Korean Skincare Secrets for Glowing Skin

Koreans seem to have that beautiful, ‘glass’ skin that many of us can only dream of. We’re talking complexions that look Instagram-perfect as if they’ve been photoshopped with expert skills and without too much makeup.

Koreans are famously big fans of the no-makeup, flawless-skin look (I mean, who isn’t), and we could really take a leaf or two out of their books.

We’re here to uncover the skincare secrets that many Koreans rely on for that lustrous, dewy glow. Keep reading.

Follow the One-Minute Rule

The Korean one-minute rule refers to your skincare routine and how you apply your products. The concept is to take one minute to massage an oil-based cleanser into the complexion, spending enough time removing the surface grime and makeup to dissolve. Then, you spend another minute massaging in a hydrating moisturizer.

But here’s the key – if you don’t apply the moisturizer within that next minute, your skin becomes drier, and the formulas don’t absorb as much as they could.

Use Pimple Patches

When Korean women do get pimples, many of them opt for stick-on pimple patches over their spots to remove or reduce them. Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like salicylic acid, these patches are an excellent way to tackle a blemish fast.

The Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots are a fan-favorite option for pimple patches that work overnight or throughout the day to effectively banish those stubborn pimples. For the best results, keep your pimple patch on all night or for at least six hours.

Tap, Don’t Rub

Koreans like to gently tap rather than rub their skincare products in. Not only is it softer on the skin, it's also quite fun, feeling like some sort of ritual.

Lightweight, water-like skin formulas like essences work well tapped into the skin, as well as serums and moisturizers.

Double Cleanse

You may already be aware of double cleansing, but we couldn’t miss it from this list.

Most Korean skincare routines start with double cleansing. Use an oil-based cleanser to wipe away makeup, sunscreen, and other lingering impurities from your skin. Then, follow up with a cleansing soap or foam to wash the pores. Simple!

Take Supplements

In Korea, it’s popular to take skincare vitamins or supplements to improve skin health. This makes sense as many skin issues come from an unhealthy gut, and beautiful skin really does start from the inside out. If your diet lacks the proper nutrients for lovely skin, a supplement can help with a much-needed boost.

We recommend the Murad Pomphenol Sunguard Dietary Supplements , which are designed to protect the skin against free radical damage.

The supplements fortify your complexion from the inside to defend it against free radicals and UV and UVB rays, which contribute to premature aging.

These dietary supplements contain 100% natural, antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract that neutralizes environmental aggressors. Like with any supplement, speak with your physician before taking these supplements.

Try a Charcoal Mask

Most of us know charcoal as a miracle ingredient for clear, blemish-free skin. It’s known for removing those pesky blackheads, but did you know that Koreans were the first to popularise charcoal face masks?

Charcoal face masks started as a Korean beauty trend, and now it seems they’re everywhere. We’re not surprised either – charcoal masks exfoliate the skin while also banishing blackheads and whiteheads.

Ultra-purifying and uber gentle, Cosmedix Detox Activated Charcoal Mask works like a magnet to draw out pore-clogging dirt, oil, and daily impurities while cleansing away age-accelerating pollutants for a flawlessly fresh, smoother-looking, and clarified complexion.

Give your Face a Steam Massage

Skin clinics are scattered across every block in South Korea, where booking a facial massage is as easy as it is to find a budget manicure. But why not try a facial massage yourself?

Use circular motions on your skin with your fingers along with tapping in rotating motions – yes, tapping again! Start with the forehead, then onto the cheekbones and cheeks before moving down to the jawbone.

Massaging encourages circulation and helps to create a dewy complexion. Plus, it feels wonderful. For added benefits, use an oil cleanser to boost hydration.

Sip the Tea

Koreans love their tea not just for its taste but for its skin and health benefits. Teas that improve the look and health of skin include ginseng, roasted barley, and green tea, just to name a few.

These tasty teas are rich in antioxidants and battle acne and other unwanted skin issues for clear and beautiful skin. Not only that, but these brewed teas also help with weight loss and blood circulation. Not bad, huh?

Do you want more skincare advice? Here’s how to enhance your skincare routine before bed .