the technique. Gently tap the Etude House Collagen Eye Cream around the eye area. This leads to better absorption of the product, and of course eliminates any of that tugging and pulling.

Step 9: The Moisturizer
Really, another layer? If you haven’t noticed, Korean women are all about layering, to the point you feel your skin has been mummified. Again, generously massage the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream with gentle strokes so that it really, truly, penetrates into your skin.

Step 10: The SPF
By this point your face feels like a 6-tiered cream cake and your skin has major shine—or as Korean women like to call it, a dewy, “moist glow.” If it’s morning time, skip this and go straight to an SPF like the Neogen Day-Light Sun Protection Sun Screen.

Intimidating, much? Like I tell all my girlfriends, this routine only takes about 15 minutes out of my evening (sheet masks and exfoliating packs are not really a daily thing), and it’s actually a bit therapeutic to pamper my face as I wind down for the night. The key is daily prevention and nurturing, which eliminates any need for expensive facials. Sure, if you’re stumbling home a bit toasty, barely able to take off your triple-strapped sandals, do yourself a favor and at least wipe off the day’s makeup with some cleansing tissues. Sleeping in your makeup is the universal ultimate skincare sin—whether you’re in NYC or Seoul.

The post The Tutorial: The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine appeared first on The Klog.

If you’re going through, or have already gone through, menopause, it can directly impact the look and health of your skin. A decrease in estrogen levels results in a degradation of collagen and elasticity, dehydration, and a compromised moisture barrier. Other common skin concern among this age group are sun spots and slowed cell turnover. But! There is a silver lining: A decrease in sebum production.

You’ll want to focus on products that plump, hydrate, firm, brighten, and protect the skin’s moisture barrier. With that in mind, keep reading below for our tips and K-beauty product recommendations that cater to your unique skin needs.

Oil cleanser: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

The main goal of oil cleansing is to remove oil-based impurities (i.e. makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum), but if you choose a formula with the right ingredients, it can also be super nourishing as well. This one contains vitamin E, grapeseed oil, sea buckthorn oil, and olive oil – sources of vitamin E and fatty acids, as well as moisturizing anti-aging antioxidants. Plus, it’s free of potential irritants like mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, and parabens.

Water cleanser: D’Alba Piedmont Peptide No-Sebum Mild Gel Cleanser

This gel cleanser uses white truffle to increase cell turnover and gently exfoliate skin for a brighter, more youthful complexion, as well as BHA and calamine powder to promote smooth, balanced skin.

Toner: good light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion

Niacinamide is now a prized ingredient in skin care for its ability to help improve the structure of the barrier, brighten the complexion, and keep skin smooth and free of excess sebum. This toner features it, along with ceramides and mushroom to provide deep hydration. Because it’s free of alcohol, it won’t strip your skin of moisture.

Essence + Exfoliator: Isntree Clear Skin 8% AHA Essence

When cell turnover slows down, exfoliating is key to keeping skin looking bright and youthful. We love this multitasking essence because it contains both glycolic and lactic acids. Glycolic acid effectively sweeps away dead skin cells, while the lactic acid helps improve the skin’s natural moisture factor.

Serum: The Plant Base Time Stop Collagen Ampoule

If you’re looking for a natural way to plump up deep wrinkles and prevent new lines from forming, look to mushroom extract, which has been shown to increase collagen levels. This serum contains 76.52% mushroom extract, along with a cocktail of anti-aging and antioxidant superstars such as  adenosine, licorice root, and beta-glucans.

Mask: Benton Fermentation Mask Pack

Take your mask step to the next level with a sheet mask that does more than just hydrate. This one is souped up with elasticity-boosting, nourishing, and soothing ingredients like bifida ferment lysate, lactobacillus/collagen ferment filtrate, and ceramide NP.

Eye cream: Elensilia CPP Collagen 80% Intensive Eye Cream

When you lose collagen in your eye area, you may not only experience wrinkles, but dark circles. This eye cream tackles both. The formula features hydrolyzed collagen to firm and two different types of peptides to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance dark circles and puffiness.

