Ever wondered why most Asian women have flawless skin that never seems to age? Besides our *awesome* good genes and a different diet, we follow the 5-step skincare routine religiously. Here are the 5 steps!
Cleansing is extremely crucial in maintaining great skin because makeup can clog up your pores and cause breakouts. Double cleansing consists of using a cleansing oil to remove makeup followed by a gentle cleanser (usually foam or cream-based) to remove any residue.
Lotions/Toners/Softeners remove dead skin cells and residue from cleansers, replenish your skin with moisture after cleansing and make the absorption of any subsequently applied products easier and faster. When picking the right product, stay away from those with high levels of alcohol as it can dry out your skin.
Facial masks should be used 1 – 2 times a week after cleansing and preferably at night. They come in various forms, including sheet, clay, gel and cream. You should choose one depending on your skin type. Those with dry skin will benefit from hydrating sheet masks while those with oily skin can use a clay mask to draw out impurities and unclog pores. Gel and cream masks are more suitable for those with mature skin.
Essence/Serums are light, concentrated liquid-based treatments that target specific skin concerns such as hydration, redness, acne, wrinkles, etc. They usually penetrate deeper into the skin and work a lot better than regular moisturizers. For maximum absorption, apply your essence/serum then wait 5 to 10 minutes before you move onto moisturizer.
It is a common misconception that people with oily skin do not need to moisturize. The truth is, oily skin CAN get dehydrated and if left untreated, will become even oilier in the long run. If your skin is on the oily side, go with an emulsion, which is a light moisturizer. Look for formulas that are oil-free or water-based. If your skin is dry, you can use an emulsion followed by a heavier cream to lock in the moisture.
* Note: I have dehydrated, sensitive combination skin with freckles around my cheeks and I do get a pimple or two on my forehead occasionally.
Thanks for posting about the 5-step cleansing regime! Yayness.
One quick question: how do you put on sunblock with tinted moisturizer? Do you usually put the moisturizer on before sunblock or the other way around? I’m a bit confused because I’m thinking if I put the moisturizer first, then the sunblock might mask the color of the moisturizer.
Ok did that make any sense at all? Anyway, I look forward to your answer! Geez, you should put up a Q&A column on your blog. Hehe.
well most tinted moisturizers usually come with SPF but if yours doesn’t, I would do sunblock first. If you do sunblock afterwards, you would risk rubbing the color off.
Ngong, emulsion is like an Asian version of a very light moisturizer and yes you are supposed to use it in the order you’re told (toner –> elmusion –> essence).
Today is the first day that I found out about this blog and I must say so far it has help me alot. I’m an avid user of MAC Makeup, I’ve been using MAC Cosmetics for almost a year now (I refuse to use anything other than MAC) and I thought I knew everything on how to apply it. But your page has really help me, and I love your tips!! I just have a question. I just read it your 5-Step Skin Care Routine, and I am really intrigue by the products you use to take care of your skin. So where can I purchase these items, and will it make my skin flawless as yours?
Note: I really cant say what kind of skin type I have. But if I had to say it would be oily, just because my skin tends to get a little oily throughout the day. So can I still purchase those items that you use but for oily type skin?
Today is the first day that I found out about this blog and I must say so far it has help me alot. I’m an avid user of MAC Makeup, I’ve been using MAC Cosmetics for almost a year now (I refuse to use anything other than MAC) and I thought I knew everything on how to apply it. But your page has really help me, and I love your tips!! I just have a question. I just read your 5-Step Skin Care Routine, and I am really intrigue by the products you use to take care of your skin. So where can I purchase these items, and will it make my skin flawless as yours?
Note: I guess I would have to say that my skin type would be oily, just because my skin tends to get a little oily throughout the day. So can I still purchase those items that you use but for oily type skin?
Thank you! This is new for me… the double cleansing method. I went to the DHC website, and the cleansing oil’s main ingredient is olive oil. I’ve read great reviews of this product, or even just PURE olive oil. Something I read was “oil mixes with oil” and therefore goes deep down into the pores to dissolve sebum. I really want to try this! I have sensitive, combination, acneic skin. Strangely, I have dry patches but extremely oily areas too. Thanks phyllis for posting this. Good information.
hello, really loving the blog ^^ its so useful!!
just a few questions, you said you have freckles around the cheek area and just wanted to know if you cover them up with concealer of foundation, or if you just leave them alone?
hi, i just ran into your website and really like your tips about facial cleansing however I can’t find anything about what to put on your face in the morning. I try not to wash my face in the morning so instead I just use a cotton ball soaked with peroxide or witch hazel then use a moisturizer like cetaphil or avon, does this sound good or should i be doing more?
I don’t really mind the freckles so I don’t try to cover them up.
1) Wash your face. You don’t necessarily have to use a cleanser but at least wash it with water to get rid of any oils/dirt.
2) Moisturize your skin and use an eye cream.
3) Wear at least SPF 30.
Thanks for pointing that out but I guess different people have different ways of doing things. I’ve seen people do toner –> elmusion –> essence and obviously that works or else Missha won’t be telling customers to apply the products in that order.
This goes for makeup as well. Some people do their foundation first while some prefer to do the eyes before foundation. As long as you are not putting on moisturizer before you wash your face (which obviously doesn’t make sense), you should stick to whatever works best for you.
The post is written in very a good manner and it entails many useful information for me. It’s a pleasure commenting here. Keep up the good work. I really admire your efforts and it gives me a pleasure reading you blog this is my first time though but its nice .
I was wondering would I only use this at night? or morning aswell? and if its only at night, what should I use in the morning?
If you find a good BB cream with SPF and moisturizer, you can skip a few steps. During the winter, however, I’d still apply moisturizer first. Facial massages are usually done with the cleansing oil in the AM because you aren’t removing makeup, so your skin should be relatively clean.
You might use both essence and serum (depending on the facial area and condition). Perhaps wrinkle serum on your eyes and AHA essence on the rest of your face. Some people (my students) swear by applying moisturizer AND a night pack but I think that’s overkill.
What is a BB cream? Can you find it at the website above and show me??
I have heard that a combination of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser works well to deep cleanse the skin. Your 5 step plan plan is very comprehensive so thank you for your tips.
If I have to use acne treatment cream, when I should apply it? after moisturizing or before it?
Plz because I would like my face to get clean .
hai.. am bit confuse.. shud i wear facial mask first after cleaning? i always start with cleanser -> toner -> essence -> serum -> facial mask.. did i do it wrong?