With its focus on prevention, hydration, and a multi-step approach to skin health, the Korean skincare routine has swept the beauty industry over the last ten years. Consistent care and layered nutrients result in a luminous, glass-like complexion, which is the characteristic of this programme. Even while K-beauty products are highly acclaimed, they can occasionally be pricy, unavailable, or inappropriate for particular skin types and conditions, particularly in India.
What if we told you that you could use natural, reasonably priced, and efficient Indian substitutes to achieve the core of the Korean skincare regimen? By combining the ideas of both civilisations, you can use substances with Ayurvedic and traditional Indian skincare roots to reap the benefits of K-beauty.
This post will guide you through the traditional 10-step Korean skincare routine and provide equally effective, reasonably priced, and comprehensive Indian alternatives.
1. Oil-Based Cleaner: The Korean Method of Melting Away the Day
An oil-based cleanser is the first step in the Korean process, and it is used to remove sebum, sunscreen, and makeup.
Popular K-beauty Items: Clean It Zero by Banila Co.
All-Clean Heimish Balm
Alternatives in India:
Coconut oil that has been cold-pressed: Particularly good for mild to dry skin. It removes grime and makeup without drying out the skin.
Sweet almond or sesame oils are excellent for mixed or sensitive skin types.
A traditional Ayurvedic oil blend, Kumkumadi Tailam is great for evening out and brightening skin tone.
To use, massage a tiny bit into dry skin for a minute, then wash with warm water or gently wipe with a soft, moist cloth.
2. Water-Based Cleaner: Deep Purity with Two Cleansing Steps
Korean Method:
To get rid of any leftover residue and thoroughly clean pores, use a water-based cleanser after an oil wash.
Well-liked K-beauty Items: Good Morning Gel Cleanser with Low pH by Cosrx
Green Tea Foam Cleaner by Innisfree
Indian substitutes: Fuller’s Earth, or Multani Mitti: It turns into a mild yet efficient cleaner when combined with aloe vera gel or rose water.
Indian homes have long utilised besan (gramme flour) with milk and turmeric to brighten and cleanse.
Herbal cleansers made from aloe vera are widely accessible under Indian brands like Patanjali and Biotique.
How to use: For fresh, non-stripped skin, apply your favourite mixture once or twice a day.
3. Exfoliation: Removing Dead Skin Cells with a Buff
Korean Method:
Exfoliating once or twice a week encourages cell turnover and helps get rid of dead skin cells.
Well-liked K-beauty Items: Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze
Black Sugar Scrub by Skinfood
Alternatives in India:
Ubtan: A traditional exfoliant consisting of a mixture of milk or yoghurt, besan, turmeric, and sandalwood.
Scrub with oats and honey: Removes dead cells while being kind to sensitive skin.
Red lentil powder, or masaor dal, illuminates skin and serves as a natural exfoliator.
How to use: Avoid over-exfoliating; apply lightly in circular motions. It’s plenty once or twice a week.
4. Toner: Hydrating and Rebalancing
Korean Method:
K-beauty toners prepare the skin for improved absorption of future products by being more moisturising than astringent.
Common K-beauty Items: Supple Preparation Toner by Blairs
Soon Jung Toner Etude House
Alternatives in India:
Gulab Jal, or rose water, is calming and natural. Apply a dab or mist on the skin.
Particularly in the humid Indian climate, cucumber or mint water hydrates and refreshes.
Aloe vera juice is gentle and excellent for skin that is prone to inflammation or acne.
To apply, spritz directly over cleansed skin or use a cotton pad.
5. Essence: The Core of the Standard Korean Method:
Lightweight, nutrient-rich liquids called essences profoundly hydrate cells and encourage their regeneration.
Popular K-beauty Items: Power Essence by Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin
The Essence of the Missha Time Revolution
Alternatives in India:
Water made from fermented rice: Packed with vitamins and amino acids, it improves the tone and texture of the skin.
Saffron-infused milk or water: Known in Ayurveda for its ability to promote radiance.
Infusion of green tea: Reduces inflammation, moisturises, and soothes.
How to use: Use your fingertips to gently tap into the skin. For added hydration, layer several times (the “7 skin method”).
