*Last update on 19 Feb 2019

Targeted treatments - boost

Most treatment and boosting products that we come across are essences, serums and ampoules. These products are often watery in texture and contain (a high concentration of one or more) active ingredients and target one or a few specific problem (s), such as pore, acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, etc. They are very important in Korean skin care as they can give faster results and help in your fight against skin problems and help you achieve healthy and glowing skin.

Depending on your own skin and needs, you can have several different treatment products targeting different zones / problems.

You can apply them directly to the face and dab them in, but you can also add a few drops in your other care products.

A new trend in Korea that originated from the professional make up artists is to add a few drops of serum or ampoule to your cushion compact (BB / CC / foundation). Keep in mind to only add 1 product, otherwise you could possibly unbalance the formula.

6. ESSENCE

[pat the product on face in the morning or evening after toner, before serum]

Least concentrate of active ingredient and the lowest priced in the family. Also usually takes longer to see visible changes (about 2 weeks). It was first developed in Asia for consumers with a thinner moisture barrier, which makes the skin dry and dehydrated more quickly. Mainly aimed at deeply moisturizing the skin.

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7. SERUM

[pat/press the products in the morning or evening after toner]

More concentrated than essence, slightly thicker and often stickier than essence, shows faster results than essence, slightly more expensive than essence. Often available in (tinted) bottles with pipette because it is sensitive to light / heat and oxygen [; oxidation]. They are available on both an oil and water basis. Are often used to target specific skin problems.

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7. AMPOULE

[pat/press the products in the morning or evening after toner]

Highest concentrate active ingredient of the family. Shows effect faster than previous family members and is often available in smaller sizes, making them often more expensive than essence and serum.

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8. SHEET MASKS

[You can put them directly on your face after cleansing and toner, instead of or on top of your daily treatment product.]

These are sheets, often made of cotton (nowadays also made of hydrogel, bio cellulose and other innovative materials), soaked in serum or essence. It acts like a sauna under the mask, allowing the essence / serum on the mask to slowly penetrate into the skin. It absorbs quickly and easily. Your skin will feel noticeably hydrated and softer afterwards. This is a step that you can do 1 - 2 times a week or even daily.

In Korea there are women who "suffer" from the "1 day 1 mask syndrome", which means that they use a sheet mask every day. If this is also something you want to go for, we suggest choosing the simple and budget-friendly sheet mask types. This not only keeps your wallet happy, it also prevents an overdose of nutrients that could otherwise go to waste.

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Also see:
Tips, tricks & trending: sheet masking tips
How much should I use?
Applications and handlings
Sequence and waiting times

Skin improvement is being patient! It is important to give a new skin care routine/product a trial period of at least 1 month since your skin will renew its cells each 28 days. In case you notice (a small) dfference, please try another 2-3 months.