Moisturizer: ENature Birch Juice Hydro Sleeping Pack

If your go-to moisturizer isn’t quite cutting it anymore, we recommend swapping it out for a nourishing overnight mask a few times per week. This formula energizes, moisturizes, and brightens while you sleep with hydrating birch juice, chamomile, and plantain seed extracts so you’ll wake up with a rejuvenated, supple complexion.

Sunscreen: Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen

Protecting your skin with sunscreen is important at any age, but now you have yet another good reason to slather on the SPF: to prevent dark spots.

We like this SPF 50 formula because it’s hydrating without being greasy.

See the routine for 40-year-olds here. 

See the routine for 30-year-olds here.

See the routine for 20-year-olds here. 

The post A 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine For Your 50s and Beyond appeared first on The Klog.

About a year ago, spurred on by Rio Viera-Newton’s wonderfully insane Google skin care doc, I embarked on the 10-step Korean skin care routine. In the past twelve months, I’ve seemingly tried every kind of product and ingredient known to man – or at least to those who are obsessive about skin care. I’ve weathered bad reactions, breakouts, eye rolls, and, on the other side of the spectrum, enjoyed compliments, questions, and exclamations about my lack of wrinkles.
Here’s a compilation of everything I’ve learned, one year on. 

Don’t Go Too Fast, Too Furious

It’s natural to want to tear open your online shopping package like a wild animal, run to the bathroom, wash your face and apply your new skin care product right away. But the beginning of a new skin care routine can cause a momentary lapse in judgment that unfortunately your skin might not forgive you for. When introducing new products, you should always patch test and start slow. Please don’t start four new products all at once. If you’re like me, an impatient, overzealous comfort hound, and you slather Shark Sauce all over your entire face, you might just find out your skin is sensitive to niacinamide and wake up the next morning looking like Samantha Jones after a chemical peel. 
RELATED: The Most Common Questions About the 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine – Answered!

Not All Skin Is Created Equal 

Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for your skin care influencer of choice may not work for you. I would love it if Cosrx’s Galactomyces Essence didn’t break me out into small, weird white dots. Luckily I can rely on my old faithful, the brand’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Knowing your skin type is helpful, but even the most helpful friend or salesperson is not going to know your skin better than you. 

Layering and Timing Matters

There are lots of helpful guides online (like this one) to help you understand each step in the process and what each product is supposed to be doing for your skin. It’s especially important to educate yourself on this in regards to products that contain strong active ingredients like vitamin C and chemical exfoliants. Exfoliators, for example, need time to work—at least 20 minutes. If you find your routine isn’t working, or, even worse, it’s backfiring, it might be because you aren’t paying attention to timing and layering. 

Mix and Match the Right Way

Some products do not play well with others. Let’s say you’ve got a good retinol serum or even a prescription retinoid cream that you really love and you’ve been seeing results for months. Suddenly everyone seems to be talking about chemical exfoliators and vitamin C. Remember that Samantha Jones analogy? You will seriously offend your skin if you mix exfoliators with Retinol. Most skin does not need this kind of cell turnover. It’s just too much. Ask your dermatologist or esthetician about new products if you’re looking to mix and match. 

Change With the Seasons 

The atmosphere outside can affect your skin in major ways, and that means changing your routine up for the change in the seasons. In the winter I go whole-hog with moisturizers, even applying a moisturizer after a sheet mask. But in the summertime that same heavy cream breaks me out. If I’m looking to keep my skin hydrated in the summer months, I just use an essence and sunscreen before makeup.

Don’t Feel Bad About Being Extra

Naysayers of the 10-step routine generally balk at the idea of taking that much time to do skin care. It’s a fair criticism. But if it feels extra, that’s because it is extra. In the weeks I strayed from a full 10-step routine, my skin wasn’t as hydrated. When I look at photos while following a full routine, my skin looks plump and glowing. Other factors, like how many martinis I’d had the night before of course come into play. While the 10-step routine is extra, the results you get are extra, too. 

