Korean Anti-Aging Skincare
As we age, the production of the structural protein collagen decreases, which can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Dry skin can prevail, dark spots can form blemishes on the surface of the skin, and even in adulthood, acne breakouts can occur. When it comes to skincare, it can feel difficult to know what products to use and what regimen to follow to get glowing, clear, glass skin, which is why many people are turning to the globally trending Korean beauty skincare routine. The Korean skincare routine is a ten-step regimen with skincare products that contain natural, nourishing ingredients, that work to hydrate, brighten, and smooth the skin. Before embarking on your Korean skincare journey for smooth, glowing, youthful-looking skin, the best first step is to schedule a consultation with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, to determine which products will be most effective for you.
The 10-step Korean skincare routine, which involves the double cleanse, exfoliation, use of toner, hyaluronic acid-based hydration, treatments for blemishes and dark spots, sheet mask or lip sleeping mask, moisturizer, and sunscreen, can be adjusted for any skin type, including oily skin, dry skin, and sensitive skin. Products can contain a wide range of natural ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, green tea, ginseng, peptides, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, that leave the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Skincare products can also be paired with in-office anti-aging treatments, such as hydrafacials, laser therapy, dermal fillers, chemical peels, Botox injections, and more.
Experienced, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients in her Upper East Side New York City office for more than 25 years. A master at various cosmetic and medical skincare treatments, Dr. Green is highly adept at creating unique, effective skincare plans for each patient. With her proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, Dr. Green can provide patients with recommendations for the highest quality creams, lotions, and serums. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.
What is the Korean Skincare Routine?
The Korean Skincare Routine originated in South Korea and is a 10-step process that has gained popularity worldwide for its smooth, dewy, bright, youthful-looking results. The Korean skincare regimen involves a 10-step process of cleaning the skin of debris such as makeup, sunscreen, excess oils, and dead skin cells, infusing the skin with antioxidants, vitamin C serums, and hyaluronic acid, treating skincare concerns such as acne blemishes, fine lines, and dark spots, applying a face mask, moisturizing, and repeated application of sunscreen throughout the day. For the Korean skincare routine to be the most effective, it is essential to apply products in the right order. However, the specific products that are used can vary depending on each patient’s skin type, skin tone, and individual skin concerns.
How does Korean Skincare work?
Korean skincare works on the principle of creating hydration and balance, which keeps the skin feeling smooth and prevents signs of the natural aging process, such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and rough skin texture. Korean skincare products contain a range of ingredients, such as antioxidants, humectants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and peptides, that work together to protect the skin barrier, moisturize the skin, target dark spots and blemishes, boost collagen production, and increase skin cell turnover. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on practicing strict sun protection to prevent potential damage from UV rays and free radicals, which can create pigmentation on the skin’s surface and emphasize fine lines. Korean skincare works best when products are applied regularly, generally following a twice-daily routine.
What are the steps of the K-beauty anti-aging skincare routine?
The standard Korean skincare routine comprises a 10-step process for cleaning the skin, treating skin conditions, moisturizing, and protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. The Korean skincare regimen helps create hydrated, smooth, bright, and clear skin. While ten steps may feel like a lot, the process can be easily followed throughout the day, with the bulk of product applications happening in the morning and night. While the 10-step process can be shortened to five or seven steps, the full treatment regimen is as follows:
- Oil-based cleanser
- Water-based cleanser
- Exfoliation
- Toner
- Essence
- Boosters & Serums
- Sheet mask
- Eye cream
- Moisturizing cream or lotion
- Sunscreen
Schedule a consultation with a dermatologist
The best first step when beginning any skincare journey is to schedule a consultation with an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. With many product options available, it can be difficult to know which will be best for your particular skin concerns and skin type. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will examine your skin and recommend products and in-office treatment options to meet your aesthetic goals. Skincare products that are applied at home, such as cleansers, serums, boosters, sheet masks, moisturizers, lotions, and creams, can be paired with in-office treatments like Thermage for skin tightening, the Helio 785 Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for skin brightening, dermal fillers, chemical peels, Botox, and more.
Double Cleanser
The first step in the Korean skincare routine is using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and a build-up of sebum – or oil – on the skin. The oil-based cleanser contains ingredients such as macadamia oil, jojoba oil, and grape seed oil and is the first step in the double cleanse foundational to the K-beauty skincare routine. Both in the morning and at night, a cleansing oil should be gently applied to the skin, followed by warm water to help the product emulsify on the skin before being rinsed off.
The second step in the double cleanse is to use a water-based cleanser with active ingredients such as green tea extract, rice extract, and pearl extract to remove dirt and sweat from the skin’s surface. The water-based cleanser is essential for removing the skin impurities missed by the oil-based cleanser, helping prevent breakouts and clearing the pores. Following the oil-based cleanser, the water-based cleanser should be applied when the face is damp, massaged into the skin, and then rinsed off with warm water.
