The Korean 7 Skins Method
Chances are by now, you’ve probably heard of the infamous 12 Step Korean Skin Care Routine. But are you up to date with the Korean 7 Skins method?
"What is a "Skin", I hear you ask? It sounds strange, but this is really just an odd translation at work.
In Korea, Koreans refer to their toners as ‘skins’. A more precise translation would be the ‘7 Toner Method’, which pretty much tells you all you need to know about 7 skins and what we're doing here.
We're taking a toner - just the one, mind you - and applying it 7 times.
In a nutshell, the 7 Skins Method is the process of applying a lightweight, watery toner to your face, up to seven times, directly after you cleanse.
This multi-application technique encourages the skin to absorb more of the hydrating ingredients found in your toners and leads to perfectly hydrated, healthy, ‘glassy’ looking skin.
The success behind the 7 Skins Method lies in the high levels of moisture it delivers to the skin. In order to achieve that dewy, glossy skin that Koreans strive for, your skin needs to be ultra-hydrated.
One way to achieve this is via sheet masking, however in recent years their negative impact on the environment has made them a less than desirable choice.
When you go to the salon to get a facial, the aesthetician will often use techniques like steaming or massaging before applying your serums. This is because they encourage higher levels of absorption. Similarly, when you are getting a professional facial, they will up the levels of hydrating ingredients, leaving you with that silky smooth baby skin we all love.
You can use the 7 Skins Method as your own at home mini facial. By slowly reapplying layer upon layer of toner, you are allowing the product to be intensely absorbed into the skin. This also increases your skin's hydration levels. Think of it like a big drink of water for your face. The more often you do the method the more hydrated your skin will be.
After your double cleanse (Hello Subi Bare Skin Balm & Brightening Powder Cleanser) grab your favourite toner or watery essence and begin the process.
Make sure your skin is nice and dry and then apply the first layer of toner. We recommend doing the first layer with a cotton pad. Once that layer has been absorbed simply start again and begin patting the toner into the face using your hands.
This is also a great time do give your face a generous massage, to remove the stresses of the day and also assist in lymphatic drainage of toxins from the skin. For more on how to do a Korean facial massage, tune into the Korean Beauty Show podcast:
You might not need to do a full 7 layers.
For those of us with oilier skin, three can be the perfect amount. You can adjust the process completely to cater to your skin's needs.
Some people feel that they don’t even need a nightly moisturiser popped on afterwards. For those of us with ageing and drier skin we recommend still using a night mask or cream to lock in all that hydration.
As our skin starts to age hydration is what will keep it looking healthy and revitalised. Try the Best of Beauty-Award winning Jelly Ko Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask.
Combining the best of an essence and toner into one product, this intensely hydrating essence toner is bursting full of juicy goodness.
Replacing water (boring) with hydrating birch sap, Dewy Glaze plumps and nourishes with a curated blend of hyaluronic acids, leaving skin feeling as smooth as a freshly glazed donut.
If you are still unsure of whether to implement the 7 Skin Method into your routine or not sure what the perfect toner for your skin would be simply reach out to a member of the STYLE STORY team.
We have literally tried them all and are always here to help you work out your own journey.
"The 7 Skin Method is the process of applying a toner or lightweight, watery essence to your face, up to seven times, directly after you cleanse."
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