You Live, You Learn 

The best thing about trying out a 10-step routine is that it puts you on a path to learning more about your skin, ingredients, and self care in general. Even when I was frustrated with lack of results, it made me look at other things that have a huge influence on the quality of my skin: the environment, my diet, sleep, my (usually lack thereof) water consumption. You won’t know whether a product or ingredient will work for you unless you try. To quote the immortal words of Alanis Morissette, “you live, you learn,” baby. 
+What did you learn after beginning the 10-step skin care routine? Share your experience below!

The post I Tried the 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine for One Year and This Is What I Learned appeared first on The Klog.

Before getting on board with the 10-step Korean skin care routine, Zoe’s regimen consisted solely of moisturizer and an exfoliating scrub. “My skin was dry and I had pimples and blackheads all over my face,” she said. “My biggest skin concern was acne.”

After seeing influencers rave about the Korean skin care products they used and the impeccable results that came from them, Zoe decided to try K-beauty for herself. Right away, the 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine Set (Oily Skin Type) from Soko Glam began improving her skin.

“I noticed immediate results,” she said. After only one night, her skin was already beginning to become more “radiant.” By the end of one month, her skin was less dry and her persistent acne was clearing up.

“In two months, I saw glowy skin, no acne, no dryness, and even a scar on my face became less red,” she said.

So what exactly is included in the 10-Step kit that worked wonders for Zoe’s skin?

The oily skin type set contains an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser, an exfoliator, a single-use sheet mask, a hydrating toner, an essence, a serum, an eye cream, a moisturizer, and sunscreen – all specifically curated to target oily skin problems and improve the appearance of pores.

Though she uses the 10-Step Kit in its entirety, her favorite products include the d’Alba Piedmont No-Sebum Mild Gel Cleanser, which thoroughly cleans pores and gently exfoliates dead skin cells, the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum, which replenishes moisture and calms redness, and the Neogen Canadian Clay Pore Cleanser, that cleans pores and eliminates blackheads, reducing acne and excess sebum.

Related: What to Know About Comedogenic Ingredients If You Have Acne-Prone Skin

In addition to using the 10-Step kit every night, Zoe applies sunscreen every morning and a Korean sheet mask at least twice a week to maintain her glowing and clear skin. “I’ve had no flare-ups since I’ve been consistent,” she says.

+ What products have helped clear up YOUR acne? Share your skin care routine and tips below!

The post How the 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine Cleared Up My Acne in Two Months appeared first on The Klog.

They say you hit your prime in your 40s. To ensure that your skin keeps up, a solid skin care routine is key.
You’ll want to focus on rejuvenating ingredients and products that plump etched lines, treat and prevent photoaging, and tighten and tone sagging skin. With that in mind, keep reading below for our tips and K-beauty product recommendations that are sure to cater to your unique skin needs.

Oil cleanser: Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

Oil cleansing is essential in the removal of makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, not to mention it feels like a luxurious treat for your skin. This formula takes the step to the next level by also offering hydrating and antioxidant benefits, plus it’s sensitive skin-friendly.

Foam cleanser: Klavuu Pure Pearlsation Revitalizing Facial Cleansing Foam

As skin ages, it loses its ability to efficiently retain moisture, so the last type of product you want in your routine is a dehydrating foam cleanser. This one uses plant extracts to dissolve impurities, so it’s more gentle and nourishing than others in the category. Your skin will also benefit from hydrating seaweed and algae extract, as well as brightening and anti-aging pearl extract.

Toner: Mamonde Hydrating Beauty Water

Avoid harsh, astringent toners and opt for a calming, moisture-boosting one instead. Packed with extracts from organic Damask rose, this vegan toner fits the bill. Bonus: It has a gorgeous, all-natural rose scent that transforms your bathroom into a spa-like oasis.

Essence: Atrue Real Black Tea True Active Essence

An essence adds an extra layer of hydration and helps enhance the efficacy of the all-important treatment steps that follow it. In other words, it’s – pardon the pun – essential to your routine. We like this one for those with maturing skin because the star ingredient is black tea extract – a powerful antioxidant that also tightens, brightens, and de-puffs skin thanks to its high caffeine content.

