9 Korean Skin Care Tips Your Future Self Will Thank You For

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Apparently, "more is more" for Korean women.

Ever wonder how most Koreans you meet or see on TV have such great skin? While many may think that the country's weather and superior Asian genetics play a huge role in their dewy and fair complexion, there is actually an exhaustive "ten-step routine" behind their glowing and beautiful skin. Worry not because even though this routine is a bit overwhelming in terms effort, it's not overwhelmingly expensive.

Health and wellness website Shape interviewed Angela Kim, founder of e-commerce site Insider Beauty that is known for bestselling Korean skin care and makeup products available in the U.S.

1. The 10-second rule is key!

Korean magazines have stressed the importance of quickly applying products as fast as humanly possible. "After you take a hot shower, you're supposed to apply your toner within 10 seconds," says Kim. Apparently, the longer you postpone it, the drier your skin becomes.

2. Bring Your Sheet Masks To The Gym - Really!

One hack Korean women do is using their sheet mask while at the gym's steam room or spa. "It's just like when the esthetician steams your skin before she does anything else so that your skin can absorb all of the ingredients," Kim explains.

3. Have Daily Facial Massages

"I don't know why massage creams haven't blown up in the U.S., but they are huge in Korea. It's a daily staple," notes Kim in the same report. To do so, use your knuckles or fingertips to massage the muscles and tissue under your skin in order to promote blood flow. It also helps firm and tone your facial muscles to help fight wrinkles and prevent the skin from aging. "It's a must-do. It's not even considered anything special in Korea," says Kim. "You're an anomaly if you're not doing this," she shares.

4. Once is Definitely Not Enough (in terms of washing)

Double-cleansing is the first step in the famous ten-step routine. First, one removes the makeup by using an oil-based cleanser. Second, they wash the skin to achieve a deep cleanse. "Everyone double cleanses. It's considered so necessary that no one washes their face just once," Kim notes.

5. Slap Your Own Face

Women in Korea are known to slap their faces about 50 times post-skin care routine to promote blood circulation. "I grew up with my mom doing this. She slapped so hard you could hear it in the kitchen from her bedroom," Kim shares in the same report.

6. Rice Not Only Nourishes the Body

Rice water have long-established skin benefits. "It's a natural moisturizer that helps slow aging, reduce dark circles, fade age spots, and brighten skin," says Kim. Let the rice soak for about 10-15 minutes, the use the whitish water as a pseudo-toner.

7. Take Your Bath Towels to the Bedroom

 "A lot of women like to drench towels in water and then hang them around their bed while they sleep at night," says Kim. This helps hydrate the face when the air is dry due to humidity,

8. Protect Your Skin All Year Long

Ultraviolet rays are considered harmful even in the winter season and even when you are indoors at day time. "It's not uncommon to see women in Korea wear white gloves that go up to their elbows while they're driving, or visors that literally cover their entire face," Kim narrates.

9. Make Ginseng Your Skin Companion

"Ginseng is one ingredient that's been the hallmark of Korean beauty for a really long time, and really kicked off the Korean skin care market," Kim notes. Ginseng helps detoxify the skin and helps get rid of any pollutants.

Want some Korean beauty tricks to complement the Korean skin care regimen above? Check this link out.