Exfoliation for new skin cell and collagen production
Exfoliation of the skin should be performed one to two times a week to help remove dead skin cells from the face, promoting skin cell turnover and clearing the pores. Two types of exfoliation can be performed: chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation involves the application of a solution containing such ingredients as lactic acid or glycolic acid, which causes a reaction with the dead skin cells and debris, causing them to slough off the skin, boosting new collagen production and leaving the skin bright and clear. Physical exfoliation involves the application of an abrasive ingredient, such as biodegradable beads or sugar. Physical exfoliation is highly effective but is more likely to cause skin irritation, so consult your dermatologist on which method would be best for you, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Toner
Typically containing ingredients such as aloe, citric acid, and licorice, the toner step is important to remove any residual cleanser on the skin and prepare the skin barrier for the moisturizing step. Toner helps to balance the skin’s pH levels and allows for better absorption of moisturizing products, such as hyaluronic acid. Toner should be applied by gently patting the product into the skin following the cleanser step.
Essence for Skin Moisturizing
Application of essence, such as the Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence, helps to hydrate the skin and improve skin cell turnover. The essence is typically lightweight and helps to provide patients with bright, evenly textured, hydrated skin. It can be applied in the morning and lightly placed on the skin’s surface.
Boosters, serums, and ampoules for skin brightening & controlling face oil
The treatment step allows patients to address specific skin concerns such as acne breakouts, pigmentation, dark spots, dry skin, or oily skin. In this step, various products are available depending on your needs. For acne-prone skin, look for products containing ingredients such as retinol, propolis extract, and niacinamide, such as the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum. When addressing dark spots or hyperpigmentation, a Vita C serum containing Centella Asiatica (Cica), green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid can be an effective and non-irritating solution. When addressing specific skin conditions, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, to know what product will work best for you.
Sheet Mask
One of the most well-known steps of the Korean skincare routine is the nourishing sheet mask – a hydrating mask that is left on the face for 20-30 minutes to allow the absorption of nutrients and moisture. Sheet masks can be made with various ingredients, including green tea extract and rose; many are available on the market. It is important to apply the sheet mask to a clean, clear face so that the revitalizing ingredients can absorb fully into the skin with prolonged contact with the mask. A sheet mask is best performed in the evening following the double cleanse, toner, and treatment steps.
Eye Cream and Eye Serums
The skin under the eyes is often thin and delicate and can show early signs of aging with fine lines and dark circles. Applying eye cream under the eyes can help firm the delicate skin and prevent fine lines, such as crow’s feet, and hyperpigmentation. It is best to look for eye creams that contain hydrating ingredients such as ginseng, honey, and ceramides, and eye creams should be gently applied by tapping the treatment area rather than rubbing.
Moisturizing lotion for skin hydration
To seal in moisture and keep the skin smooth and hydrated, moisturize the skin’s surface every morning and evening as the second to last step of the 10-step process. Moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extra, Centella Asiatica, snail mucin, and bamboo help to keep the keep from drying out overnight and throughout the day, which helps to smooth the skin and prevent the development of wrinkles. There are many different forms of moisturizers, including creams, gels, and serums, and depending on your skin type and local environment, the best form of moisturizer can change. For advice on what kind of moisturizer to choose, you can consult with Dr. Green.
Sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher
The last step of the Korean skincare routine, and the most important for long-term skin protection, is applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or SPF 50. Patients should always be advised to put on sunscreen at the beginning of the day to protect the skin from UV rays, which can lead to sunspots and skin cancer. You can look for a Korean sunscreen, such as the Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 sunscreen, or opt for any sunscreen that contains ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Which Korean skincare products are the best?
Patients interested in the Korean skincare routine often wonder, “What are good Korean skincare products?” There are many K-beauty skincare products available on the market that can be purchased online and shipped to the United States from Korea. Some of the most prevalent Korean beauty product brands include Amorepacific, Belif, Beauty of Joseon, Cosrx, Dr. Jart, Laneige, and Missha. These companies produce products from all steps of the 10-step process, including cleansing oils, water-based cleansers, toners, exfoliation products, serums, creams, ampoules, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Many beauty products from Korea contain natural, plant-based ingredients, including green tea extract, rose, honey, bamboo, snail mucin, and cucumber.
Beauty of Joseon
A skincare company based in Korea, Beauty of Joseon has all types of skin care products to be used in the 10-step Korean Skincare routine. Two of the most popular products are:
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
A serum created specifically for patients who struggle with acne breakouts, the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum contains propolis extract and niacinamides to heal irritated skin.
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50
This sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun and moisturizes it throughout the day. Created with rice extract (30% concentration), niacinamide, and ginseng, it provides patients with glass skin.