Exfoliator: COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream

Because your natural cell turnover has inevitably slowed down since your 20s, exfoliating is all the more important in order to remove dead skin cells and keep skin smooth and bright. However, you want a gentle formula with a lower risk of damaging skin, so we recommend looking for a product with PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) like this one. It also contains niacinamide to brighten. Tip: We usually recommend applying an exfoliating product before your serum, but because this one doubles as a sleeping pack, it should be applied as the very last step in your nighttime routine.

Mask: Enature Yam Enriched Help-Sheet Mask

Some sheet masks seem to dry up in minutes, leaving your skin with lackluster results. This one is practically dripping with an essence that is enriched with antioxidant- and vitamin-rich root extracts and a phyto-mucin gel. It transforms your complexion from dry and dull to plump and glowing, and you’ll have leftover essence to apply on your hands, decolletage, or anywhere else that could use a boost. And best of all? It’s only $3.

Serum: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule

This serum offers the anti-aging benefits of retinol, but is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin or who want to ease their way into using the strong ingredient. The formula also contains fermented yeast to improve skin elasticity and niacinamide to brighten.  The result is a smooth and luminous finish.

Eye cream: Easydew EX Repair Control EGF

A plumping, nourishing formula will make the eye area look more youthful and prevent new signs of aging from forming. EGF is a great ingredient for the job because it promotes cell regeneration. You can find medical grade EGF in this treatment from Easydew, along with caffeine, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid – all great under eye-boosters.

Moisturizer: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

Pamper yourself and your skin with a nourishing cream that not only hydrates, but helps enhance the skin’s moisture barrier function. The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty cream, a cult favorite in Korea, contains hanbang ingredients (traditional Korean herbal medicine) like ginseng to moisturize, tighten, and illuminate the complexion.  Plus, it looks great on a vanity.

Sunscreen: Missha All Around Safe Block Sebum Zero Sun SPF 

UV rays aren’t the only environmental factor that damages skin and causes signs of aging; pollution is another big one. That’s why we love a sunscreen that protects against both. This Missha formula provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, in addition to antioxidants like rose and tea extracts.

See the routine for 30-year-olds here.

See the routine for 20-year-olds here. 

The post A 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine For Your 40s appeared first on The Klog.

If you’re in your 30s, you may be noticing fine lines for the first time, or maybe they’re becoming more defined. It’s also during this time that your natural skin cell turnover rate is likely slowing down, making a glowing, even complexion something you have to work a little harder to achieve. But not to worry – with the right products in your arsenal, you can tell Father Time to chill out.
Below, we share our best tips and K-beauty product recommendations for those in their 30s.

Oil cleanser: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Kick off your routine on the b(right) foot with this cleansing balm that targets dullness with ingredients like rice water and fermented grains, as it melts away makeup and excess oil.

Water cleanser: SUR.MEDIC+ Super Hyaluronic 100TM Amino Acid Cleanser

Avoid drying out skin with a gentle gel cleanser like this one. It uses natural ingredients like cotton stem cells and coconut-derived amino acids to remove impurities, and is packed with a hyaluronic acid complex to hydrate.

Toner: Enature Rice Essential Tone-Starter

If you’re no longer dealing with persistent acne, you may not think you need a toner, but the right formula does more than just balance skin. This one features fermented rice water as the star ingredient (it makes up 45% of the formula). In addition to its brightening powers, rice water helps boost cell regeneration and minimizes fine lines for a softer, more supple complexion. The formula also contains niacinamide, another radiance-booster.

Essence: The Plant Base Pore N Tightening Essence

If you haven’t yet started using a retinol, now is the perfect time as you want to both treat fine lines and prevent any new ones from forming. Retinol is the best in the biz for that job.
This essence is a great entry-level product for retinol newbies because it contains a small amount of the strong ingredient (i.e. less chance of irritation), along with other anti-aging superstars like vitamins C and E. In addition, you can expect to see smoother skin and minimized pores thanks to the formula’s high concentration of tannin extract.

