This Korean Toner Trick Will Give You the Glowing Skin of Your Dreams

Imagine bouncy, radiant, clear skin that’s plumped up with hydration—you know, the kind of skin glow you want to keep forever after a 90-minute intensive five-star facial. But imagine being able to have skin like that on a daily basis, not just any time you have a couple hundred to burn.

Korean beauty bloggers and influencers have started buzzing more and more about this hydration treatment. The tip evolved from a three-skin method to the now almost-legendary seven-skin method. What is it exactly? In short, it’s layering on three to seven layers of toner or an essence-and-toner-in-one (Koreans call these products “skin,” thus the name seven-skin method) immediately after cleansing. This might sound crazy, but there’s a method to the madness.

Keep reading to learn more about the 7-Skin Method, with tips from K-Beauty experts.

What Is the 7-Step Skincare Method?

"The seven-step skincare method, commonly known as the "7-Skin Method," is a skincare routine that originated in Korea," explains Paik. "It involves applying seven layers of toner to enhance hydration and improve the texture and appearance of the skin. This method is designed to provide deep, lasting moisture, resulting in a plump and dewy complexion."

The idea is that when you apply a ton of skincare products on your skin at one time, sometimes before your skin actually absorbs the product, the product evaporates from the skin or sits atop the skin and doesn’t truly get absorbed. This toner-layering method is meant to allow for your skin to absorb one thin layer of the hydrating toner (or essence) so that, ultimately, more of the product is absorbed. 

One of the reasons you may walk out glowing from a facial is because estheticians will use techniques like massages or steam or pressurized oxygen meant to help deliver serums—largely to help skin “drink” and absorb the hydrating and nourishing formulas. And in facials, your skin is likely getting more than its standard daily regimented dosage of thirst-quenching ingredients. 

This seven-skin method cleverly tries to help your skin to drink up the toner/essence/”skin” much more than it normally would, by letting the skin soak up one thin layer at a time. And by doing this seven times, the skin is meant to be getting an increased and healthy amount of hydrating ingredients, which may end up giving your skin that just-got-a-facial glow. "This process deeply hydrates and moisturizes the skin, addressing its fundamental need for moisture. It also enhances the absorption of other skincare products or strengthens the skin barrier on its own," says Lyla Chang, the Brand Manager and Team Leader at K-Beauty brand, Medicube.

What’s great is that unlike a facial that you might get once in a while, if you do this seven-skin method consistently, your skin could end up looking better and better. And, ample hydration levels actually help create a healthier skin environment in which skin cells function better.

How to Do the Seven-Skin Method

Seven layers sounds like a lot of time and product. And it is, but only really in comparison to your normal skincare routine. But if you compare this to a facial, it takes far less time and money. Here's how to carry out the method.

Step One: Cleanse

Cleanse your face as you normally would. "If I had to pick only one rule of 7-skin method, it would be to always double-cleanse," says Lena Park, co-founder of K-Beauty brand, MIXIK SKIN. Start with a gentle cleansing oil like the MIXIK SKIN Cleansing Oil to gently melt away makeup and SPF. Then, use a water-based cleanser, and gently pat the face dry.

Step Two: Apply the First Layer

Now it's time for toner, and it's important to pick the right one for your skin type. (More on that later.) "To achieve optimal results, it's crucial to use a hydrating and gentle toner that is free from alcohol and harsh chemicals," says Yanghee Paik, the CEO and co-founder of Rael.

"The toner should contain ingredients that provide deep hydration, moisture, and soothing effects," Chang adds. "Recently, Korean toners with natural extracts like rice water, mugwort, and heartleaf have become popular for their clean ingredients and reasonable prices." She also recommends staying away from formulas with exfoliants since the aim of this method is hydration, not exfoliation.

Keep in mind that it's best if you apply the first layer of toner when your face is slightly damp as opposed to totally dry. This first layer can be applied using a cotton pad or even just your hands, patting it into the skin. According to Paik, go with the latter, "it's important to pat the toner onto your face gently to avoid damaging the skin barrier or causing irritation," she says. Make sure you allow the toner to absorb into the skin before moving on to the next layer.

Step Three: Repeat Six More Times

"The seven steps don't always have to be exactly seven, but the key is to layer [toner] repeatedly until your skin feels sufficiently hydrated and moisturized," says Chang. Whether that's three layers or the full seven, go with what feels best for your skin.

After you've applied your toner, you can use your other serums—your skin will be extra-primed to absorb your serum—or seal it all in with a moisturizer. Just remember to apply your products from thinnest to thickest consistency. In the summer months, especially if you have oily skin, some people don’t even need to do anything else after seven layers of a hydrating toner or essence-toner.

Find Your Ideal Number of Layers

The idea behind the technique is to help your skin drink in the product, so you can adjust as you see fit. Some do the seven-skin method weekly and do a three or five-skin method every other day. "K-Beauty is all about prevention by starting as soon as possible. Consistency and hydration will do wonders," says Park.

If you aren't getting the results you're looking for, try to simplify the seven steps. "I think it's best to rotate different toners rather than using them on top of each other," says dermatologist, David Kim, MD. For instance, try using hydrating toner one night and a brightening toner the next night instead of layering them in the same routine.

Remember, more doesn't always equal better. This seven-skin method is so great because it really encourages you to get to know your skin, and play around with the number of layers your skin soaks in and loves. That said, many skin types are going to drink seven layers right up. And then thank you by staying radiant and bouncy all day.

Do All Toners Work?

Our experts recommend hydrating, soothing toners as opposed to astringent or exfoliating formulas. It's also good to stay away from toners with synthetic fragrances, alcohol (also listed as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and benzyl alcohol) and any cleansing or smoothing properties (like a toner, essence and cleansing water-in-one) as those can be irritating if applied too many times.

Recommended Toners for the Seven-Skin Method

Be the Skin Botanical Nutrition Power Toner $29.00

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This toner is great for those with dry skin.

Aprilskin Artemisia Korean Rice Toner $19.00

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"This toner, containing 80% mugwort water and rice bran water, is made with very clean ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin, skin that reacts to harmful substances, and general skin types," says Chang. "Compared to other Korean toners, it has a formula that is not too watery, yet still lightweight, providing a strong moisturizing effect, making it suitable for the 7-skin method."

La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion $320.00

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Yes, it's pricey, but this hydrating essence is one of Team Byrdie's favorites for its thicker texture and instant hydrating abilities. 

Erborian Eau Ginseng Concentrated Lotion $38.00

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This light, nourishing toner from French-Korean brand Erborian makes soothing ginseng the star ingredient.

Rohto Mentholatum Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion $14.00

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This J-Beauty toner has a massive cult-following because it's packed with hyaluronic acid. If you're looking for something simple and hydrating to kick start your 7-skin method—try this.

MIXIK SKIN Jelly Toner $25.00

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This hydrating jello toner is free of all the bad things you don't want in your toners—essential oils, alcohol, and fragrance. Alongside that, it includes a convenient spray mister for the easiest spritz and pat application. Plus, how pretty is the packaging?