Words by Korean beauty expert Vicky Lee.
Did you know that cleansing disrupts the skin’s natural PH balance, which in turn causes the skin to lose its natural moisture? What you may be even more surprised to learn is how quickly this can happen too, as moisture begins to evaporate literally within 10 seconds of washing. Of course, we can’t stop cleansing our faces, as that could lead to a build-up of bacteria and infections that could prevent our skincare products from doing their job properly altogether. However, we can follow the example of Korean women, who apply a hydrating toner immediately after cleansing. The deeply penetrating formula is able to replenish all the moisture naturally lost from skin during the cleansing process, to properly restore the skin’s PH back to its optimal level, keeping the complexion both healthy and soft.
The best hydrating toners contain hyaluronic acid; a powerful ingredient with the ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. This acts as a binding agent, locking moisture into the skin to plump and firm fine lines and wrinkles, which in turn provide a radiant glow. Bamboo sap is another deeply hydrating substance that is often used in Korean skincare products, as this also doubles up as a powerful soothing agent, helping reduce areas of redness and inflammation.
A toner can easily be slotted into any low fuss beauty routine, so next time you’re cleansing your face don’t forget to apply quickly after towel drying your skin. Just apply a few drops to a clean cotton pad and dab gently across your complexion, concentrating on more oily areas such as your T-zone, chin and the nose. You should aim to apply the toner within 10 seconds, because the longer you wait to apply it, the drier your skin can become. This little trick is so beneficial, it has become known as the 10 second rule in Korea, and it’s a rule every woman religiously follows!
Be careful to double check that your toner is free of alcohol, because this is incredibly drying on skin for all skin types! Even oily skin sufferers can struggle from the use of alcohol in their skincare product, as a sudden loss of moisture can cause the sebaceous glands to go into over production, creating even more oil than are necessary to try and keep the skin naturally hydrated.
Never forget, hydration is the key to flawless skin! Even the tiniest increase of moisture in to the skin can do a world of difference, giving even the dullest of complexions a new life and a healthy glow!