Exfoliator: Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Green Tea

Another key to achieving a brighter, smoother complexion is using a chemical exfoliant. These pads slough off dead skin cells with the help of glycolic and lactic acids. We chose this formula for 30-somethings because it’s also rich in green tea, a potent antioxidant that prevents premature aging and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Mask: Dr. Althea Herb Therapy Velvet Mask

Take your sheet masking session to the next level with this luxe mask that does more than just hydrate. The velvet microfiber sheet is soaked in an essence supercharged with brightening ginger root, soothing calendula, anti-aging green tea, and moisturizing ceramide.

Serum: Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum

With snail mucin and bee venom (less scary than it sounds, we promise), this serum’s ingredient list ticks all the boxes when it comes to targeting the skin concerns of a 30-something. To treat acne scars and hyperpigmentation? Snail mucin. To calm irritation and inflammation? Bee venom. To brighten? Niacinamide. And to fight wrinkles? Adenosine.

Eye cream: Erborian Ginseng Infusion Total Eye

Ginseng root extract, the star ingredient of this cream, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, and because it’s high in antioxidants, it helps prevent deeper wrinkles from forming. The formula also works to brighten and make eyes look more awake.

Moisturizer: Atrue Spring Green Tea Watery Calming Cream

Because you can never have too many antioxidants in your routine, we recommend this lightweight yet nutrient-packed cream that’s made up of 70% black tea water, in addition to green tea extract. These ingredients are also great for energizing, smoothing, and calming the complexion.

Sunscreen: Missha Near Skin Dustless Defense Sun Block SPF 50+/PA+++

Pollution (whether or not you live in a big city) and UV rays are two environmental stressors that damage and age skin. This sunscreen combats both of them. Plus, it’s non-greasy with a matte finish – perfect as a primer for makeup.

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The way you treat your skin in your 20s sets the stage for the future health of your skin. A routine that’s packed with hydrating, antioxidant-rich ingredients will serve you well – and prevent premature aging. You may also be dealing with acne, dullness, or texture issues right about now.
For more on that and our K-beauty product recommendations to target your most pressing – and future – skin concerns as a 20-something, keep reading.
Oil cleanser: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original
Breakouts are often associated with teenagers, but unfortunately adult acne is a very real thing. A thorough cleansing routine that includes both an oil and water-based formula is your first line of defense against zits.
To successfully remove all traces of makeup and sunscreen, plus excess sebum, start with an oil cleanser like the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm. The popular formula is enhanced with brightening ingredients like acerola extract and skin-smoothing vitamin E acetate.

Water cleanser: Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser

The Banila Co Clean It Zero Foam Cleanser is the perfect complement to the brand’s cleansing balm. The formula contains a natural cleansing agent derived from amino acids to gently yet effectively detoxify the skin of impurities like dirt and sweat. We love this creamy cleanser because it doesn’t make skin feel tight and dry after use.

Toner: Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

If your only experience with toners are harsh and drying, you likely haven’t tried a K-beauty formula. They tend to be gentler and offer more benefits than just balancing your skin.
With salicylic acid, aloe, and snail mucin, this toner targets a host of skin concerns common among 20-somethings, including breakouts, sensitivity, and dehydration.

Essence: Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

If you’re new to the category, essences give skin an extra, albeit lightweight, layer of hydration and help boost cell turnover rate, which starts to slow down in your 20s.
To achieve a glowy complexion, consider the Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence your secret sauce. It contains 95% galactomyces ferment filtrate, an ingredient that hydrates, brightens, and improves skin texture.

Exfoliator: Saturday Skin Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel

In your 20s – especially your early 20s – you may not be ready for or need a heavy-duty chemical exfoliator, but you may want to graduate from the scratchy physical scrub you used as a teen. A peeling gel like this one from Saturday Skin is a happy medium. It gently exfoliates pore-clogging dead skin cells with natural enzymes and boosts the skin’s natural renewal process with a blend of peptides. Use it one or two times a week to keep your complexion looking radiant and clear and feeling smooth.

