Korean beauty has well and truly solidified itself as a staple in the western beauty world, with the latter coopting methods like ten-step skincare routines and ingredients like cica from k-beauty. While toner is often dismissed as a non-essential skincare step in the west, it holds a great deal of importance in k-beauty skincare routines. Behold, the seven skin method, a skincare technique that gives you that post-facial glow sans facial. Plus, it uses a product you likely already own!
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Here’s everything you need to know about the seven skin method.
What is the seven skin method?
The seven skin method comes from k-beauty and involves applying a hydrating toner or lightweight, watery essence to your skin up to seven times. Hydrating toners and essences are known as ‘skins’ in Korea, hence the name.
Benefits of the seven skin method
While at face value, the seven skin method may look like a surefire way to use up your hydrating toner seven times as quickly, there’s method behind the madness. The seven skin method allows your skin to drink up the toner/essence/skin you apply one layer at a time, allowing your skin to absorb more of the hydrating ingredients, resulting in plumper, dewier skin. The seven skin method also allows your skin to better absorb the serums and moisturizers you apply afterwards while also working to promote a healthy skin barrier.
As for the amount of product used? It doesn’t actually equate to seven times as much toner as you normally apply, as each ‘skin’ uses less product than if you were to simply apply it once.
Who should do the seven skin method?
Naturally, the seven skin method is a no-brainer for dry and dehydrated skin types. However, it can also be beneficial for oilier skin types; your skin produces more oil when it’s dry, so keeping your skin hydrated is key to moderating oil production. Acne-prone skin types can also benefit from the technique, with hydrating, calming toners or essences working to soothe inflamed or irritated skin.
Pretty much every skin type can benefit from the seven skin method, providing the right toner or essence is used.
How to do the seven skin method
After cleansing your face, apply a hydrating toner or essence to slightly damp skin with your hands, using gentle tapping or pressing motions to push the product into your skin. Allow the product or essence to sink in before repeating another six times. If seven skins seems a little much, worry not; there’s no hard and fast rule to the method. Feel free to stop after three skins, or whenever your face feels sufficiently hydrated.
The best toners or essences to use
As the seven skin method is designed to hydrate your skin, opt for a soothing, hydrating toner or watery essence. Steer clear of products that contain ingredients like alcohol and witch hazel, as these will irritate your skin. If you’re layering in an exfoliating toner (think AHA, PHA, or BHA), apply this once as the first layer before switching to a hydrating product.
These are our favourite hydrating toners and watery essences to try.
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Patrick Demarchelier
