I’d been coming across this skincare trend (I say trend, because I don’t foresee it lasting) called the 7-Skin Method. Apparently, it originates from Korea, and this method of applying toner (lotion) is supposed to infuse your skin with moisture and hydration and to make your skin feel supple, soft and oh-so-moisturised!
Naturally, I got curious.
While called the 7-skin method, it really only refers to the use of toner or lotion. Apparently, in Korean skincare, toner/lotion = skin. Search me. Don’t shoot the messenger!
Now, the 7-Skin Method is performed thus:-
- After cleansing, you take a toner/lotion, preferably a light, hydrating one, and pat onto your skin, with a piece of cotton pad, or with your hands.
- Allow it to dry for about 2-3 minutes, and repeat.
- Do this up to 7 times. Be patient.
- Conclude with a light moisturiser.
I attempted this all of twice. Yes, my skin did feel lovely and hydrated with a lovely healthy glow to it, but seriously. Who has the time? 😛
I may be dedicated with my skincare routines, but not even I was crazy enough to spend 15 minutes just applying toner. Then, I saw that some people felt the same way I did, and cut their routine down to a 3-Skin Routine. Similar concept, except you only do 3 layers. That was still 10 minutes too long for me.
However, despite my grumbling and rolling my eyes, I noticed one day, that I was, in fact, already practising a modified version of the 7-Skin or 3-Skin Method! I was already doing this all along, and hadn’t realised it! Might this be why I had been reaping the benefits of my skincare all along? 😀
So, let me tell you how to use my modified 7-Skin Method or 3-Skin Method and why it works, and that it is far quicker than this tedious 3-Skin or 7-Skin Method.
The concept behind the 7-Skin Method is to add or push moisture into dry and dehydrated skin. I can tell you that if you live where it gets cold and you are exposed to cold and heaters, or if you live where humidity is low, you will benefit most from this 7-Skin Method, as your skin will dry out. It is no surprise then, that people in Korea love it. Korean weather can get pretty extreme in winter.
However, if you live where humidity is high, and it’s warm e.g. in the Tropics, you will find your skin will not dehydrate so quickly, and it is actually easier to replenish the moisture. For this reason, I feel that the 7-Skin Method is just too much for our tropical weather, and if you’re not careful, it can break you out.
The other reason I was not so enamoured with the 7-Skin Method, is because it doesn’t leave room for active skincare that really do the work to protect and repair your skin. I’m all about using serums and facial oils, and the 7-Skin Method leaves no room for that. After 15 minutes of patting toner into your face, it really doesn’t have space for anything else.
Also, bear in mind that your skin can only absorb so much product. After the first few products, post cleansing, it won’t be able to absorb much else. If you adopt the 7-Skin Method and then proceed with serums your serums won’t be helping much. Personally, I prefer to let my serums do all the work (it’s also why I spend more money on them) so, I want to get my skin moist, like a wet sponge, but not saturated. If you think of it like a sponge, by the time you saturate a dry sponge, any additional water just runs off – ditto your skin.
So, here’s what I usually do.
This is part of my regular skincare routine, which I have been practising for a few years now. You can see how it fits into my routine in this routine post and this one. I’m working on a current skincare routine post 🙂
- After cleansing, I go over my skin with an acid toner (exfoliating toner). Then, I spritz my skin with a facial spray (STEP 1). This serves to add some moisture back into my skin. I use a variety, but the Caudalie Grape Water Spray is a staple, and I use others like the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist, REN Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist, Floral waters from Melvita and Sanoflore, Hada Labo Kiwamizu lotion/mist etc
- I then follow up with a light hydrating lotion or toner (STEP 2). This one will have a watery texture, and sometimes, the Korean first essence does the job. Otherwise, I go for something light and watery of which you can find an abundance in the market. Currently, I’m using the Mamonde First Energy Essence, Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence, Hada Labo Kiwamizu Lotion and I’ve also used the Estee Lauder Micro Essence in this step.
- The final toner step is a hydrating essence or lotion (STEP 3). This will usually be a slightly thicker textured product as compared to the rest. My favourites in this step are the Hada Labo Premium Gokujyun Lotion, La Mer The Treatment Lotion and Bobbi Brown Treatment Lotion. The texture is usually more viscous, and it feels more hydrating.
