The K-Beauty Skincare Step You Cannot Miss For Glowing Dewy Skin

I really wanted to share this interesting discovery in my K-Beauty skincare research because I think it can change the way you look at your skin and how you choose to take care of it.

In Korea skincare is focused on helping the skin dewy. And I have to stress that dewy / glowy does not mean oily. It means the skin is well hydrated making it plump and supple, giving off an all-over glow and radiance. That is why Korean skincare routines focus so heavily on adding hydration to the skin with multiple, layering steps: essence, serum, and moisturiser.

The “essence” (also known as “skin” in Korea) step originated in South Korea and many believe it is the core of a good skincare routine. It is essentially a thin liquid with a watery consistency (in fact most essences look exactly like water) and contains active ingredients to help hydrate the skin as well as target other skin concerns such as dullness, wrinkles and fine lines etc. Essence is applied after cleansing and toning and before serums and moisturiser. The ideal way to apply essence is to pat it into the skin gently instead of swiping to allow for effective absorption into the skin. Some even follow the “7-skin” method, which is essentially layering on essence seven times to ensure maximum hydration.

I know, I know, seven layers of essence sounds like a lot of effort. But I wanted to elaborate on the concept of using essences before I let you in on a fun K-Beauty secret: sheet masks!

What exactly is a sheet mask, you ask? 

It is a Korean beauty innovation which essentially takes most of the active ingredients found in an essence and soaks it into a sheet mask package. The sheet mask is designed with cut-outs for the eyes, nose and mouth and put on the face for anywhere from 15-30 minute, letting all the essence-like liquid absorb into the skin and any left over product can be massaged into the neck, shoulders and arms. You do not need to wash it off.

Sheet masks are an effective way to hydrate the skin because it lays on the skin for a longer period of time, allowing the skin to soak in and lock down all the nutrients. You’ll notice that your skin is visibly softer, more supple and dewy after using a sheet mask.

Stemming from viral popularity in Korea as a skincare step, sheet masks are now available all over the world. The nice thing about sheet masks is that they are generally quite effective and inexpensive, making it even more appealing.

It’s important to note that using a sheet mask in place of an essence in your skincare routine a few times a week is okay but it should not replace using an essence daily.

Here’s a handy infographic about how to use a sheet mask in a skincare routine The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin by Charlotte Cho.

A few tips:

• Find the right sheet mask by looking at the key active ingredient and/or skincare benefit listed right on the package itself i.e. Vitamin C and/or brightening the skin, hyaluronic acid and/or hydrating the skin

• In hot and humid weather, put the sheet mask in the fridge so it’s cooling on the skin when used

• Use it as an instant facial to brighten skin before major events and/or prep for heavy makeup

• Always moisturise (and use SPF during the daytime) after using a sheet mask

What are your favourite sheet masks? Please share in the comments below.