What is the 7-Skin Method?

In Korea, the word "skin" is often used as a synonym for toner, because the effect of this product feels like a temporary, nourishing "skin" (layer). Simply put, the 7-skin method involves: lightly applying a toner or a light, watery essence in seven thin layers.

The benefits of the 7-Skin Method

Hydration is central to this method. The goal is to effectively increase the skin's moisture levels without the heavy or greasy feeling often left behind by traditional creams or oils.

This technique quenches the thirst of every skin type. By building up the toner in thin layers, your skin gets the chance to deeply absorb the hydrating ingredients, resulting in a healthy, radiant glow and firmer skin.

You do not need to worry about wasting a huge amount of product; because you work with paper-thin layers, you use a total of only 3 to 4 times as much product instead of a full sevenfold splash! Furthermore, this method often allows you to save on other steps, such as heavy serums or moisturizers.

Which toners should you use or avoid?

Although this method is safe for every skin type, it is important to look critically at the ingredients in your toner.

For the 7-skin method, avoid toners containing perfume, alcohol, AHA, or intensely cleansing formulas like SON & PARK Beauty Water. When applied in multiple layers, these ingredients can dry out and potentially irritate the skin. However, you can use these specific toners as your very first layer directly after cleansing for a mild exfoliating effect (limit this to a maximum of 2 layers).

Essence-like toners are recommended. Besides hydrating the skin, these offer additional benefits such as anti-aging or brightening, like the Hanskin - Real Complex Hyaluron Skin Essence. They often feel less watery and instead have a delightful, "bouncy" texture.

How to proceed after the 7-Skin Method?

If you have oily or combination skin, you can proceed directly to sun protection and makeup after the seven layers.

If you have dry skin, or during cold and dry periods such as winter, you can continue with an eye cream and optionally serums and/or facial oil or a light moisturizer.

How often should you use this method?

The 7-skin method might sound intensive and time-consuming. But consider that this allows you to skip many other steps in your routine, such as serums, lotions, and possibly moisturizers. Compared to a facial treatment, this method is much less time-consuming and cost-effective, yet yields comparable or even identical results.

You do not need to use this method every day and night. However, if you keep this up consistently, you will notice after a while that your skin improves. Your skin will be visibly and tangibly more hydrated, gaining a radiant, healthy glow.

Example routines:

• Daily 7-skin method application.
• Daily 7-skin method only in the evening.
• Every other day 7-skin method, alternated with a 3-skin or 5-skin routine.
• 7-skin or more on very dry days.

The wonderful thing about this method is that it teaches you to listen to your skin. This is how you learn when your skin is drier than usual and needs more hydration. Adapt it to the situation, such as the season and other circumstances.