Sarah Demonstrates the '7 Skin Method' LIVE!
We're live chatting about Sarah's favorite toners for the 7 Skin Method! Comment with any questions you have and we will answer them! One lucky commenter will be chosen to win a Blithe Vital Treatment Essence!
Posted by Glow Recipe on Thursday, January 19, 2017
Over the last few weeks, I introduced on my Instagram (#sarahglowtips) the concept of layering an essence toner 3-4 times with the goal of maximizing skin hydration. I’ve been using this method myself for nearly a year, particularly when I am feeling travel-weary, and have fallen in love with how well it works to renew and refresh dehydrated and tired skin.
Find all my tips on Instagram!
Now, as we all know, Korean skincare gurus love taking things to the next level. Since earlier this summer, I’ve been tracking a trend called the “7 Skin Method”, which is effectively a hyper-charged take on the same theme. This trend has been just blowing up in Korea over the past few months and I wanted to share it with you guys!
I can be quite obsessive when I’m completely hooked on either a product or a routine that makes a difference on my complicated, combination skin. You might have already noticed this with my rave review over the Artichoke Power Essence or the Aqua Water Rubber Mask. I was already a huge fan of my abbreviated “3 Skin Method”, so was excited to see how effective upgrading to 7 layers would be. Naturally, I tried it during my vacation in New Zealand, a region of the world that experiences drastic swings in climates and temperatures, and where my skin felt the tightest every night – a perfect testing ground!
So, what is the ‘7 Skin Method’?
In a nutshell, this is a skincare regimen where 7 layers of your toner are patted on and layered in succession. (Interesting note: ‘skin’ and ‘toner’ are the same word in Korean.) The idea behind the 7 layers is that the moisture level of skin can be increased in an efficient and effective way without the heaviness or greasiness that may come from traditional creams and oils. It’s also a great way to hydrate all skin types, providing the optimal balance of hydration and skin’s natural oils with a subtle dewy glow and firmer skin.
One of my favorite Korean YouTube creators is Da Yeoung Kim, and I think of all of her skincare videos are ‘must watch’s. She recently vlogged about the 7 Skin Method, joining other outlets such as Powder Room in singing its virtues.
Which ‘skin’ should I use?
The importance of finding your toner with a suitable ingredient list is magnified as you are using the formula on your skin over multiple layers. I recommend using an essence toner, which is a key category in K-beauty. Traditionally, it serves as the first leave-on step after facial cleansing, used to jumpstart the skincare routine with a very watery, yet viscous formula that infuses hydration. Avoid toners with alcohol, as they will dry out the skin or potentially cause irritation if layered more than once.
My favorite essence toner and our very first official ‘Glow Gamechanger’ is Whamisa’s Organic Flower Deep Rich Essence Toner. I’ve been personally using this beautiful blend of botanical extracts with cushiony and bouncy texture for the 7 Skin method (as well as my 3-Skin Method). It’s not only great for applying with your hands to pat into the skin, but can also be used with cotton pads to wipe away. This formula goes beyond balancing skin’s pH level and replenishes the moisture loss that takes place immediately after cleansing.
Some of our other favorite toners to use include Whamisa by Glow Studio Green Tea Serum Toner and Blithe’s series of Treatment Essences, all of which have that ‘bouncy’ and ‘cushiony’ texture for equal parts hydration and nourishment.
How do I apply the ‘skin’?
Use no more than a dime’s width of the product when poured onto your palm. An excess amount will not only waste the product but not allow the gentle and effective patting to take place.
The most common application method is to wipe the skin with a cotton pad drenched in ‘skin’ or toner first, and patting with hands for the rest of the 6 steps.
The cotton pad method in action!
I personally like to gently rub my two hands, increase the temperature and press the skin to complete each step.
My preferred way is to directly dispense into my palms to warm it up!
Allow at most 3 minutes in between each step. I’m too impatient to even wait 3 minutes. I keep patting until my skin is no longer wet, but slightly moist from the ‘skin’ layer. This usually takes 2 minutes max.
