I’ve spent the past year using Korean Skincare, and I never would have guessed this...
- Heidy Caruso
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
From Babble contributor, Heidy
It started last winter with a face mask promising to give me glass skin. This slowly turned into a full-fledged obsession with all things K beauty. I’m sharing my skincare routine, what has worked for me, what hasn’t and the products I will never go without.
I’ve always had pretty dry skin and living in Boise doesn’t help that. Certainly as I’ve entered my 40s, my skin has changed dramatically as well. I think I’ve cracked the moisture code, though, and I want to share with you all (because my girlfriends are undoubtedly exhausted from hearing me go on and on about it) what changed my skin’s texture and skin health to finally give me the complexion I’ve never been prouder of.
Skin Flooding
It starts with “skin flooding.” Now, this is something I came across on TikTok, from a gal named Ashley Mixon. Look her up if you haven’t. Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned from her. Essentially, morning and night, I double cleanse my skin, then flood it with moisture. In addition to toners and serums, I’ve added in tretinoin, which I think has made a huge difference in my aging skin.
This might feel completely overwhelming. I admit that it did for me. But I started with one toner, one serum, and one moisturizer. Then built upon that from there. Now, I rarely go to bed without doing this process. It’s become such a treat for me—a few moments of just pure self care in the evening and morning.
The Process
Here is my process and I’ll let you know the products that I’ve absolutely fallen in love with, and I think you should give a try too!
1) Double Cleanse
First with an oil-based balm cleanser, second with a water-based cleanser.
My Fav:
Others that I’ve liked:
Medicube Super Cica Cleansing Balm: I like this because it gently exfoliates, but isn’t too harsh.
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser: Very gentle and plumping
2) Toner
These can and should be layered, 1-3 layers total. Be careful with active or exfoliating toners, use those only 1-2/week
Toners are something that I never understood before and honestly thought was bullshit. Now, I am so into them. I’ve seen them completely erase the bumps on my arms, even out my complexion, and deliver such elasticity to my skin.
My Favs:
Other's That I've Liked:
I’m From Mugwort Toner is nice and moisturizing.
Milky Toners that deliver a real punch:
My Fav:
Haruharu Milky Toner is a MUST and acts more like a serum.
Other's That I've Liked:
3) Serums
Layer as many as you like, but try to find ones with ceramides, probiotics, antioxidants, etc.
My favs:
THIS is THE product that I have purchased again and again:
I Have the Strong 7,500 version, but only use it 1-2 times per week. Use before you put on your serums as it helps them penetrate the skin.
Other's That I've Liked:
I’ve also used Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum - this is nice because it is very good for healing the skin barrier.
4) Actives:
This includes retinols and retinols and an exosome shot. Be careful with actives and the exosome shot, use only 1-2/week.
5) Moisturizers:
Includes eye creams, daytime and nighttime moisturizers.
My fav eye creams:
Beauty of Joseon Eye Cream: This as a retinol in it but is super gentle.
I LOVE this Haruharu Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
The bakuchiol is so gentle and it has retinol in it, but is gentle enough to use every day.
Other's I've Liked:
Inkey List Caffeine DePuffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream
Great for those mornings when you are real puffy. I keep this one in the fridge so it is cold. Feels even better.
My fav moisturizers:
Naturium Multi-rich Peptide Cream
Now, I don’t believe this is K beauty, but I’ve been using it and it is soooo good.
This Collagen Boosting White Spicule Cream (I only use at night) is really nice and I think it made a big difference in my skin.
During the day, I like Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream - it's light, but also moisturizing.
6) Sunscreen:
Don't leave the house without sunscreen.
I love this Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen!
To Review:
Double cleanse
Toner
Serums
Actives
Moisturizers
Sunscreen
I’ve thrown a lot at you in this, so please let me know if you have tried any of these or if you have any questions at all! I am loving my skin, so much so that I’ve really only been using mascara these days. Are you curious about Korean Skin Care?
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