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, you've probably already heard of Korean and Japanese skincare routines. Though both share a few similarities in that they prioritize moisturizing and healthy skin, both also each have their own philosophy and practice that are unique from each other. Alright, let's cover 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 philosophy of Japanese skincare is to keep things simple and give the skin good, tried-and-tested ingredients. The thought 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 great deal of quality and not quantity.

Korean skincare is creativity and layering at work in the multi-step routine, however. The 10-step routine isn't new—it's the best way to achieve "glass skin" by deeply hydrating, whitening, and solving a variety of skin concerns.

2. Routine Steps

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

Korean Regime: Korean regimes can be as low as 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 it but not precisely the same:

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

Korean Cleansing: Uses a cleansing oil or balm with a foam or gel cleanser, sometimes followed by rice water or green tea.

4. Hydration Methods: Lotions v. Essences

Japanese Skincare: Using lotions (water-textured, hydrating toner) to pre-moisturize skin 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 made up of calming peeling gels that strip away dead skin without irritating it.

Korean Exfoliation: Contains 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 easily and can be used under makeup.

Korean Sunscreens: Contain skincare benefits like extra hydration, brighteners, and anti-aging ingredients.

7. Face Masks: Korean Staple

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

Korean Skincare: Sheet masks are the heroes in hydrating, brightening, and calming the skin.

Which Routine Is Right for You?

If you're a no-frills, minimalist, tried-and-true type, the Japanese routine is the way to go. If you like to slather product after product and experiment with new ingredients, the Korean routine is spa treatment and a little bit of indulgence.

Lastly, your perfect skin care regimen is what will be best in synch with your skin and lifestyle. Whether you're enamored with the luxury beauty of Japanese skin care or South Korea's latest obsession, the secret to noticing healthy, radiant skin is consistency!