Mask: Mamonde Pore Clean Clay Mask

This mint green mask does more than just make for a good selfie. A blend of clays sop up sebum and reduce the appearance of pores, while heartleaf (eoseongcho) works to prevent acne and walnut shell powder lightly exfoliates. Unlike some purifying clay masks out there, this one doesn’t leave skin feeling dehydrated after use.

Serum: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum

In your 20s, the name of the anti-aging game is prevention. Vitamin C is a great age-fighting ingredient because it’s an antioxidant that protects against environmental skin damage in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, collagen degradation, and hyperpigmentation.
Because it’s a strong ingredient that can be irritating for some, we recommend starting with a product that contains a low percentage of it, like the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum. It features 5% ascorbic acid (vitamin C), along with Yuja Fruit Extract, a natural source of vitamin C, and soothing centella asiatica.

Eye cream: Erborian Seve de Bamboo Eye Matte

Keep fine lines at bay and diminish the appearance of dark circles with a hydrating eye cream. A great entry level formula is the Erborian Seve de Bamboo Eye Matte because it’s lightweight yet effective. It contains bamboo fiber and sap to nourish and lock in moisture, and gives the eye area a more rested appearance.

Moisturizer: Enature Squeeze Green Watery Gel Cream

If you have oily or combination skin, look for a gel moisturizer like the Enature Squeeze Green Watery Gel Cream. It’s lightweight yet packs a punch with nutrient-rich ingredients like birch juice and kale extract.
If your skin is on the dry side, look for a formula with ingredients like natural oils and vitamin E that not only moisturize but protect the skin’s moisture barrier.
The Neogen Vita Duo Cream Joan Day Joan Night features two formulas – one for AM use and one for PM use – in one jar. The day cream features antioxidant-rich green tea and brightening vitamin C, among hydrating ingredients, and is a great primer for makeup, while the night cream contains vitamin E and lavender oil to soothe and repair skin overnight. Together they’ll keep your skin nourished 24/7.

Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence

Applying sunscreen daily is the very best way to prevent photo-aging. Trust us, when you’re older, you and your skin will be thankful that you were diligent about SPF in your 20s.
The Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence absorbs quickly into skin, leaving a semi-matte, non-white finish. In addition to broad spectrum protection, the formula also contains skin-benefitting ingredients like aloe leaf extract and soybean lipids.

The post A 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine For Your 20s appeared first on The Klog.

Oily skin is something you’re born with so there’s no way to prevent it, but you can treat it by using products suited for oily skin types. You should avoid harsh, drying formulas with ingredients like alcohol. While these formulas may make the skin feel less oily what they’re actually doing is triggering more oil production, because when you strip the skin of its necessary oils, it goes into overdrive to make up for the moisture loss and actually ends up producing more oil. Stick with water based, light-weight formulas that work to hydrate and regulate oil production.

Here’s a basic routine that lays out the best Korean products for oily skin. Feel free to check out our other recommendations here, and switch out where you see fit! It’s all about knowing the right products for your skin type. Then the options are limitless.

The double cleanse duo: Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [BHA] + Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser

Contrary to popular belief, using an oil cleanser on oily skin is beneficial. It won’t cause you any unnecessary breakouts. Oil cleansers actually help to rid the skin of excess sebum, and with regular use, help to regulate oil production, leading to a clearer, breakout-free complexion.

One of our favorite Korean products for oily skin is the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [BHA]. It’s formulated with salicylic acid, which will help to cleanse and control sebum production. It’s also packed with fruit oils to deeply clean pores.

You can’t have an oil cleanser without a water based cleanser, and the Neogen Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser is perfect for oily skin. It’s fortified with green tea. This gentle cleanser will effectively cleanse your face without drying it out—keeping oil in check.

Your skin-balancing toner: Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

Toners are so important for oily skin since they help to prep and balance the skin post-cleansing. They are some of the best Korean products for oily skin because they help to remove any leftover residue (which can lead to breakouts!) and reduce the appearance of large pores. Avoid alcohol based toners and instead reach for hydrating and pH balancing ones that will nourish and renew your skin.

