Summer Lite: Try These New Korean Skincare Essentials

Korean Skincare products perfectly content hanging out at the Koi Pond.

Summer 2020 is definitely one for the books.  After nearly three months of being under "House Arrest" in the NYC/Metro area, many of us are looking quite worse for wear without hair salons and spas being open.  If you've kept up with this blog over the years, you'd know that I am a big proponent of bringing the spa home with clean, natural yet high-quality skincare products.  In fact, nearly every one of my published books contains a section on making your own natural cleansers, toners, and moisturizers for face and body.  So take it from me, I know what to look for.

Spa-Day Pleasures!  Start or finish your facial routine with a whole body, detoxifying soak. The warm steam helps soften the skin, allowing products to sink in deep.

There is a 10 step Korean Skincare regimen but I've simplified it to these essentials:

1.) Double Cleansing - Oil-based cleanser for makeup removal followed by a second oil-free wash.
2.) Toning - A non-alcohol containing toner to restore the skin's proper pH or potential for hydrogen which for skin runs slightly acidic on the scale.
3.) Starting Essence - This is going to be a light, fermented galactomyces or probiotic solution.  Products like SK II, for example, are thin and quite watery but absorb quickly, clearing the way for the next step. I've been using Korean made Secret Key.
4.) Serums - These are quite a bit more viscous and just a drop or two is enough to do your entire face and neck.  They have just that much slip. I like CIREM HCR 3-in-1 Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Retinol all in the mix.  The Ordinary "Buffet" and Missha Time Revolution Night Repair are also quite good.
5.) Sheet Masque - These are usually very wet and filled with serum or ampule. 
6.) Moisturizing - Usually entails a light, water-based cream with hyaluronic acid as its main component.  Try Jeunesse Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Day Cream.
7.) Starting Treatment Eye Cream is simply a cream version of the Secret Key Starting Essence mentioned in step 3.  You could also apply it at that step if you prefer.
8.) Primer with sunblock if you plan to wear makeup. CIREM Skinsurance tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF50 is one to try.
9.) Sunblock - I prefer a mineral-based sunblock that doesn't interfere with marine life and the environment. Try Sulwahsoo Age Veil UV Protection Cream SPF30+
10.) Liquid  Foundation or Powder Makeup - My skin has improved so much that I wear very little makeup if any yet my skin has a healthy glow without being overly oily or slick.  I'm liking Estee Lauder's new Futurist Hydrating Rescue Moisturizing Makeup SPF 45 right now and Bare Minerals Foundation.

The Saki Connection: Korean Skincare is based on fermented ingredients specific to the production of Saki.

If you only try one Korean skincare product this summer, make it this one:  SKII or it's close relative, Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence.  These can be used in place of your toner so you can save a step by using this.  The main ingredient is Galactomyces probiotic ferment.  Years ago, it was noticed that the hands of people making Japanese Saki were much smoother and more beautiful than the rest of their body.  This is because they were elbow deep in fermented probiotics used in the making of Saki every day.  Fast forward to today and you have these Korean skincare products based on the same ferment ingredients.  Putting this on first allows your subsequent creams to sink in more effectively. Let me say it is a game-changer.  My skin is much more supple and has a 24hr glow that won't stop.

Beverly Hills-based CIREM has a complete line of nature-based skincare products that work and compliment my Korean skincare routine.

No Makeup Required: My skin after about 6 weeks of using the 10 - Step Korean Skincare program that I've outlined here for you.