Ever wondered how Korean celebrities achieve that flawless, glassy, dewy complexion that seems almost otherworldly? The secret lies in the meticulous 10-step Korean skincare routine, expertly designed to cleanse, hydrate and nourish the skin for ultimate radiance. Each step works in harmony to ensure your skin is not only clean but also deeply hydrated and rejuvenated, giving you that coveted glow.

But don’t be intimidated—this routine is not as daunting as it sounds! With esmi, we’ll break down each step to help you effortlessly incorporate this effective Korean skincare style into your daily regimen. From gentle cleansers to nourishing serums, you’ll discover how simple it can be to transform your skin and embrace the luminous beauty that Korean skincare is renowned for. Get ready to unveil your most radiant self!

The K-Beauty Philosophy 

The Korean approach to skincare is renowned for its emphasis on prevention and long-term skin health. Rather than simply addressing issues as they arise, this holistic method focuses on maintaining a healthy complexion through a consistent, multi-step routine that layers lightweight products. Each step is carefully curated to enhance the skin's overall health and appearance, with a focus on nourishing and protecting the skin.

Step 1 & 2: The double cleanse

Double cleansing is essential for thoroughly removing makeup, sunscreen and daily grime that a single cleanse might miss. The first cleanse dissolves  impurities, while the second cleanse totally purifies the skin. This method helps prevent breakouts, clogged pores and enhances the effectiveness of subsequent skincare products for healthier and clearer skin.

esmi recommends: 

• The Uncomplicated Cleanser - A healthy, happy skin routine starts here. Gently removes all traces of foundation and impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin with Aloe Vera and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
• Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser - Formulated with protective Probiotic Lysates to strengthen the skin's natural defence this creamy probiotic cleanser gently lifts away impurities for clearer, softer skin and a calmer barrier.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother complexion and preventing clogged pores. Exfoliating after cleansing allows for better absorption of products that follow. However, it should not be done daily. We recommend doing this once or twice a week. 

esmi recommends: 

Our range of Gentle-Foliants have added enzymes to help achieve complete exfoliation and smooth skin in the most gentle way, to your skin and the environment.

Step 4: Tone

Toners help to balance the skin’s pH levels after cleansing and prep the skin for better absorption of subsequent products. Applying toner right after cleansing ensures that the skin is hydrated and primed.

esmi recommends: 

esmi's Gentle Refine Cleansing Toner - Created with a NEW improved gentle formula, this has a focus on being kind to our skin; combining the perfect balance of biome friendly ingredients to hydrate and soothe all while providing a gentle exfoliation without disrupting our delicate skin barrier.

Step 5: Essence

Importance: Essences provide concentrated hydration and help prepare the skin for better product absorption.
Reasoning: The lightweight texture allows for deep penetration, enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent layers.

esmi recommends: 

Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist - This luxurious and revitalising mist is designed to replenish, rehydrate and refresh your skin and makeup. Use it before your serums and oils for the ultimate hydrated base.

Step 6: Serums

Importance: Serums are concentrated treatments targeting specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, dark spots, or dehydration. Applying serums after essence ensures they penetrate deeply and work effectively.

esmi recommends: 

• Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum -  To combat dehydration for all skin types, the skin cell's water content can be replenished with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid. Using hyaluronic acid for skin in the form of a serum means thirsty face cells receive much needed moisture quickly.
• Afterglow Rejuvenating Bakuchiol -   A powerful, yet gentle-on-the-skin natural alternative to retinol, it stimulates collagen production, encourages cell turnover and brightens uneven skin tones.
• Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie -   Looking for the best skin care to reduce redness? You've found it. This serum provides healing relief for inflamed, acne prone or post treatment skin.
• Pomegranate Brightening Serum - A potent anti-pigmentation serum with powerful melanin inhibitors, skin brightening ingredients and antioxidants. Ideal for most skin types to improve the look of pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin and enhance skin's luminosity and clarity.

Step 7: Sheet Masks

Sheet masks deliver intensive hydration and nutrients directly to the skin.Using a sheet mask allows for concentrated treatment, enhancing the effects of prior products.

esmi recommends: 

Thirsty Skin Plumping Sheet Mask - Experience the magic of esmi's beloved triple action hyaluronic acid, working wonders to deeply hydrate, rejuvenate, and lock in moisture within your skin's cells.

Step 8: Eye Cream

Eye cream addresses specific concerns around the delicate eye area, such as puffiness and dark circles. Applying eye cream at this stage ensures it can absorb effectively before locking in moisture.

esmi recommends: 

• esmi's range of Eye Serums - Designed to care for the under-eye area. The collection features one each for hydrating, anti-ageing and brightening.  
• Eye Delight Reflection Eye Balm - Restore and refresh with this ultra-moisturising eye balm. Help to firm, hydrate, and reduce puffiness in the delicate eye area. Ideal for all skin types, this moisture-retaining, de-puffing formula of plant-based actives helps address lines, puffiness and dryness. 

Step 9: Moisturiser

Moisturisers seal in hydration and nourish the skin, providing essential barriers against environmental factors. Applying moisturiser last helps to lock in all the previous layers for maximum effectiveness.

esmi recommends: 

Our range of moisturisers - esmi's moisturisers are jam-packed with active ingredients that hydrate and form a protective barrier. These moisturisers are deeply nourishing and will give your skin exactly what it needs to thrive, all-day-long! Whether you need a firming or nourishing facial moisturiser, you’ll find one to suit your specific skin type and needs.

Step 10: Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and skin damage. Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning routine to ensure maximum protection.

esmi recommends: 

• esmi's Skin Shield Sunscreen SPF 30 - A lightweight sunscreen that provides excellent protection without leaving a greasy finish.
• Sun Skills has sun care sorted for all skin with a range of sunscreens for all, her and sensitive skin. Protecting skin from harmful UV damage and premature ageing with skin loving formulas for everyday protection.