Cosrx
A Korean skincare company founded in 2013, Cosrx ships skincare supplies to more than 140 countries worldwide. Two of the most highly recommended products are:
Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence
This serum reduces the appearance of dark spots, hydrates the skin, and improves skin texture and tone.
Cosrx AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment Serum
A new product from Cosrx, the Blemish Treatment Serum, should be used as a treatment step in the Korean skincare routine to address the appearance of acne blemishes, clear the pores, and remove excess sebum from the skin.
Dr. Jart
One of the most highly regarded Dr. Jart products is the Dr. Jart Tiger Grass Sleepair Intense Mask, which is made with Centella Asiatica and designed to soothe and moisturize the skin. Good for any skin type, the mask can be applied at nighttime and worn while you sleep for intense hydration and repairs.
Missha
A highly recommended product from the K-beauty product company Missha is also a nighttime mask: the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5x. This serum, created with different probiotics, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firms the skin, and improves skin texture.
Laneige
Korean-based beauty product company Laneige also provides patients with high-quality sheet masks, including the Laneige Water Sleep Mask, which is designed to be placed on the face before bed and left throughout the night. The mask is created with a probiotic-derived Complex and is designed to thoroughly moisturize the skin to brighten the skin and improve texture. Laneige also has the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask designed specifically to be placed on the lips and left on while you sleep for smooth, hydrated lips. The product contains vitamin C, coconut oil, and shea.
Haruharu Wonder
Haruharu Wonder is another brand of K-beauty skincare products that are fully vegan and naturally made. While Haruharu Wonder is based in South Korea, its products can be purchased online and shipped to the United States. Many of its products contain a patented black rice and bamboo shoot bark blend, including its Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, which helps to hydrate and prepare the skin for additional skincare products, and the Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel, which improves the skin barrier and maintains a healthy skin balance.
What are the best skincare ingredients to look for?
With so many different skincare product options, it can be challenging to know what to look for. Here are a couple of key ingredients in many K-beauty skincare products:
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products due to its powerful hydrating potential. It is a naturally occurring sugar in the body that binds to water, making it a natural humectant. Hydrated, hyaluronic acid-rich skin looks plump, full, and glowing, but as we age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases. As such, finding products that contain hyaluronic acid provides powerful anti-aging results, including sheet masks, moisturizers, and cleansers. In addition to being found in many skincare products, hyaluronic acid is the active ingredient in dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, which help to fill in lost volume and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and body.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, boosts collagen production, brightens the skin, improves elasticity, and reduces the appearance of pigmentation all in one. Using serums or moisturizers with vitamin C is an excellent tool for anti-aging treatments—board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has her own proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, and often recommends her Vita-C Serum, which helps to create smooth, bright, evenly toned skin and fight signs of the natural aging process.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a common ingredient in K-beauty skincare products and is effective for reducing the appearance of pigmentation and fine lines. It is a naturally-occurring ingredient from the Ginseng plant and has been used for a long time in Asian medicine. Ginseng can be found in such Korean skincare products as Dear, Klairs’ Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser and Donginbi’s Red Ginseng Power Repair Anti-Aging Ampoule Concentrate. Ginseng is also often found in emulsion products.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is found in many cosmetic products due to its extensive list of benefits for the skin. When applied to the skin’s surface, niacinamide helps to improve the skin barrier for stronger, healthier skin, reduces pore size, reduces inflammation, helps to prevent sun damage, and improves skin texture. Niacinamide is often found in K-beauty serums, as it is a water-soluble product.
Green Tea
Green Tea is another common ingredient in Asian skincare products, and is typically found in serum. Primarily, green tea can be used to reduce inflammation, such as swelling, and redness. The K-beauty company Innisfree uses green tea as a prominent ingredient in their products Green Tea Seed Serum for strengthening the skin barrier and hydrating the skin, and Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum for reducing the appearance of dark spots.
What are the best-selling skincare products from Korea that treat fine lines?
As we age, the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin begins to decrease, leading to increased skin laxity, volume loss, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Unprotected sun exposure can further emphasize the appearance of fine lines, as UV light can damage connective tissue and reduce collagen production. As such, one of the most important steps for preventing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles is to always wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Dr. Green recommends that patients apply sunscreen as the last step of their skincare routine and then reapply for every two hours that they are outside. In addition to protecting the skin from sun damage, moisturizing and hydrating the skin can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines. When the skin is dry and the skin barrier is damaged, the skin can take on a dull, flaky, rough appearance. That is why proper hydration is key for smooth, dewy, glassy, youthful-looking skin. To find out which skincare products are best for your needs, start by consulting with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
What are the best treatments for firming the skin?