Recommended Reading: Read about my moisture sandwich method that works so much better at keeping skin well hydrated and moisturised all day long.
The difference between my version of the 3-Skin Method and the regular one, is that I use different products with different textures to layer, and I do not wait for each layer to dry first. Seriously, you and I don’t have time for that 😛 Also, I use a variety of brands, not necessarily Korean skincare brands (which I don’t have much of an affinity to unfortunately)
The Facial Spray Mist usually sprays out a fine mist so that dries fairly quickly. A few drops of watery hydrating lotion usually sinks in more quickly after that, and when I seal off this layer with a hydrating essence, my skin already feels lovely and soft. I then follow up with my serum and oil and a moisturiser.
I also do this twice a day. It’s not hard, it doesn’t need a lot of thinking, and it’s routine for me. For me, this makes my skin feel soft, and importantly, moisturised. I rarely battle flaky skin or dry patches *touchwood*, and the variety keeps me invested in my routine.
While I realise that this means you end up having to spend money on more skincare products, do note that they do not have to be expensive products. I use a mix of high and low end, depending on how my skin and wallet feels, and what’s important for me, is the product, and how it is used.
Of course, you don’t have to use this method so long as you already incorporate a hydrating lotion and/or serum in your routine. A full 3-Skin Method or 7-Skin Method serves those who have dry and dehydrated skin best, who may not already have a proper skincare routine in place. If you do, and regularly use lotions, serums and moisturisers, I feel the pure 3-Skin or 7-Skin Method is superfluous. I’d much rather just use a modified routine like mine – more interesting, quicker and just as effective, if not more so! 😀
Have you tried the 7-Skin Method or 3-Skin Method? Is it something you will practice regularly?
I personally deem it to be a fad. Better yet, understand the purpose of each product, and how it fits in your routine, and even more importantly, understand your skin and what it really needs. Then, modify accordingly. There are merits in the 3-Skin and 7-Skin Method, but honestly, execution is just a pain in the butt 😛 Have you tried it?
Paris B
Below is my current routine after cleansing, maybe more like 2-Step? LOL
1. Exfoliating lotion and/or hydrating lotion (depends on whichever available at the moment!)
2. Facial oil
3. Eye cream
4. Serum
5. Moisturizer
I think if I do the normal 7-Step or even the 3-Step, I might fall asleep in the middle of waiting for the product get dried out on my face hehe.
P/s: after I move to new town for my new job, I find that my skin get confused, not sure still normal-dry or normal-oily. I blame loss of mom’s homecook, my terrible sleep, exhaustion back from work and inconsistent exercises!
I don’t have time for 3-7 layers of toner, either!
You may want to move the facial oil to the end of your routine. The facial oil should go on over your other products to seal the moisture in and goodness of your products in.
Thanks for the suggestion, ChynnaBlue. However, as instructed by Bobbi Brown personnel at their store as I’m currently using all skincare by BB except cleanser and toner, their facial oil should be the first thing after cleanser then their hydrating lotion (but I’m currently using Clinique exfoliating lotion with cotton pad so I switched the steps). The facial oil I’m using right now is for oil control and pores.
Just popping in with a thought. There are 2 views on facial oil, that I’ve come across. One is as you’ve said, the facial oil at the end to seal everything in. The other, is as Fathin does (and I do) the facial oil used as a “serum” to enjoy its benefits, and then sealed with a moisturiser/cream. This way, I use the facial oil to seal in the serum, and then I don’t need an effective or expensive moisturiser or cream, just a basic one. I think either way works fine 🙂
A new job and move always messes up the skin one way or another. It’s stress that’s doing it and once you’ve settled into a routine, it should recover. I’ve gotten so lazy these days, I just do a 2-3 step at night with thick layer of facial oil LOL! 😛
Oops. I rarely use an exfoliating toner. Once a week, I’d use a face towel and gently exfoliate my skin in the bath, that’s it. Otherwise, I’m with you on these steps:
1. SK-II FTE
2. Estée Lauder Microessence
3. Olay Youth Pre-Serum
4. ANR (for days) or Retinol or some other acid for nights
5. May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon
If my skin feels extra dehydrated, I slap on a layer of oil prior to Blue Cocoon but it’s rare these days even when we’re right smack in the middle of winter.