The Benton Aloe BHA Toner is a good choice! It’s jam packed with ingredients that are suited for oily skin. Aloe will aid in soothing the skin and salicylic acid will slough off dead skin cells and reduce excess sebum. It also contains snail mucin, which will moisturize and even out skin tone. These ingredients combined will work to normalize oil production, leading to a fresh and hydrated appearance that isn’t overrun by midday oil.

Moisturizing essence: Chasin’ Rabbits Magic Beauty Shroom

Essences are one of the most confusing steps for those not familiar with the 10 step program, but it’s simpler than you think! Essences work to accelerate skin renewal and help the rest of your products absorb into the skin more efficiently. For oily skin, they can work wonders in hydrating the skin properly. Those with oily skin tend to avoid moisturizing as they don’t think they need it (given all the oil overproduction!) and that since their skin is so oily, they will age slower than other skin types. But that is all a lie. If you avoid moisturizing, you’ll only increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

No matter the skin type, you need to moisturize properly. Essences aid in hydrating oily skin without weighing it down. The Chasin’ Rabbits Magic Beauty Shroom contains 100% tremella mushroom which will intensely moisturize the skin, leaving you with a glowy finish.

Deep cleaning exfoliator: Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon

Exfoliators are one of the key Korean products for oily skin because they deep clean pores and further aid in reducing oil production. Go for a chemical exfoliator rather than a physical one. Physical exfoliators only slough off the dead skin cells on the surface. Chemical exfoliators work beyond the surface to deep clean and dissolve any impurities lurking beneath. Large pores are a major problem that oily skin types face and regular exfoliation will reduce the appearance of your pores and the back up of oil production, which lead to blackheads and whiteheads.

The Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon pads boasts several types of effective chemical exfoliants including lactic and glycolic acids and lemon extract. Vitamin C also helps fade acne scars.

Skin-loving serum: Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum

With excess oil comes unwanted breakouts. This is why most oily skin types are acne-prone. But a consistent proper routine will aid in reducing and preventing these uninvited guests.

Ampoules or serums are a great way to treat acne. The Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum is gel-like and fast-absorbing and helps balance oil production while brightening and plumping skin.

Optional Sheet Mask: Mediheal W.H.P Brightening & Hydrating Charcoal Sheet Mask

When your skin is feeling particularly oily, a great treatment to grab is a sheet mask! Sheet masks are designed to pack as much moisture as possible into the skin in a small amount of time (usually 15-20 minutes). When it comes to oily skin, reach for masks that will absorb excess sebum and lift impurities.

An especially great choice is the Mediheal W.H.P. Brightening & Hydrating Charcoal Sheet Mask. It’s infused with black charcoal powder to help deep clean pores.

Eye cream: Erborian Seve De Bamboo Eye

Hydrating your eyes is an essential step in the skincare routine to help prevent dryness, fine lines, and wrinkle formation. For people with oily skin, we recommend using a gel eye cream like the Erborian Seve De Bamboo Eye. This eye cream is a miracle worker, and helps keep the skin around the eyes cool, hydrated, and protected. The bamboo extracts soothe and hydrate the skin, while the bamboo fibers lock in that moisture and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.

Light-weight moisturizer: Klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream

Water based, light-weight moisturizers are the perfect products for oily skin. We recommend choosing gel-type ones rather than those that are emollient rich as they may increase oil production (which can end up further clogging pores).

The Klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream is the best for oily skin. It contains 63.7% Jeju green tea water anda combination of amino acids and panthenol (vitamin B5) to keep skin smooth and super-hydrated for a bouncy, soft appearance.

Mattifying SPF: Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen

We know—you’ve searched high and low for an SPF that doesn’t leave you feeling greasy! Most people skip out on SPF because of the unpleasant feeling, but it’s a vital step in protecting your skin from premature aging.

The Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen is one of the best Korean products for oily skin. With over 20 different types of plant extracts, it works to control sebum and oil production.

+ What are your favorite Korean products for oily skin? Let us know in the comments below!

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