As collagen and elastin production decreases as we age, skin laxity increases, leading to a sagging appearance to the skin. For that reason skin tightening and firming products are a cornerstone of any anti-aging treatment. When looking for skincare products for firming the skin, patients should look for ingredients like peptides, ginseng, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Additionally, Dr. Green offers a range of in-office treatments that help with skin tightening and firming. Thermage radiofrequency laser is often considered the Gold Standard for skin tightening treatment. The Thermage laser emits radiofrequency energy that penetrates the inner layer of skin, heating the tissue there and boosting collagen production for smoother, firmer skin. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Green to find out what type of treatment will work best for you.
Where can I buy Korean skincare in the USA?
If you are looking to buy from any of these Korean beauty product companies, their products are all available online through their websites and can be shipped around the world. Many Korean products use plant-based natural ingredients, which makes them coveted globally. However, you do not need to use all Korean beauty products to follow the 10-step skincare routine. For recommendations on the skincare products that will be best for your skin, schedule a consultation with dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
When to apply retinol in the Korean skincare routine
Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient derived from vitamin A that can provide several important benefits, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firming the skin, unclogging pores and reducing sebum production for acne treatment, fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and increasing skin cell turnover. Some followers of the Korean Skincare Routine do not use retinol as it can irritate the skin and increase sun sensitivity. In particular, it should not be paired with other acids, like AHAs, BHAs, and Vitamin C. To start, patients should only apply retinol once or twice a week at a low percentage to avoid skin irritation.
What is glass skin?
You may have read about this new skin trend or seen videos on social media: “Glass skin” is a term that has its roots in the Korean Beauty – aka K-beauty – scene and means skin that is glowing, luminous, and dewy as if formed from glass. A characteristic of glass skin is smooth, poreless skin that glows like you are wearing highlighter, even with no makeup. The coiner of the term “glass skin,” Alicia Yoon, says that achieving glass skin is about creating and maintaining your healthiest skin quality. The most important part of the glass skin routine is providing plenty of moisture to hydrate the skin fully.
Does Korean skincare work for everyone? Is it safe for all skin types?
Patients with any skin type can follow the Korean skincare routine to improve the look and feel of the skin. The 10-step Korean skincare process helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and clear the pores, for bright, dewy skin. To find out which skincare products will work best for your skin, you can schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Green, who will examine your skin and make a recommendation for your ideal treatment plan.
How do Koreans stay young? How do Koreans take care of their skin?
Korean skincare is a skincare trend that is growing in popularity worldwide, leading many around the world to wonder how Koreans take care of their skin. One of the major tenants of Korean skincare is damage prevention, which includes hydrating the skin to protect the skin barrier and balance the pH of the skin, and vigilant application of sunscreen and sun protection. By keeping the skin moisturized and free from sun damage, patients can help prevent the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Additionally, many people following the Korean skincare routine will turn to in-office procedures, such as Thermage radiofrequency laser treatment for sagging skin, Helios laser treatment for skin brightening, dermal fillers for volume loss and fine lines, and Botox for dynamic wrinkles.
Is Korean skincare actually better?
Patients sometimes wonder, “why Korean skincare is better.” The Korean skincare routine is a highly effective way to reverse signs of the natural aging process and keep the skin looking clear, smooth, and naturally youthful. Following the full skincare regime requires commitment and dedication, but many patients feel that the results make the time and care for the skin fully worth it. If you are just getting started with Korean skincare, it is best to begin by adding one product at a time and letting the skin adjust for several days before adding the next product. This way, you can find out which products work best for your skin.
What makes Korean skincare so good
According to the founder of Peach & Lily skincare and the woman who originated the term, Alicia Yoon, glass skin, which is achieved with the help of the Korean skincare routine, is “your skin at its healthiest.” The goal with following the Korean skincare routine is to create balance by using a combination of products that moisturize, exfoliate, protect, and hydrate the skin. Yoon also recommends finding gentle skincare products and avoiding over-exfoliation of the skin, which can cause skin irritation and occurs when you exfoliate too frequently or combine vitamin C products with AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. The K-beauty trend also emphasizes sun protection as a cornerstone of your skincare routine, which helps to prevent aging, dark spots, and more serious skin concerns like melanoma.
How to get started treating aging skin with Korean skincare products today
When it comes to skincare, it can feel difficult to know what products to use and what regimen to follow to get glowing, clear, glass skin, which is why many people are turning to the globally trending Korean beauty skincare routine. The Korean skincare routine is a ten-step regimen (that can be simplified to as few as five steps) with skincare products that contain natural, nourishing ingredients, that work to hydrate, brighten, and smooth the skin for a glass skin look. When beginning any multi-step skincare process, it can be difficult to know which skincare products will work best for your skin type. That is why the best first step in achieving glass skin is to consult with an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, who can recommend safe and effective products for you.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to her patient’s unique concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and determine how you can achieve a glass-skin look today.