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 newer trend taking K-Beauty by storm – the Korean 7 Skins method?
7 Skins?
"What is a ‘Skin’ method", I hear you ask? It sounds slightly strange, but this is really just a slightly 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.
The 7 Skins Method is the process of applying a toner or lightweight, watery essence 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.
How does the Korean 7 Skins Method work?
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.
How to do the Seven Skins Method?
We recommend doing this one at night when you have a bit more time on your hands.
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:
Do I Really Need to do 7 Layers?
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 dryer 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. Our favourite is the Jelly Ko Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask.
Combining the best of an essence and toner into the one product? Yes please! 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.
This toner works to improve and strengthen the skins barrier and is formulated with a whopping 90% Bio Ferment Complex. AHA/BHA/LHA ingredients work to effectively cleanse away dead skin cells and pick up pore residue left over after cleansing. By clearing away the dead skin this toner helps to minimise pores, brighten the skin and prevent sebum build up which can lead to acne.
Packed with skin-loving aloe and salicylic acid, this toner hydrates and preps your skin to assist with absorption, making it an ideal option for the Korean Seven Skin Method.
It also comes in at a great price point which helps the bank balance if you do decide to use it more regularly via the method. Formulated with Aloe BHA leaf water, it also helps prevent skin damage from irritants and stress.
This beautiful essence is packed with a potent combo of snail mucin and bee venom which treats your skin to intense hydration, skin repair and anti-ageing benefits. Aloe, collagen and plant extracts help soothe and smooth the skin. For those of you who are already familiar with snail mucin, you will know what a dream 90% snail secretion filtrate is on the skin.
For those of you who are unsure, jump onto this episode of the podcast to find out more:
This lightweight Centella asiatica toner reduces inflammation through the use of innovative capsule technology. It also regenerates skin because it soothes and moisturises the skin.
This toner is inspired by the legends of tigers throughout Asia. The anchor ingredient Centella asiatica, is also known as Tiger Grass. While tigers were said to roll around in Centella asiatica to heal their wounds, humans have recognised the medicinal benefits of the herb for centuries, using it as an effective skin soothing ingredient.
A self-described "decadent treat for the skin", this toner combines luxurious white truffle with pearl, niacinamide and 5 kinds of hyaluronic acid. Formulated with a perfectly balanced PH level of 5.6, it actively fights wrinkles and works to firm, smooth and brighten the skin.
Got Questions About the Korean 7 Skins Method?
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.
