For a lot of men, their typical skincare routine involves two steps: washing their face in the shower and shaving in the morning… and maybe an after-shave lotion or balm. Many guys won’t experiment with specialized skincare unless they’re trying to address a problem like dryness, fine lines, or acne.
But here’s the thing. Following a consistent skincare routine can keep those problems, and many others, from ever happening in the first place. In fact, Korean skincare is becoming very popular among men who want to keep their skin looking smooth and youthful for as long as possible.
In Korea, boys and girls are educated about good skin care when they are young. Their skincare philosophy is all about prevention by nourishing the skin with hydration and quality ingredients. All it takes is a quick glance through any fashion and style magazine to see that Korean men and women are all about having fabulous skin, and their targeted skincare routines get all the credit.
For the man who wants to look youthful, healthy, and full of energy, good skincare is just as important as working out. Although the typical Korean skincare can be pretty extensive, there are lots of ways to streamline the routine and still get amazing results!
The entire routine can take as little as a few minutes in the morning and evening, and you can add or take away steps to customize it for your needs. Here’s a summary of each step, what it’s for, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Double cleansing
Double cleansing is an essential step in any Korean skincare routine. It involves cleansing your face with two separate cleansers that have distinct purposes.
First, an oil-based cleanser is used to deep clean the skin. Since oil breaks down oil, using this cleanser first will break down oil, grime, and dirt on the surface of the skin. The second cleanser is a gentle, water-based cleanser that removes any remaining residue without stripping the skin.
In Korean skincare, double cleansing is the most important step. If you want to introduce this type of skincare routine slowly, try starting out by doing the double cleanse morning and night. The dramatic results will probably be enough to convince you that the rest of the routine is worth the effort!
Exfoliating
Exfoliating is done after cleansing, but not every day. Exfoliating about twice a week is plenty, and you’ll want to focus mainly on the areas where you notice clogged pores or dry patches.
Exfoliating is done to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and unclog pores. This helps to prevent acne and also results in a smoother, more youthful complexion.
Korean skincare brands offer exfoliators made from botanical and fruit extracts that exfoliate without harsh scrubbing that can damage the skin. Try to stay away from abrasive scrubs because they can scratch the skin’s surface.
If you’re going to shave, do it after exfoliating and before you move on to the next step!
Toner
Toner is important because it brings some moisture back into the skin after cleansing and restores the skin’s pH balance.
Unlike the alcohol-based toners you’re probably used to, Korean skin care by Peach & Lily encourages the use of toners made from natural ingredients that add hydration. These toners not only balance the skin, but they also tighten the pores and prep your skin for the treatment products to follow.
Choose your toner according to your skin type and apply it with your fingertips or a cotton pad twice a day. Give it a few seconds to soak in before you move on to any treatments.
Sheet masks
Sheet masks are more of a luxury than a necessity, but they’re fantastic for those days when your skin needs to look extra good. They are usually made from a paper or gel backing that is soaked with concentrated active ingredients. Each one is formulated to address a specific skin issue, such as repairing, brightening, tightening, or providing deep hydration.
If you’re going to use a sheet mask, allow it to remain on your face for at least 10 minutes. Apply it after toner, but before you move on to other treatments. You can use them as often as every day, or not at all, it’s totally up to you!
Essences
Essences are another optional step that can really give your skin a boost. Their job is to assist in cell turnover, rejuvenate, and hydrate the skin. They plump up the skin, giving it a more youthful look, too.
This step really allows you to customize your routine because essences are very targeted to address almost any skin care concern, from dark spots and acne scars to fine lines and wrinkles.
They’re applied before other treatments in the morning and evening, with fingertips or a cotton pad.
Treatments
Ampoules and serums are treatments, and they’re the heavy hitters of a Korean skincare routine. They’re super concentrated and can address concerns like dullness, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and scars. Some formulas can help to control oil, so skin looks fresh all day.
Since treatments are so concentrated, you only need a few drops. They’re meant to be used morning and night, right before moisturizer. If you want, you can use more than one treatment, layering them from the thinnest to the thickest formulation. Feel free to add or take away treatments depending on how your skin looks or feels each day.
Moisturizers
Most Korean skincare routines for men include two moisturizers. One for all over the face and a separate specialized eye cream. Since the skin around the eyes is thin, it tends to show age sooner than the rest of the face. An eye cream provides nourishment, moisture, and targets issues like puffiness, fine lines, or dark circles.
Your all over face moisturizer adds hydration and protects the skin from environmental damage. Choose a formula that addresses your specific concerns and skin type. Look for lightweight hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, which provide moisture but won’t be heavy or greasy.
Sunscreen
Hopefully, you already know the importance of wearing sunscreen anytime you’re outdoors for preventing sun damage and skin cancer. This step is crucial to any good skincare routine because it reduces premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots.
If you want to save some time, you can use a moisturizer that has SPF built-in, but don’t ever skip this step. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad spectrum SPF of 15-30 on all exposed skin each day and reapplying regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Final tips
If you’re a man who’s never really followed a skincare routine before, these steps may seem a little daunting. You could try starting out with a simple, 3-step Korean skincare routine of double-cleansing, toning, and sunscreen during the day/moisturizer at night. Then, add in other steps for special occasions, or when you have extra time. Consistency is the key, even if you only do a few steps!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
6 Quick Grooming Tips that Will Help You Look Better
The 24-Hour Grooming Guide for Men
P.S. We want to hear from you! What skin care routine do you currently follow? Why? What skin care products do you use? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!