1st Cleanser, the first step of K-beauty skincare routine

Why Korean Skincare Surprises My Foreign Friends

Skincare has always been a natural part of my daily life, but my foreign friends are often shocked when they see my full skincare routine. They usually say, “Wow, that’s a lot! Do Koreans really do all that?”

Yes, we do! And I’m here to explain why Korean skincare might look “excessive” but is actually a thoughtful way of taking care of your skin. Let me walk you through every k-beauty skincare steps: the first step is “the first cleanser”, also known as oil-based cleansing.

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Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser

In Korea, we call this “1차 세안제”, which literally means the “first cleansing product.” It’s designed to remove oil-based impurities like makeup residue, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Some common types of oil-based cleansers include cleansing creams, cleansing oils, and cleansing balms.

Why oil-based? Most of the impurities on your skin (like sebum and makeup) are oil, and oil dissolves oil. To use it:

1. Apply the cleanser to dry skin with dry hands.
2. Gently massage it into your skin for no more than 3 minutes. (Don’t overdo it—too much rubbing can push dirt deeper into your skin!)
3. Add a small spoonful of water to your hands and massage again. This step, called emulsification, helps the cleanser bond with water and properly lift away the impurities.

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My Recommendation: Milky texture cleanser

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin like me, I recommend using a cleansing milk instead of oil or balm. Why?

1. Less Oil = Happier Skin: Oil-based cleansers like balms and oils contain a high amount of oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts if your skin is sensitive.
2. Gentler on the Skin Barrier: Cleansing oils and balms often need stronger surfactants (like soaps) to rinse off completely, which can weaken your skin barrier over time. A weakened barrier makes your skin more prone to irritation and bacteria.

Since switching to cleansing creams, my skin has been much calmer and less prone to breakouts. If you’re struggling with sensitivity or acne, give it a try!