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 you've already heard of Korean and Japanese skincare regimens. While both have some similarities in that they focus on moisturizing and healthy skin, both also each have their own philosophy and practice that differ from one another. Okay, let's discuss the largest differences between Japanese and Korean skincare regimens so you can determine what will be best for your skin.



1. Skincare Philosophy: Simple vs. Innovative

The Japanese skincare philosophy is to be simple and provide the skin with good, proven ingredients. The idea is to bless the skin at some point in the long run and never try to take shortcuts. The routine is low-key and laid-back, but with a lot of quality and not quantity.

Korean skincare is creativity and layering in action in the multi-step routine, though. The 10-step routine is not new—it's the optimal way to get "glass skin" by deeply moisturizing, whitening, and addressing a range of skin issues.

2. Routine Steps

Japanese Routine: A standard Japanese routine is 5 to 7 steps, and it focuses on double cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.

Korean Regime: Korean regimes are as few as 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 end with light application of a foaming cleanser.

Korean Cleansing: Employing cleansing oil or balm followed by foam or gel cleanser, then rice water or green tea occasionally.

4. Hydration Techniques: Lotions vs. Essences

Japanese Skincare: Applying lotions (water-textured hydrating toner) to pre-moisturize the skin prior to the application of light emulsions or creams.

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

5. Treatment and Exfoliation

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

Korean Exfoliation: Comprised of chemical exfoliants such as AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to softly 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 using night creams and sleeping masks instead of daily masking.

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

Which Routine Is Right for You?

If you're a no-frills, minimalist, tested-and-proven kind of person, the Japanese routine is the ticket. If you enjoy smearing product upon product and trying out new ingredients, the Korean routine is spa treatment and a little bit of pampering.

Finally, your ideal skin care routine is what is going to work best in sync with your life and skin. If you love the high-end beauty of Japanese skin care, or South Korea's new hottest trend, the key to achieving visible healthy and glowing skin lies in consistency!