I’ve spent a lot of time this year talking with K-beauty brands and CEO’s, looking for the secret to healthy and youthful looking skin. While their answers and product recommendations varied a bit, the one thing that remained consistent was HYDRATION. So, I built my winter night routine around this information and the results have not disappointed.
I would have to say that the most important step for any night skincare routine would be double cleansing. Double cleansing is where you wash your face twice, first with an oil-based product followed by a water-based product. The oil-based cleanser helps remove any makeup, sunscreen and general dirt buildup from the day. While the water-based cleanser is used to remove any leftover residue and sebum that may be lingering in your pores.
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Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Finding the right oil-based cleanser for my sensitive combination skin was a bit tricky, but I have found some that work really well for me. I’ve been using the Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil since late autumn (basically once the weather started getting drier) and I really love it. Ma:nyo products have been really popular among older Korean actresses and I totally get why. It’s a great makeup remover and it leaves my skin feeling super soft and hydrated.
TIAM Snail & Azulene Low pH Cleanser
As for the water-based cleanser, it was actually gifted to me in a PR bag full of all sorts of products. I just happened to reach for it because it has snail mucin and snail mucin has done wonders for my skin. This cleanser is so incredibly gentle and it’s particularly good and soothing my skin when it looks a bit red or irritated. I know there’s been some controversy about whether or not snail mucin actually works, but truthfully it’s been working for me for a long time now.
**fyi**
Some K-beauty influencers recommend double cleansing twice a day, but if you have sensitive or acne prone skin like me I highly recommend doing this only ONCE a day, at night. Speaking from experience, there is a high chance double cleansing twice a day will not only strip your skin of healthy oils, but also leave you vulnerable to breakouts.
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
I always follow up my double cleanse with a good hydrating toner. The Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner does a great job at both moisturizing and brightening my skin. With this particular product, I like to layer it not once, not twice, but three times to keep my skin extra hydrated. It’s gentle enough to keep my skin from breaking out and moisturizing enough that even my husband has started using it.
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TIAM Vita B3 Source
I use the next part of my routine to address any skin concerns I may have by using serums, essences or ampules to give my skin a bit of a boost. For this, I start with the TIAM Vita B3 Source for its niacinamide which brightens and helps with evening out skin tone. I really love how light this formula is. It’s almost like water, so it doesn’t leave my skin feeling weighted or sticky at all.
Mixsoon Bean Essence
Next I use the Mixsoon Bean Essence which is perfect for helping to achieve that glass skin look. It actually has two main uses. The first is as a hydrating essence and the second as a gentle exfoliator. I use it mainly for its hydrating properties. Since the formula is made with fermented soybean extract, the texture is really similar to Japanese nattō. It’s sticky to the touch, but once you apply it, it’s really smooth.
Get it on AMAZON
Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Care Serum
I feel like the Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Care Serum is what really rounds out my routine and helps give my skin a nice healthy glow. I actually started getting more compliments on my skin once I started using this serum. And when I decided to stop using it for about a month, I did notice a difference.
TIAM Vita A Bakuchiol Firming Eye Cream
Eye cream is an absolute must for any night routine! I really like this particular cream because it’s gentle, light and it uses bakuchiol, which can help boost collagen production and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also a great alternative to using a retinol based eye cream. If you have sensitive skin like mine, bakuchiol has a lot of the same benefits as retinol without the possible side effects of irritation, peeling, dryness and things like that.
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream
For my final step I use the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream to lock in all that moisture. It’s particularly good at soothing my skin if it’s feeling irritated from the day and keeping it hydrated throughout the night. Honestly, if you have dry skin, this may be your holy grail because when I wake up the next morning my skin is still super moisturized and glowy. You can totally use it as a day time moisturizer as well, but it is a bit sticky so you may have to wait a bit before you can apply makeup.
And that’s it! I’ve been using this routine all winter and the results have been so noticeable that even my husband is amazed. I haven’t had any peely or flakey skin this winter which, in itself, is a HUGE improvement on the struggles I faced last winter. So, if you’re looking to improve your skin, give my routine a shot!
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