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Japanese vs. Korean Skincare: Which Routine Is Better?
Before you shop, know which skin regiment might work best for you
Korean culture—and brands in particular—have taken the world by storm with their gentle yet effective skincare products. Many local stores now carry K-Beauty brands and for very good reason: They work! But while the 10-step skincare routine that many Koreans swear by has been getting a lot of attention, it would be a crime not to mention another regimen worthy of similar praise: Japanese skincare.
With a philosophy that revolves around simplicity and minimalism, Japanese brands deserve a spot in your shelves just as much as K-beauty does. You just need to see what works best for you.
The question is, what products should you shop for and which routine should you subscribe to? We put Korean and Japanese skincare routines head-to-head to help you decide.
Korean Skincare Routine
Step 1: Oil cleanser and makeup remover
The Korean skincare routine starts with an oil cleanse to get rid of residual products from the day before.
Step 2: Water-based cleanser
3W Clinic available on BeautyMNL
This second step targets water-based impurities such as sweat and dirt. K-beauty uses cleansers that's milder and gentler on skin.
Step 3: Exfoliator
Skin Food available on Amazon
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A common misconception in the 10-step routine is that all the steps need to be done daily, which isn’t true, especially with exfoliation, which should only be done two or three times a week. It helps unclog pores, remove blackheads and shed off dead skills to reveal a brighter complexion.
Step 4: Toner
Toner is used to prep skin, restore hydration and balance the pH levels. Think of it as the last step of facial cleansing.
Step 5: Essence
SK II available in Sephora PH
Dubbed the heart of Korean skincare, essence is a potent mix of skin-saving ingredients that deeply hydrates and brightens skin while keeping signs of aging at bay.
Step 6: Spot Treatments
Wonder available on SkinCarisma
Treatment creams or gels contain various active ingredients that can address specific skin issues like acne, fine lines and skin discoloration.
Step 7: Sheet mask
Various face masks are made for specific needs so it's important to consider skin type and woes before purchase. Some brighten, others reduce appearance of wrinkles and the rest promise to nourish with different cocktail blends of vitamins, minerals and other super ingredients. Which one do you need?
Step 8: Eye cream
Innis Free available on BeautyMNL
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Again, choose one that addresses your needs. Do you need a brightening product, a shot of collagen or do you need to de-puff the skin around your eyes? Think about it.
Step 9: Moisturizer
The Therapy available on The Face Shop
Moisturizers are also used to hydrate and rejuvenate skin. Cream-based variants are best for people with dry skin while oil-based are for combination types.
Step 10: Sun protection
You've heard it a thousand times before. Sun protection prevents aging and protects skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Slather it on—on your neck, face and ears, and even your arms.
Japanese Skincare Routine
Step 1: Double Cleansing
J-beeauty begins with an oil-based cleanse followed by a water-based wash to remove all traces of dirt. It's also pretty similar to K-beauty's first two steps.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Natural Aqua Gel available on Happy Beauty
Using gel exfoliators is a gentler way of sloughing off dead skin cells. Apply one to two times weekly to reveal baby smooth skin.
Step 3: Skin conditioner
Available on Tokyo Beauty.
Unique to Japanese skincare, skin conditioners are like a lotion for the face. It promises to deeply nourish and hydrate.
Step 4: Serum
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Serums are potent and absorbed easily by skin. It also helps boost the hydrating effect of moisturizers.
Step 5: Eye Gel
DHC available on Amazon
The under-eye area is the most delicate part of the face, so opt for a product that delivers but is extra gentle on skin. Remember to always use the ring finger to pat on the product for a softer, feathery touch.
Step 6: Moisturizer
Tatcha available on Shopee
Lock in all that skin-hydrating potions from the previous steps using moisturizer.
Step 7: Sunscreen
Bioré available on BeautyMNL
Told ya; whatever routine you subscribe to, sun protection is vital. In J-beauty, favorites include Biore and Anessa.
Optional: Face massage tools
Innovative Japanese tools can help lift and tone skin on face. There's no specific rule on frequency and what to use it with, but we heard people use it after their creams and serums for better coverage and absorption.
So what say you, which routine will you be trying out or perhaps are already loyal to?