6. Serum/Ampoule: Specific Skincare Interventions
Korean Method:
Concentrated compositions called serums and ampoules are used to treat particular issues like acne, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
Well-known K-beauty items include Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum.
The Common Niacinamide (used in the layering method of K-beauty)
Alternatives in India:
Kumkumadi serum is an opulent Ayurvedic mixture that is used to heal dark spots and improve complexion.
Skin tone is brightened and evened when sandalwood oil is diluted with a carrier oil.
Turmeric-infused serum: Great for skin prone to acne and anti-inflammatory.
Apply a few drops to specific parts of the face or all over it. Work until completely absorbed.
7. Sheet Mask: Hydration Boost
Korean Method:
Sheet masks use a moistened cloth mask to apply chemicals for treatment and strong hydration.
Well-liked K-beauty Items: Sheet masks for Mediheal
Moly, Tony My name is Real Sheet Masks.
Indian substitutes: do-it-yourself sheet masks Soak a dried compacted sheet mask (found online) in cucumber juice, aloe vera gel, and rose water.
Pads of cotton soaked in green tea or raw milk: For a brightening and moisturising effect, apply over the face.
Apply a mask made of banana and honey for intense hydration and radiance.
How to use: For best hydration, use two to three times per week. For 15 to 20 minutes, leave it on.
8. Eye Cream: Korean Method for Nourishing Delicate Skin:
Around the eyes, the skin is thinner and more vulnerable to dryness and ageing. Creams for the eyes address fine wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.
Well-known K-beauty items include the Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask.
Mizon Eye Cream for Snail Repair
Alternatives in India:
Vitamin E-rich almond oil is excellent for fine wrinkles and dark circles.
Aloe vera and cucumber juice: Calms and de-puffs.
Dark circles can be naturally bleached with potato juice.
How to use: Use your ring finger to lightly tap the region around your eyes.
9. Hydration Locked in with Moisturiser
Korean Method: Moisturisers preserve hydration and seal in all the stacked ingredients.
Well-liked K-beauty Items: Aqua Bomb
The moisturising collagen cream from Etude House
Alternatives in India:
Aloe vera gel combined with a few drops of essential oils or glycerine: Hydrating and lightweight.
Clarified butter, or cow’s ghee, is particularly useful for dry skin in the winter.
Blend of milk cream and saffron: Brightens and deeply hydrates.
Apply a tiny bit on your face and neck to get started. Apply pressure in upward directions.
10. Sunscreen: The Korean Way: Everyday Protection Is Essential
In Korean skincare, sunscreen is a must. It shields the skin from UV rays, which can lead to pigmentation, ageing, and damage.
Well-liked K-beauty Items: Joseon Relief Sun
Missha Around the Safe Block
Indian Substitutes: Lotus Herbals, Biotique, and Minimalist are all excellent choices for broad-spectrum SPF Indian sunscreens.
Natural blockers: While carrot and red raspberry seed oils have low natural SPF, they should be used in conjunction with sunscreen formulations rather than in substitute of them.
Packs of sandalwood and Multani mitti: When taken frequently, they provide minimal UV protection but are not sunscreen in and of themselves.
How to apply: Apply fifteen to twenty minutes before going outside. If you’re outside, reapply every two to three hours.
Extra Advice for a Successful Routine
Choosing consistency over quantity Doing all ten steps every day is not required. Adjust according to your lifestyle and skin type.
Test new ingredients using a patch: particularly when utilising strong substances like essential oils or turmeric.
Hydration & Diet: For internal skincare, consume a lot of water and incorporate Indian superfoods like coconut, tulsi, turmeric, and amla into your diet.
Sleep and Stress Reduction: For genuinely radiant skin, or ojas as Ayurveda calls it, get enough sleep and control your stress.
In conclusion, balance is beauty.
Korean skincare is about patiently and delicately taking care of your skin, not only about looking good. In a similar vein, harmony, purity, and natural cures are highlighted in traditional Indian beauty rituals. Together, these two ideologies produce a skincare regimen that is both luxurious and efficient, local and worldwide.
To get glowing skin, you don’t need to have access to pricey imports or fancy serums. With the correct Indian substitutes, a careful regimen, and a little self-care, your skin may naturally glow with health and beauty.