Korean emulsions: My new moisturizer choice

Remember when I raved about my improved skin and attributed it to switching to a different moisturizer type? One of the new elements I've added to my regime was switching from a normal, heavy moisturizer to an emulsion for my morning skin care routine. So what is an emulsion, and how is it used?


The Korean skin care involves lots of product layering, with some routines taking up to 9 steps! This is why for the uninitiated, walking into a Korean beauty shop could be overwhelming when all you wanted was so simple, like a new moisturizer or a new facial wash.

This meme sums up how I feel about the Asian skin care regimen.

According to Skin and Tonic's Kerry, whose introduction to the Asian way of skin care is quite extensive, with the basic steps of the routine are as follows:

1. Makeup remover (part 1 of 2 of the double cleansing routine)
2. Foaming wash (part 2 of 2 of the double cleansing routine)
3. Toner (more like skin softener, quite different from the Pinay's Eskinol)
4. Optional eye cream / sheet mask
5. Essence / serum / ampoule (for skin-specific requirements such as Vitamin C serums)
6. EMULSION (for moisturization)
7. Spot treatment (for pimples, PIH or wrinkles)
8. Cream
9. Sleeping Pack (night) or sunscreen (morning)

See? Add the fact that you have to put "wait times" after cleansing, essences, spot treatments and sunscreen and you might end up with a 2 hour long routine. Which is why I use a shortened version of it. Anyway, emulsions are moisturizers too, albeit a bit lighter and not quite as moisturizing as the normal Western creams such as Cetaphil's Lotion or Nivea Cream.

With the kind of climate that we have in the Philippines, emulsions are a great way to moisturize without making your skin feel heavy and slick, especially for oily/combination skin people like us. So if you're hesitant to wear a moisturizer because the hot Manila sun might melt it off or your skin is already so oily, try an emulsion first, and if it does not make its mark, then a real cream might be in order.

I've ratted on, so the review for my current emulsion will have to follow. Stay tuned!