Korean women are famous for their 10-step skincare routines. But what inspires such an intensive process? Alicia Yoon, founder of Asian beauty boutique Peach & Lily, says that Korean women know that the skin regenerates most actively while you sleep, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Their nighttime skincare routines are designed to support that process.
Korean women’s nighttime routines are highly individualized, according to skin type, season, and other wellness needs. Generally speaking, the typical routine starts with making sure the skin is “thoroughly and gently cleansed down to the pores.” “Ensuring that all makeup and impurities are removed is a priority,” Yoon says. That means double cleansing with a nourishing cleansing oil, followed by a gently exfoliating water-based cleanser to remove any residue and prep the skin for next steps.
Once the skin is clean and ready to absorb active ingredients, Korean women move onto essences, serums, and masks. Yoon recommends Shangpree’s S-Energy Long Lasting Concentrated Serum ($120) for firming and plumping and May Coop’s Raw Activator ($60) for softer, stronger skin. Sheet masks are also staple in the Korean nighttime routine. Model Lee Sa-Bi has used one every night for the last eight years and recommends masks by Cremorlab and Shangpree.
For Korean women, skincare doesn’t stop at products. “The skin can also be given a boost by doing facial massages or exercises to help stimulate circulation and release toxins,” says Yoon.
Though Korean skincare routines vary widely, the last step is almost always moisturizer. “To seal in all the action,” says Yoon. Blogger Chriselle Lim recommends Sisley’s Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration ($225) and Black Rose Precious Face Oil ($235), which provide an extra dose of moisture, plus aromatherapy to put your mind at rest.
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