But what is it exactly? In short, the '7 skin method' is the process of layering three to seven layers of toner or an essence-and-toner-in-one onto your skin immediately after cleansing. As for the name, Koreans call toning and essence products "skin," thus, the seven-skin method was born.
When & how often do I apply these layers? You apply these straight after cleansing (and exfoliation) and before you add all your serums and moisturisers. When repairing skin, you can do 7 skins every night, your dehydrated skin will tell you as it feels tight.
Similarly, if you decide to slap on a hydrating sheet mask before bed, your skin might already be plumped up with hydration—no need to add any more layers. But if you'd like to rely on the seven skin method nightly, you totally can: "If you do around 10 layers or less, you can do that every day," Yoon advises.
Using the 7 skins method delivers results of plump and hydrated skin. By layering your toner multiple times, your skin gets to absorb more of the hydrating ingredients one layer at a time, ultimately giving you more hydrated and healthier skin.
It goes a bit like this: a balm or oil cleanser (1), a foaming cleanser (2), an exfoliant (3), a toner (4), an essence (5), an ampoule or serum (6), a sheet mask (7), an eye cream (8), a moisturizer (9), and then either a thicker night cream or sleeping mask or an SPF (10).
K-Beauty toners nurture and purify the skin
Also called lotions, K-Beauty toners are rich in ingredients that hydrate skin rather than rid it of moisture. You can find ingredients like kelp extract, mineral water, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil, and carrot root oil in K-Beauty toners.
Can you use more than one essence at a time? Yes, most definitely! The beautiful thing about essences is they are light and easily absorbed so it's extremely easy to layer more than one essence at a time. You can use more than one essence at a time; some skincare gurus use up to seven in a row!
Multiple Toners
To that, we say yes! Our rule of thumb when it comes to layering different toners is to layer them on from the thinnest viscosity and texture, to the thickest, richest texture. You can even challenge yourself to apply 1 layer of 7 different toners.
Vitamin C + vitamin E
Vitamin E is no slouch as a skin care ingredient itself, but when paired with vitamin C, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that the combination is more “effective in preventing photodamage than either vitamin alone.”
An eye serum (like No7 Youthful Eye Serum) should be applied after a facial serum but before a moisturizer and eye cream. It can be used twice a day as part of a morning and evening skincare routine. Dispense a pea-sized amount onto the tip of the finger, then gently dot around the eyes and pat into the skin.
Our best foundation for mature skin is No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation SPF 15. It instantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking firmer and more even.
First of all, it's important to always use an alcohol-free face toner. The other ingredients should be picked based on your skin type. For acne-prone skin, choose an alcohol free toner with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). This will leave your skin clean and glowing without flaking.
Serums tend to be more potent than essences. They contain high amounts of active ingredients in one lightweight product, which sink deep into the skin to get to work. This is why it is most beneficial to apply your serum after cleansing, but before your moisturizer.
What's the difference between essence and serum? Ultimately, while both essences and serums contain high levels of active ingredients, they have different roles in a full skin care routine. A serum is generally much thicker and more viscous than an essence, meaning that it works to penetrate even deeper into the skin.
Rose water is, indeed, a natural toner. It comes from the Rosa damascena flower, commonly known as the Damask rose, and is created by distilling rose petals with steam. While it's become more popular in recent years, rose water has actually been used for centuries.
That's why toners can be a great option for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin, according to Rita Linkner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, who says toners are a great way to clean acne-prone skin of any lingering residue after cleansing and prior to carrying forth with your skincare routine.
Since ancient times, Koreans have only used natural, harsh-free ingredients for their skincare routines: green tea, “snail slime”, bamboo extracts, propolis, and honey are just some examples of the elements they used and have passed through generations.