Time spent away from work, socialising with friends and family over the festive season is a wonderful way to de-stress and close out a year, but all those late nights and over-indulging can wreak havoc on your skin. I don't know anyone who hasn't stumbled home exhausted after a hard day at work or a night out and opted out of washing their face before bed, only to wake up looking a little less than fresh the next day. The good news is it's easy to get back on track! I believe in doable resolutions that will get results, so below is a list of the three most important steps to get you glowing year round.
1. Cleanse thoroughly
One of the most important aspects of any K-beauty skincare routine is making sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed of makeup, oil, and grime, and ready to adsorb the products you use after cleansing. The double cleanse has been a staple of the Korean routine for decades now, and is becoming more widely accepted around the world as a necessary step, particularly if you use makeup or sunscreen (and you should definitely be using the latter!). The Korean double cleanse involves using an oil cleanser as your first step to remove all makeup and oils, and then a second cleanse using a low-pH cream, foam or gel cleanser to remove any lingering impurities and prepare your skin for the rest of your routine. Multi-purpose cleansing waters and jelly cleansers are great choices as first or second step cleansers.
There are two factors that make double cleansing a game changer for your skin: first, it removes all impurities from your face completely which will lesson the likelihood of breakouts and reactions, and second, it works to balance and "reset" your skin at the right pH, which will ensure a healthier skin barrier and less acne, sensitivity, and dryness. This is why we only stock cleansers at a pH of 6 or below - you can be sure that any cleanser you choose from Glow Theory will be great for your skin!
2. Hydration, hydration, hydration
The Korean skincare routine is known for its layers of hydration, something that can benefit any skin type. Whether your skin is dry as the Sahara or an oil slick, adding plenty of hydration will plump it up, balance the oily and dry areas, and slow down oil production. Hydrated skin is also less prone to breakouts or flakiness, as the skin's acid mantle will be stronger, and makeup will glide onto the hydrated canvas and look fresher for longer. It's super easy to ensure your skin stays hydrated all day long with our selection of K-beauty products, from soothing and hydrating toners to mists you can carry with you all day and juicy hydrating masks. The ultimate product for bouncy, hydrated skin has to be the sheet mask though - you get instant results, 20 minutes of relaxation, and fun selfies!
3. Sun protection
Korean women are taught to wear sunscreen from a very young age - it is a normal part of the daily routine like brushing your teeth or washing your face. This is a crucial step in any K-beauty skincare routine - it can even be argued that it's the most important step. The sun is the single most damaging factor for the health of your skin and our faces and hands are constantly exposed. It's the cause of a multitude of skin issues, from premature lines and wrinkles, age spots, hyper pigmentation and enlarged pores, to more serious ailments like skin cancer. Korean sunscreens are light years ahead of other formulations, with many options that are lightweight, effective and play well under makeup, whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin. Apply a minimum of SPF 35 with a PA+++ rating every single day for protection against UVA and UVB rays, and reapply every two hours if you're in the sun. Your skin will thank you!
That's it! My simple resolutions for your best skin ever in 2018 - do these three things consistently everyday and you're guaranteed to see results. What are your skin goals for the year? Tell me in the comments below!
6 comments
hi tell me do you guys deliver to south africa, cape town?
Thank you for bringing K-products to SA!!! I have been looking everywhere with little to no success. I can’t wait until your range expands!! Much love xoxo
Hey Shameema, thanks for the insightful comment! Absolutely agree regarding skin barrier health being critical and will definitely write more on this in future. The Madecassoside cream is a winner – they make a big 100ml tube now too so we’ll be getting that in soon!
Hey Glowthoery,
Great article. I love the info on skin barrier and acid mantel. I have had troubled acne /hyperpigmentation skin for years. And it was only recently in mybeslrh 30’s that k-Beauty taught me that I wasn’t going to make any progress on my #skingoals if I didn’t take care of the above. I got the apieu madecassoside and it’s really helping me with being able to use my prescription dermatology products. I actually think I’ll be able to wean off them and switch to CosRx. Can’t wait for your Vit C. Xoxo
Thanks so much for your support Nicole! I have the same goals for my skin this year – the CosRX AHA and BHA products are great for scarring and pigmentation, and we’ll also be stocking a Vitamin C serum soon, which has made a big difference in my skin.
Im so excited to have found your page. you have taken all my Jan money lol. I would like to get rid of my acne pigmentation and get moisture into my dry/combo skin <3
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