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 wondered about Asian beauty, there's a good chance you've already heard of Korean and Japanese skincare routines. Both share some similarities in that they're all about moisturizing and healthy skin, but both also each have their own philosophy and practice that are different from each other. Alright, let's talk about the biggest differences between Japanese and Korean skincare routines so you can decide what will work best for your skin.



1. Skincare Philosophy: Simple vs. Innovative

The Japanese skincare philosophy is to be simple and give the skin good, proven ingredients. The concept is to bless the skin at some point in the long term and never attempt to cut corners. The routine is low-key and relaxed, but with a lot of quality and not quantity.

Korean skincare is creativity and layering in practice in the multi-step routine, though. The 10-step regimen isn't new—it's the best method to achieve "glass skin" by intensely moisturizing, whitening, and treating a variety of issues with the skin.

2. Routine Steps

Japanese Routine: A typical Japanese routine is 5 to 7 steps, and it emphasizes double cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.

Korean Regime: Korean regimes are minimum 10 steps such as cleansing, toning, treatment (essence, serums, ampoules), and sheet mask.

3. Oil Cleansing vs. Foaming Cleansers

Double cleansing is what the Japanese and Koreans call but not quite the same:

Japanese Cleaning: Start with a cleansing oil (rice bran and camellia oil-based most of the time) and finish with light application of a foaming cleanser.

Korean Cleansing: Using cleansing oil or balm then foam or gel cleanser, and rice water or green tea every now and then.

4. Hydration Techniques: Lotions vs. Essences

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

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

5. Treatment and Exfoliation

Japanese Exfoliation: Usually consists of calming peeling gels that strip away dead skin without irritating it.

Korean Exfoliation: Consists of chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to gently resurface the skin.

6. Sunscreen: The Holy Grail of Both Routines

Japanese Sunscreens: Praised for light, watery textures that dry fast and can be worn under makeup.

Korean Sunscreens: Include skincare benefits like extra hydration, brighteners, and anti-aging agents.

7. Face Masks: Korean Staple

Japanese Skincare: Emphasizes long-term hydration through night creams and sleeping masks rather than daily masking.

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

Which Routine Is Right for You?

If you're a tried-and-true, no-frills, minimalist type, the Japanese routine is the way to go. If you like slathering product on top of product and experimenting with new ingredients, the Korean routine is spa therapy and a dash of indulgence.

Lastly, your perfect skin care regimen is what will best mesh with your life and complexion. If you are enamored with the luxurious Japanese beauty of skin care, or South Korea's newest hottest thing, the secret to having observable healthy and radiant skin is consistency!