American Skincare Routine

This routine should sound familiar. “The American girl aims for fresh, healthy, young-looking skin,” says Kim Robertson, VP of customer experience and education at Kiehl’s. Preventing the signs of aging is a key priority for her, as is sticking to natural ingredients whenever possible. Though the everyday American girl isn’t quite as informed about the science of skincare as the average Korean, she is still concerned with avoiding harmful chemicals. And because we Americans like things to happen fast, she’s driven by the promise of overnight results.

A gentle yet thorough cleanser and toner are essential to the American girl’s routine, says Robertson. After toner, her focus is anti-aging—softening fine lines and restoring that coveted youthful “glow.” For this, she might reach for a concentrated serum, says Robertson, like Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate ($60), which neutralizes free radicals to fight aging.

Another classic American step is to do a detoxifying mask once a week, like GlamGlow’s Supermud Clearing Treatment ($69) or Tata Harper’s Purifying Treatment ($65). And no American skincare routine is complete without night cream. Retinol-packed moisturizers, like RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($20), are always especially popular.