The result
While the full process took a little longer than normal, I absolutely fell in love with how my skin felt after. I had a dewy glow that looked lit from within. My skin felt tighter, plumper and bouncier. I couldn’t stop pressing my cheeks with my fingertips – they felt like a plush yet firm cushion, soft like a baby’s bottom. Also my skin felt healthier than ever. Do you know that feeling of being ‘fit’ after working out for a few months? There’s definitely that “Wow I got it!” moment as your body feels lighter, tighter, and more energized. My cheeks felt this way. I felt like I didn’t need a moisturizer after.
Getting my glow on!
What do you apply after the 7 Skin method is complete?
I tried a few options.
1) I didn’t apply anything and went straight to sunscreen (I love the white cast-free Make P:rem Capsule Sun Gel) and makeup. It was wonderful. My skin was that hydrated and makeup-ready.. It was wonderful. My skin was that hydrated and makeup-ready.
2) In drier weather, I used a rich, oil and ceramide-infused moisturizer, the Make P:rem Micro Tension Cream, to complete the routine and this helped my hydration last all day long. I loved how my makeup looked good even at 5pm!
3) At night, I used Whamisa’s Water Cream with Natto and the Whamisa by Glow Studio Chai Tea Eye Cream and I woke up with brighter skin the next day.
Conclusion
The 7 Skin method WORKS. If you’re a skincare junkie and willing to try anything to maximize the products or the few minutes of your day, I definitely recommend it. Would I continue doing the 7 steps? Maybe not always. And when compared to my original 3 Skin method, the difference is noticeable but not drastic. I suggest giving the 3 Skin method a go and customizing the process by adding incremental layers yourself until you find your personal equilibrium – especially important if you have sensitive skin.
Love to hear about your 7 Skin or 3 Skin experiences! Share your experience with us in the comments below or on our Instagram, and I’d love to gift my favorite Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner!
Get your glow on!
XOXO,
@Sarah_glow
EDIT: Giveaway has ended and winners have been contacted! Thank you all for sharing your amazing stories – it’s so great to hear how effective this has been on your skin! Keep sharing your stories below because we love to read them!
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40 Comments
Could you tell me if this 7 method skin care used at night? Can you also do this before makeup?
Thank you for sharing your skin care routine. Where can I get the the list of toner essences featured in 7 skin glow recipe. Please is there a site where to purchase these items. Kindly send via Email much appreciated.
What if you are using a serum that you love? Do you put it on after the 7 method???
I have a forgotten (bummer I know) Whamisa rich flowers toner that is now (just a month) over a year old since I first opened it. The expiry date is still a few months away but accdg to the label, shelf life once opened is 8 months. Should I still be using it? Thanks in advance!
Do I do the 7 skin method only in the morning or at night too?
Recently, I'm a boy and I don't know how to take care of my skin. My skin is getting dry, I'm so happy to see your post. That's what I'm looking for.. Thank you very much
i recommend watching some youtubers to get recommendations.. there are slso some boy influecers out there.. but if you're interested in korean skincare.. id recommend Ivan Lim
The article is wonderful. I love this blog
I've thought for a long time that these products are probably very good , but the marketing is not very good. The procedure needs to be less complicated and better explained.
Love this organic facial toner!
I will certainly consider your 3-step method. Thanks for sharing.
I been using meladerm spot remover 3 months now very little difference. Please help me I've got Sun spots on my cheeks and nose give me something I know it's not going to happen over night but something is better than nothing I don't even go out side any more sincerely Joseph
This article looks just like a recent article off Olivia Polomero's site http://oliviapalermo.com/the-korean-7-skin-method/ Your article was first but....hmmm I didn't see you cited.
Hi I am a late comer. I just found out about your blog and I am fascinated. Can you elaborate more on your 3 skin regime please? I couldn't locate it in your blog. Thank you Dying to try out whamisa toner
Hello! I'm trying to decide between Whamisa's Organic Flower Deep Rich Essence Toner and Blossom Jeju's Pink Camellia Soombi Essence Serum (or toner). I'm looking for hydration but I live in a dry climate (the Bay Area of California) where it only rains sometimes/seasonally. It's not humid here, so I'm hesitant to use anything with humectants in case they pull water from my skin into the air because of the dry climate. Which product do you think would be better for me? Thanks :)
I am wondering how long do you wait between each toner application? TIA!
