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Beauty

25th Oct 2023

Korean Skincare: The ‘7 Skins’ method that gives optimum hydration

Korean Skincare is the one.

Jody Coffey

Storyderm has unlocked whole new levels of hydration for my skin.

If, like me, your skin is prone to becoming more dry and tight during the colder weather, the ‘7 Skins’ method may be a technique you should try out.

This method was introduced to me after falling heads over heels for the Korean skincare brand, Storyderm, and with that, their Storyderm Aquas.

The ‘7 Skins’ skincare method is one that is becoming widely popular with skin enthusiasts for giving a glass-like sheen to the skin.

In a nutshell, it means applying up to seven layers of toner in between your cleanser and moisturiser. You read that right, seven layers.

In Korea, toners are widely referred to as ‘skins’ and, with this method, it means using a ‘7 toner’ method. The idea of applying toner several times also did not immediately translate to hydration to me at first either.

However, let me clarify for you here and now: this method absolutely delivers plump and hydrated skin.

Treatment toners and liquid serums are some of the names given to the Korean skincare products, and what would later be introduced to me as Storyderm Aquas. 

The Storyderm Ultra Essence Aqua is the replenishing pre-serum I lost my ‘7 Skins’ method virginity to, and, knowing the ‘why’ for this seven-step method helps it make a whole lot more sense.

By layering your toner multiple times, your skin gets the opportunity to absorb more of the ingredients one layer at a time, which subsequently gives you healthier skin.

When our skin is fully hydrated, any other products you use are absorbed effectively and do their designated roles better.

If skin isn’t at its optimal hydration, skincare products can evaporate or are unable to be absorbed fully, making this technique, arguably, a crucial step.

Now, before you panic, it doesn’t need to be done on a daily bases, rather set aside for during your ‘me time’.

The process, I found, is actually a very relaxing and grounding one, as you pat the toner onto your skin, focusing only on the task at hand.

How the 7 Skin Method Is Done

  1. Choose your Aqua*.
  2. Apply the toner with a dry cotton pad, and do one full sweep on of your cleansed skin.
  3. Take small amounts of the essence/toner into your palm and press into the skin, in a box motion around the face.
  4. Repeat this step a total of seven times.
  5. Apply moisturiser, if desired.

* There are five Aquas in the Storyderm Skincare stockist, and each have their own designated task – whether it be for acne-prone skin with Clinic A, sensitive skin with Timemachine, dry skin with Princess Shine, skin with hyperpigmentation with O2 White, or, the brand’s most popular, and the only one I can speak to (for now): the Ultra Essence for plumping and hydrating the skin.

This demonstration highlight reel by Storyderm was extremely helpful for me when I first gave this method a go.

The Science

Ultra Essence contains 25% Sodium hyaluronate for plumping & hydrating the skin and is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

The key ingredients in this product include:

·       Sodium hyaluronate :a molecule smaller than hyaluronic acid that is able to move more freely into the deeper layers of the skin.

·       Copper Tripeptide-1: promotes the production of collagen and elastin. It also acts as an antioxidant and promotes production of glycosaminoglycans (such as hyaluronic acid). In addition, copper peptides have been shown to remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and scar tissue.

·       Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Peptide Argireline) sometimes referred to as “Botox in a jar.” This is an ingredient that works by intercepting neurotransmitter signals sent by the brain, which helps to relax facial muscles, reducing the onset of lines & wrinkles. 

·       Liquorice extract has a calming, brightening and anti-inflammatory effect, helps to regenerate and heal.

READ MORE:

The ‘anti-wrinkle effect’: Get to know the Korean skincare brand that is ahead of the game

‘I tried the Cure Aqua Gel exfoliator and am blown away by the results’

New VHI service promises ‘faster and more effective’ dermatology services