The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
Ever wondered how Koreans have such beautiful, radiant and well-toned skin? Their secret has now been revealed! Our Korean sisters follow a 10-step skin care regimen that makes their skin look like it never ages.
It maybe taxing to follow a 10-step regime every single day. However, the results that have been seen with this beauty regimen will surely keep you motivated. Let’s talk about each step in detail:
The 10 Steps – Korean Skin Care Routine
Before starting the Korean facial or using any of these products, conduct a patch-test. If you have sensitive skin, apply the product at the back of your hand and wait for 24 hours. If you don’t see any reactions, you can start the Korean beauty regimen:
Step 1 - Use An Oil-Based Cleanser
The first step of this 10-step long Korean skin care regimen involves using an oil cleanser to remove makeup and dirt.
How It Can Help:
Oil-based cleansers are less irritating than a normal cleanser. They break down oil-based makeup, sunscreen and other debris. These cleansers prove to be effective in the removal of water-proof sunscreens as well (1).
How To Use:
Take a small amount of the product and gently rub it in circles on your face. Cleansing in circular motions also increases blood flow, which is essential for healthy skin and allows the cells to carry out their functions smoothly. This helps keep your skin bright and healthy!
Cleanse for 2-3 minutes and rinse the product off with lukewarm water. It is recommended for you to mix essential oil with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Step 2 - Cleanse Again!
The first step of the routine clears out all oil-based impurities. The second part involves using a foaming/water-based cleanser to get rid of the accumulated sweat and dirt. Double-cleansing your face will help remove dirt, grime, sweat and oil-based impurities as well.
How To Use:
Take a pump or two of the cleanser and gently massage it into your skin. It is important to use a pH balancing cleanser to prevent it from eradicating your skin barrier. Make sure you have those essential oils locked inside your skin!
What Is A pH Balancing Cleanser?
Our skin is weakly acidic, which means the pH levels of human skin ranges between 4.7-5.7 (2). A cleanser with a pH number higher than that is not recommended for your skin. If your cleanser produces too much foam (no matter how deeply cleansing it may seem), it is most likely alkaline and not good for your skin.
Step 3 - Exfoliate Your Skin
A gentle scrub that suits your skin type should do the trick for you here. Exfoliation essentially means removing dead skin cells from your skin. This step will make your skin appear brighter and more firm. It also helps improve your skin’s overall texture and tone.
How To Use:
Take a small amount of your product on your palm and gently roll it in a circular motion on your face. Wash it off after a minute or two.
Step 4 - Apply Toner
A toner is meant to remove any left-over dirt from your face and balance out your skin’s pH levels. However, toners tend to diminish the oil in your skin and can make it feel dry and tight. Avoid using alcohol-based toners.
In the recent past, toners with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and other beneficial additives have been introduced. They also tend to be moisturizing and soothing when compared to the typical alcohol-based ones.
Get yourself a toner that suits your skin type.
How To Use:
Take a few drops of your toner onto your fingers and pat it gently into your skin. You can also use a cotton pad.
Step 5 - The New Thing In Town - Essence
An essence is truly one of the most vital parts of the Korean skincare regimen. It offers the best of both worlds - it soothes your skin while healing it at the same time. An essence is packed with hydrating ingredients and also speeds-up cell turnover.
How To Use:
Take a few drops of the product onto your fingers and pat it lightly into your skin.
Step 6 - Use A Serum/Ampoule/Booster
Your skin is now clear and ready to effectively absorb the more important ingredients. A face serum is a slightly concentrated and heavier version of an essence. It essentially contains active ingredients to address specific skin issues like wrinkles, pigmentation and dark spots.
This step of the Korean skincare regimen is also meant to improve overall skin health.
How To Use:
Sprinkle a small amount of the product onto your palm and pat it gently into your skin.
Step 7- Put On A Sheet Mask
This Korean beauty product has taken the industry by storm. Sheet masks are soaked in serum and are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. They are also extremely hydrating, leaving your skin soft and supple.
How To Use:
Sheet masks are usually of a standard size, meant to fit all face shapes and sizes. Apply it to your face while gently patting as you line the mask around your eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Sheet masks are also a quick-fix before a party or event!
Step 8 - Use An Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is usually the first to show signs of aging. Eye-creams are specifically tailored to address your under-eyes and prevent wrinkles, dark circles and crow’s feet. They soothe the skin under your eyes and keep it hydrated.
How To Use:
Take a pea-sized drop of the product and gently tap it into the skin beneath your eyes.
Step 9 – Moisturize
Moisturize!
The Koreans believe that this step is vital to lock-in the previous layers. It’s more like an occlusive barrier used to lock-in the previously applied products.
If you have oily skin, use a light, lotion-based moisturizer. If your skin is dry, use a heavy cream-based moisturizer to prevent your skin from feeling irritated.
How To Use:
Take a small amount of the cream/lotion/gel/spray and gently rub it into your skin. Massage your skin in circular motions for 10-15 minutes.
Step 10 - Don’t Forget The SPF
SPF shields your skin and protects it against harmful UV rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended to prevent UVA and UVB rays from damaging your skin (3).
If you have oily skin, it is recommended for you to use a physical sunblock or mineral sunscreen to avoid clogged pores.
Sunscreens come in various forms to suit your skin type and other preferences.
How To Use:
Gently pat the product into your face. Cover your neck and jawline as well.
FAQs
Q. Does The Korean Beauty Regimen Really Work?
A: In the recent past, we’ve witnessed a lot of fashion and beauty bloggers trying the Korean skincare regimen for a week or a month. Most of them have seen positive results.
The Korean skincare routine involves using a lot of hydrating products that eventually will repair your skin’s barrier. This will prevent water loss and foreign substances from seeping through your skin. It also prevents signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
Q. Does The Korean Skin Care Routine Work For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin?
A: It works, if you follow the following precautions:
- Don’t use the oil-based cleanser for more than a minute.
- Use a gentle cleanser to rinse off the excess dirt and grime.
- Use an alcohol-free toner and preferably one with hydroxy acids. Hydroxy acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent and reduce acne (4).
- Exfoliate your skin 1-3 times a week. Don’t scrub your face too hard. This can stimulate sebum production in your skin.
- Use a lotion-based, light moisturizer to prevent your skin from feeling too heavy.
- Use a mineral sunscreen to avoid clogged pores.
If you have severe acne, it is recommended for you to visit your dermatologist.
Whether you follow the 10-step long Korean skincare regimen or just follow a 3-step routine, taking care of your skin is vital to prevent early aging and maintain smooth and healthy skin.
Images: Shutterstock
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