Understanding the basics of the Asian skincare routine
Reading time: 6 minutes
Created to meet the specific needs of Asian skin, essential products such as oil-based cleansers, overnight masks, and more have quickly become must-haves incorporated into beauty experts' routines. In fact, it is difficult to remember today that many products or techniques present in our skin care routines have their origins in South Korea or Japan.
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Characteristics of Asian skin and its specific needs
Depending on the region and ethnic group, Asian skin can have a wide variety of characteristics. However, within this wide range of beauty concerns, there are indeed general trends observed among the skin of people of Asian origin.
Hyperpigmentation : With increased cellular activity to produce melanin, Asian skin tends to be more prone to hyperpigmentation than normal skin. This makes sun protection absolutely essential in their skincare routine. The focus is on lightening and evening products as a direct response to these concerns.
Mixed skin : Regarding skin type, combination skin or skin prone to excess sebum is the most common among the skin types found in Asia. Skin may appear oilier in the T-zone, but it can also become easily dehydrated, highlighting the importance of maintaining skin balance. This skin type can respond to the climate by developing redness in cold, windy weather, while heat and humidity can lead to increased oil production and the appearance of blackheads.
Sensitivity : If you are Asian or of Asian descent, there is a higher probability that your skin will react to certain cosmetic products. Studies have even shown that the incidence of retinol sensitivity is higher in Asians than in people of Caucasian origin. It is therefore crucial to choose care products adapted to your needs, avoiding abrasive cleansers and favoring soothing formulas enriched with ingredients such as green tea, chamomile or rose water.
Finally, it is essential to remember that these characteristics are generalizations, and that each individual can exhibit significant variations in skin depending on genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. It is therefore necessary to adapt skin care to the specific needs of each individual, regardless of their ethnic origin but also and above all their skin type.
A different approach to Western routines
Asian skincare focuses on oil-based cleansers, night masks and a carefully crafted routine, offering a unique and effective approach to achieving healthy, glowing skin, the famous glass skin that the world envies. to Koreans.
Originating from Japan and popularized by Korean beauty experts, the layering technique is a very common beauty ritual in Asia. It is characterized by the meticulous application of products, often organic or natural, in a specific order to maximize benefits for the skin. This is why it is often called skincare millefeuille.
In summary, layering encompasses a series of skin care products with unique properties that help improve skin texture. Here are the main steps of this ritual:
Purify with precision thanks to double cleansing
Makeup removal : Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen and impurities.
Gentle cleaning : Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser suited to your skin type to remove residue and excess sebum. Deep cleansing is essential to maintaining clean skin.
Boost radiance
Exfoliation (1 to 2 times per week) : Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing softer, brighter skin. Gentle chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid are popular for this step.
Tonic lotion : A hydrating toner balances the pH of the skin and prepares it to receive the following products. Unlike Western toners, which are often astringent and drying, Asian toners are generally moisturizing and rebalancing. They prepare the skin to absorb the following care products. Look for toners infused with ingredients like green tea, hyaluronic acid, or rose water for added benefits.
Essence : Essences are the heart of an Asian skincare routine. These lightweight, watery serums are designed to hydrate, brighten and rejuvenate skin. Common ingredients include:
-Hyaluronic acids to hydrate the skin
-Herbal extracts such as aloe vera, green tea, chamomile or ginseng, which can soothe, revitalize or protect the skin
-AHA or BHA to exfoliate the skin
-Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E to protect skin against free radical damage
-Niacinamide to reduce the appearance of pores, brighten skin and fade dark spots...
Serums and targeted treatments : Use serums with specific ingredients to address your individual concerns, such as acne, age spots, or wrinkles.
Masks (1 to 2 times per week) : Moisturizing, soothing or treating masks are commonly used in Asian skin care rituals. Cloth masks are particularly popular in Korea.
Eye contour : An important step. A specific product for the eye area, such as a cream or serum, is gently applied around the eyes. These products are formulated to be gentler and lighter than other facial products because the eye area is thinner and more delicate and marks more easily.
Moisturizing cream : Apply moisturizer to seal in moisture, nourish the skin and prevent moisture loss to maintain skin suppleness. You can opt for a different moisturizer in the morning and evening.
Lip hydration : Don't forget to moisturize your lips with lip balm to keep them soft and smooth.
Night mask (nighttime routine) : Overnight masks are a trademark of Korean skincare, providing nighttime nutrition and hydration to your skin.
Arm yourself against stains
Absolute protection : Daily sun protection is essential to prevent UV damage. Asian sunscreens are often lightweight, leaving no white residue. Consider using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or 50, chosen according to your skin type. If it is incorporated into a tinted cream, it becomes even more effective. For what ? Tinted creams block some visible light (blue light).
Complemented by a light facial massage, dry body brushing with soft brushes to remove dead cells, and regular steam baths, layering is one of the key skin care techniques in Asia. This ritual may seem complex and cumbersome, but many people judge the effectiveness of these different steps in maintaining healthy skin and actively preventing the signs of skin aging. This moment of beauty is also an opportunity to slow down and take time for yourself... Of course, if layering seems too restrictive to you, you can adapt this ritual to your lifestyle. Why not use it only in the evening, on weekends or once a week?
For a simpler ritual, you can always explore our Beau Domaine routines.