I think exfoliating toners work, but I also know not many people use it. I don’t think it’s a necessity, necessarily. For me, it helps to prep my skin, and it helps keep my skin stable. I’ve always used Blue Cocoon just on its own after a mist and hydrating lotion. Never used it with other serums before! But maybe it’s the weather here – it’s not as dry. but I’m glad Blue Cocoon works for you – smells delicious!
I first started the 7-skin method (I changed to the 3 or 5-skin method within a week because 7 times is just too tiring for me haha!) about 6 mths ago after watching a Korean youtuber, Joan Kim, recommending it for dry skin and I love the results! However, I don’t wait for it to dry between layers. I patted the toner for about 30 seconds each time and I repeat it for 3 to 5 times (depending on how my skin felt that day or how much time i have).
My skin is much more hydrated now and there is less breakouts. Before this, i was using 10 to 11 products in my skincare routine, now I only use 5 skincare products, and my skin looks much better. After using either the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum or the SK2 FTE, I love using the Hada Labo Premium Gokujyun Lotion (got it after reading your review on it, tq!) and the Klairs toner. I think the method works for me as the routine provides more hydration to my skin with less skincare items and now I actually saved more money as I do not need to keep hauling new skincare products to add to the routine lol.
Oh sorry, correction: I use either the Hada Labo lotion or the Klairs toner for the 3-skin or 5-skin method.
Ah good tip to not wait between layers. I think that’s what really makes it longer than necessary (and I’m all about using products on damp skin 😀 ) Glad to know the Hada Labo Premium lotion works for you! It’s so good and importantly, affordable! I like how this method adds lots of moisture and hydration to the skin, but I also like using “treatment” serums, so I try to make some space in my routine for those. At my age, I need all the help I can get 😀
Haha! I am glad you addressed this. I remember watching the entire YouTube of the Step-by-Step with this Korean guy demonstrating the technique and thinking “Who has all this time?!”
But I also remember thinking “Gosh, his skin looks awesome!”.
So thank you for the abbreviated version. I’m pretty much doing the same, just missing out the mist. Might consider it seriously now 😉
Yes I watched that video too, and I understand how well it works, but seriously. The effort. Every night! LOL! I like using a mist primarily because it’s easy and quick, and refreshing. Also, it gives your skin a nice thin layer of moisture as opposed to a lotion that is “wetter” Some days I even just do 2 layers haha!
I will certainly consider your 3-step method. Thanks for sharing & I think its time to get that Caudalie Grape Water Spray ?
Haha I just like using that Grape Water Spray to be honest. Calms my skin down and adds moisture 😀
Honestly, if you have to wait several minutes between each layer you’re either using too much toner each time or using the wrong product. 😛 Only a few drops is needed each time, which you put into your palm and gently pat onto your skin until it’s absorbed. The times I do the 7-skin method, it takes me less than a minute. 🙂
Thanks for the suggestion. I actually read up on this 7-skin method before embarking on my experiment, and it all called for making sure your skin is damp with toner, letting it dry and then repeating. Using a few drops makes more sense, and is more practical. I still don’t do 7 layers though. I do 3 and then save the rest for serum and oils 😀
Hi PB! Thanks for sharing this. I personally feel that this 7-skin method is too much hassle for me to do every night before sleep. I would rather spend on a good facial oil to lock in my skin’s hydration. Besides, my toner will used up real fast if I am using them with this speed. I also love using toner with thicker texture such as the La Mer one you have, as well as Shiseido Ibuki Skin Softener. Therefore, I don’t think they are very suitable to be used for this method. Humidity is also another crucial point. Even if layering toner might sounds less burden for the skin, but I can imagine the stickiness it will bring to my skin.
Someone has suggested using just a few drops, instead of making the skin damp. It makes sense. I like the extra hydration my skin gets, but I doo prefer to focus on oils and serums to derive better benefits, not just hydration 🙂 A lightweight watery toner won’t weigh down the skin but a thicker one like t La Mer will (I love the La Mer though! Gives skin an amazing boost of hydration!)
Yes! I agree with you that the 7 skin method is not just too long but so tiring. I’m still in the midst of trying this method for a week but so far, I did felt my skin got plumper. Maybe it’s the constant patting on my face ‘exercising’ it hahaha.
XOXO
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