However, does Korean skincare really require to use Korean products only?
The answer is NO.
In fact, Koreans prefer to use products from famous brands, such as Kiehls, Lancome, and etc. by their preference. Of course, they also use Korean brands, too. However, what I want to say here is you can try to follow Korean skincare routine without Korean products.
The key point of Korean skincare is do whatever that skin needs.
Cleanse, Exfoliate, Treatment, Moisturize, etc.
For example,
Daytime routine is like: Toner, essence or serum as treatment, moisturizer, eye-cream.
(+ Don't forget to use sunscreen. Koreans do everything to avoid sun exposure for their skin.)
Night time routine is like: Toner, gentle exfoliator, night cream or sheet mask for extra care.
* I heard Korean skincare has 10steps on their routine, but as myself as a Korean, and especially if you have acne-prone skin, I would say, forget the 10steps rule.
Even if you don't get to chance to use Korean products, you still can follow this steps, right?
Here is my routine,
For daytime:
- Toner: Boscia - Balancing Facial Tonic
- Treatment: CNP Laboratory - Propolis Energy Ampule (Korean Brand, I just started to use it recently to try out)
- Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty - Ultra Repair Cream
- Sunscreen: Paula's Choice - Resist super-light daily wrinkle defense
For night time:
- Toner: Boscia - Balancing Facial Tonic
- Exfoliator: Paula's Choice - Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
- Treatment: Kiehl's - Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
- Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty - Ultra Repair Cream
As you can see, brands I use the most are from other countries, not Korea.
I agree that Koreans are very interested in their skincare, and make high quality products.
However, that does not mean you have to use Korean products to try 'Korean skincare routine.'
*Hope this post is helpful!*