What Are the Differences Between Japanese and Korean Skincare Routines?

What Are the Differences Between Japanese and Korean Skincare Routines?

Blog Article

If you've ever been curious about Asian beauty, chances are that you've already heard of Japanese and Korean skincare routines. They have some things in common in that they're all about hydrated skin and healthy skin, but they each also have their own philosophy and approach that differ from one another. Okay, so let's discuss the biggest variations between Japanese and Korean skincare routines so you can determine what will be best for your skin.



1. Skincare Philosophy: Simple vs. Innovative

The Japanese philosophy of skincare is to be simple and provide the skin with good, proven ingredients. The idea is to bless the skin at some point down the line and never try to cut corners. The routine is low-key and laid-back, but with lots of quality and not quantity.

Korean skin care is practice in creativity and layering, though, within the multi-step routine. The 10-step routine is not new—the ideal way to have "glass skin" through highly moisturizing, whitening, and fixing numerous problems of the skin.

2. Steps of the Routine

Japanese Routine: An average Japanese routine consists of 5 to 7 steps and involves double cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreening.

Korean Regime: Korean regimes are at least 10 steps like cleansing, toning, treatment (essence, serums, ampoules), and sheet mask.

3. Oil Cleansing vs. Foaming Cleansers

Double cleansing is what the Japanese and Koreans refer to but not exactly the same:

Japanese Cleaning: Begin with a cleansing oil (rice bran and camellia oil-based most of the time) and top off with light use of a foaming cleanser.

Korean Cleansing: Applying cleansing oil or balm followed by foam or gel cleanser, and rice water or green tea sporadically.

4. Hydration Methods: Lotions vs. Essences

Japanese Skincare: Employing lotions (water-textured hydrating toner) to pre-moisturize prior to applying light emulsions or creams.

Korean Skincare: Trusting in essences, serums, and ampoules to build up hydration for dewy finish.

5. Treatment and Exfoliation

Japanese Exfoliation: Typically made up of soothing peeling gels that remove dead skin without irritating it.

Korean Exfoliation: Comprises chemical exfoliants such as AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to delicately resurface the skin.

6. Sunscreen: The Holy Grail of Both Routines

Japanese Sunscreens: Acclaimed for light, watery textures that dry quickly and can be applied under makeup.

Korean Sunscreens: Comprise skincare benefits such as additional hydration, brighteners, and anti-aging agents.

7. Face Masks: Korean Staple

Japanese Skincare: Focuses on long-term moisturizing with night creams and sleeping masks instead of everyday masking.

Korean Skincare: Sheet masks are the heroes when it comes to hydrating, brightening, and soothing the skin.

Which Routine Is Right for You?

If you're a tried-and-true, no-frills, minimalist kind of person, the Japanese routine is the way to go. If you enjoy slathering product upon product and trying out new ingredients, the Korean routine is spa therapy and a dash of indulgence.

Finally, your ideal skin care routine is what will work best with your lifestyle and skin tone. If you are in love with the opulent Japanese beauty of skin care, or South Korea's latest hottest trend, the key to having noticeable healthy and glowing skin is consistency!