Welcome to Mother’s Day Week at The Klog! In honor of the hardest-working women on the planet, we’re publishing a collection of articles and videos devoted to moms-to-be, new moms, and the moms we’ve been relying on for years. Looking for a Korean skincare routine for moms? Here are five routines from mothers living in Korea.
There’s nothing like a bundle of joy to turn your life and skin routine upside down. As much as we’d all love to continue the 10-step skin routine after birth, it’s not something that you can always do realistically, especially when you’re also responsible for the routines of others.
As a mom living in South Korea, I’ve reached out to some of my friends’ and asked them to share their own Korean skincare routine for moms. These are the ways Korean moms have adapted their skin routines alongside their changing roles.
Serina (Vlogger & Radio/TV host)
She’s spent years in front of the camera, under bright lights and in heavy makeup, but Serina feels at home with gentle, natural skincare products.
“My all-time favorite cleansing balm is the Heimish All Clean Balm. It has natural ingredients, is non-irritating and paraben-free. When I have the time, I give myself a one to five minute face massage with this balm. If the kids are sleeping, I’ll double cleanse and then put on a sheet mask that’s gentle without chemical exfoliators or retinoids.”
“Vitamin C is my skin’s best friend. It helps brighten tired and dull skin both day and night. Forget the 10 steps…what mom has time for that? I just mix three drops of the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop with my moisturizer and I’m done! When my skin’s thirsty I use the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner—it’s thicker in consistency and more moisturizing. The CNP Laboratory Brightening Daily Fluid Sun is my favorite moisturizing sunscreen with brightening ingredients. It’s super fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave white streaks.”
Jin (Medical Researcher)
With two “back-to-back” babies (born just 12 months apart), Jin takes a low-key, minimalist approach to skincare, but swears by her simple night routine.
“I don’t pay as much attention to my skin as I should, but I always make a point to mask every day after putting the babies to bed. I’ve been known to skip a lot of steps, including toner, essence and lotion, but I never go without a heavy regenerating cream. I’ve been slathering on the CharmZone Midnight Special Cream and it’s even effective over the occasional skin trouble.”
Jina (Owner, Aleha Jewelry)
When she’s not hammering necklaces, fulfilling orders or taking care of her almost two-year-old, Jina is dealing with the new skin she’s in after becoming a mom.
“Once I gave birth, I developed very thirsty skin, and even some dry itchy patches. I found that some dry flaky areas improved with exfoliation rather than moisturizing, so I use a gentle scrub towel on my face, followed by finger tips to rub off the remaining dead skin. After cleansing, I go through my usual routine and regularly use moisturizing face masks. I finish off with a face oil with omega 3, 6, 7 & 9. The next morning my face feels baby bottom soft!”
Merry, Teacher
Merry just returned to work full-time, but continues to take a holistic approach to skincare—she nourishes from the inside out. Her approach is simple: Feel good, look good.
“I cleanse my face day and night with castor oil followed by a gentle face wash. Once a week I get a routine facial at my dermatologist and I never leave home without sunscreen.”
“But that’s the extent of the skincare that actually happens on my skin. I fill up on healthy fats (namely avocado) and protein and limit my carb intake. I do pilates and aerial yoga three times a week and run on the treadmill after my son falls asleep. I’ve been able to maintain the same skin for years with a combination of working out, healthy eating and regular skin care.”
And of course, here are some of my own tips as a mom:
There are a lot of sacrifices that come with motherhood and skin care is no exception, so my goal was to get to know my postpartum skin better—what I really needed and what I could do without. I’ve found that my skin can survive on the minimal routine of mist – essence – cream.
On the plus side, having less time for myself has actually helped me become much more efficient at taking care of myself. I’ve set up my bathroom and vanity so that I can reach for body oils and butters as soon as I step out of the shower when my body is still wet, then step out in front of the mirror, wipe off any residue and go straight into my face routine before the moisture is gone. I also have a newfound appreciation for anything that can be applied with a cushion, stick (I love the Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick), or roller. If it doesn’t require my hands, then I don’t spend time cleaning it off, and that’s more time I have for sleep!