3 minutes I believe
Is Secret Key toner (Green) fine with the 7 Skin method?
Could you use missha's first treatment essence for this 7 step routine?
what's the difference between a toner, essence toner, and essence?
The 7 skin method has literally saved my skin! My introduction to Korean toners was with the Klavuu Pearlsation Toner (which was sent to me for reviewing purposes) but I was confused by it's thick, milky texture since it was unlike any toner I've ever used before. So I put it aside & went back to using a more "traditional" American toner, which would burn & make my skin feel dry & tight even though it was labeled as hydrating. After asking a lot of questions & doing my own research I eventually learned the difference between Korean & American toners so when I did a complete skincare overhaul I went ahead & purchased the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner on recommendation from a friend. At first I would apply it with a cotton pad but I felt as if I wasn't getting the most out of it that way so I started patting it into my skin like an essence & immediately noticed a huge difference in my skin that only gets better with each layer! Now I'm completely hooked on the 7 Skin Method & once I run out of my Klairs toner I'll be ordering the one from Whamisa.
Hi I have combination skin and rosacea, I'm new in the korean skincare, 'm 24 years ola..... What kind of products do you recomend..... Please help me :)
So sorry the video is in Japanese with no translation...
hi Best toner EVER! and I work in the beauty, health and wellness field so I have amazing skincare but I added this in and BOOM LOVE!!! what eye cream were you thinking when you mentioned it here?
Laura, that is so great to hear!! As for the eye cream, I love the Whamisa Fermented Flowers Eye Essence since it's super lightweight! You can find it here: https://www.glowrecipe.com/products/whamisa-organic-flowers-eye-essence
I've always wanted to try this toner but most of there products have fragrance in it.Is it possible to do a K-Beauty video with fragrance free products? This will be tough to do since most K-Beauty products that i've found has fragrance in it and as you know fragrance products arent that great for sensitive skin.
Hi Jay! That's a great suggestion! You definitely want to look out for synthetic fragrances, because those can irritate skin (read more about that in this blog post: https://blog.glowrecipe.com/2016/02/29/the-baddies-beauty-ingredients-to-avoid/). This toner has an all-natural fragrance since Whamisa is 98% organic! We will definitely let you know when we cover our fragrance-free products!
Umm I'm not one for fragrance either but never had an issue with this toner . Not sure what their return policy is, but check that and then based on that try it ! If you can return if you have a problem return it!
Thanks for replying Laura! Our return policy is that if you don't love it, return it for a full refund! (no time limit) So definitely give it a try!
Hi. I'm confused. The 7 Steps is essentially repeating the Essence stage 7 times?
Toner seven times! ;) But this will allow you to skip the essence step, if you're using the right toner.
Oooooh, I can't WAIT to try this! I'm about to do my nighttime skincare, so I read this post just in time, haha. I'm so excited to see what this method can do for my super dry skin ☺ Thank you so much for this post and keep up the fantastic work! ? xox
I'm so excited for you to try as well:) Let me know how it goes on your skin! Xoxo Sarah
Thanks, I shall! ? xox
I use JONE Jelly pack after the regime
That's a great way to seal in hydration ;) ?
I do a variation on the Three Skin - first, clarifying toner mist, then patting on a layer each of moisturizing/soothing toner & essence toner (the excellent Blithe 9 Essential Seeds....love it!) It's really helped my overall moisture level & plumps out every fine line. Will definitely be giving the Three and Seven Skins a try too!
It's great to hear you are using the Blithe Essential Seeds toner/essence. I just purchased it since I found the Whamisa to be too thick and sticky for my tastes. Can't wait to try the Blithe one out :)
I'd like to know when I'm getting my refund. I sent the package back when I went to pick it up, only because there was a $40 postage fee which I was not aware of. I would have loved all the products but not the extra fee. I had ordered the whole package for older skin.
Hi Lori, we responded to you via email, but let us know if you have any further issues. Sincere apologies for the inconvenience.